Richard Wellman Knight, BHS 1947

Richard Wellman Knight, BHS 1947

Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) - April 6, 2002

Richard Wellman Knight loving father, grandfather, husband, and friend, passed away in Provo, Utah on April 3, 2002, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Richard was born August 27, 1929 to Clifford and Jewell Wellman Knight in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family moved to Burbank, California where he grew up and graduated from Burbank High School in 1947.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Parachutist, Gliderman, and cryptologist in the 11th Airborne division. He also served as the NCO in charge of the division's code room. Richard served his country honorably from 1947 to 1950 and was a member of the occupational force in Japan After serving in the military, he returned to California where he studied at the University of Southern California. He graduated with a degree in International Relations in 1955 and was admitted to graduate school. He was a former President of the USC International Relations Alumni Association (1962-65). He then held employment in the National Security Agency and the Defense Department where he put his cryptography skills to work.

In 1957, he married Judith Anne Hillery in Sherman Oaks California. Richard and Judith are the proud parents of Douglas Hillery Knight (Sandy, UT) and Kristin Joy Knight (North Hollywood, CA.). In 1975 their marriage was solemnized in the Oakland Temple. They were later divorced.

Richard spent most of his career in the aerospace industry. He worked for McDonnell Douglas, System Development Corporation, and Martin Marietta where he supported many satellite and Space Shuttle missions. He retired in 1992 and moved to Provo, UT.

Richard will always be remembered as a loving, kind and giving grandfather and extremely loyal to his animal friends. He loved to rockhound, especially in the desert where he loved to spend his time. He also enjoyed being a handyman and would work on many projects around the house. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served in many callings faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, scout leader, seminary teacher, ward clerk, and as a Stake Missionary.

He is survived by his two children, Douglas (Nancy) Knight, Kristin Knight; four grandchildren, Ryan, Craig, Allison, Katie. He is also survived by his sister, Joy (Donald) Jensen and his brothers, Glenn (Iris) Knight, Stanley (Fay) Knight, James (Beverly) Knight. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Lloyd Knight.

Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Utah Medical Center for the great care they provided. The family especially wants to thank Dr. Richard Frame and his staff for the special help, kind words and advice they provided through this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held Monday April 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Friends may call at 10:00 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Research Center.