Obituary of Donald John Knight

Donald John Knight passed away peacefully on January 6, 2017 in Lion’s Head Hospital, Ontario. Don was born on August 17, 1928 in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. He began his working career as a lab assistant in the Research and Development (R&D) Department at the Newport steel works of John Lysaght and Co. At the same time he attended Newport Technical College, and obtained his B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from London University as an external student at Cardiff Tech (now the University of Wales). He played rugby for the college, and was Victor Ludorum in athletics. The final step in his formal schooling was a Diploma in Metallurgy at Newport Technical College, and so began a life-long career as a metallurgist. Don met his wife Pamela Smith on May 1, 1944. They married in November 1951 at All Saints Church, Newport. Two daughters, Rosemary and Alison were born in 1953 and 1954. In September 1957, the family boarded one of the first direct cross-Atlantic flights from England to the U.S., and emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Don took a job with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation (J&L). J&L had just invested in a new research facility in the south hills of Pittsburgh and Don began working in product development and the science of steelmaking. In 1964, Don left J & L to join The Atlas Steel Co. in Welland, Ontario where he was involved in research, strategic planning, and a number of special projects for Rio Algom/Rio Tinto. He retired from Atlas Steel in 1988 and consulted in his field for another five years. Don was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Metals in 1975. With Don going to work at Atlas Steel, the family moved to nearby Fonthill. Don’s R&D perspective, his love for taking on challenges and finding creative solutions, was evident in how he spent his time outside of work. A voracious reader, there was always a stack of books near his chair, and there was always a Sunday cryptic crossword puzzle and pen (yes, pen!) within easy reach. In keeping with his Welsh roots, he loved music and could be found many evenings throughout his life, playing the piano and singing. On weekends, and many mornings after retirement, he could be found on the golf course. With Pam, Don was very active in his church and community, and built close, treasured friendships. A conversation with Don was always an insight into a mind that was continually curious and seeking to learn new things. Time spent with Don was always an insight into what a deeply caring and kind person he was, the importance he placed on living a life with purpose and meaning, and how much he loved Pam and their extended family. Don and Pam left Fonthill in August 2016, after 52 years to live next door to Alison and her husband, Rod, in Lion’s Head on the shores of Georgian Bay. Four months later, Don died, leaving a family devastated by their loss. Don leaves behind his wife Pamela, daughters Rosemary and Alison Knight, their husbands Bob Turner and Rod Barr; grandchildren: Scott (Vanessa), Brian (Michelle), Carolyn (Rob Theil); great-granddaughters: Lauren, Meghan, Julia and Jaime; and Stephanie Browning. Don was predeceased in 2016 by Murray Browning. We wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Lion’s Head Hospital for their kindness, care and support over the past four months, in particular acknowledging Dr. Thomas. A funeral service will be held on Monday January 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Anglican, Lion’s Head. There will be a gathering to celebrate Don’s life in the spring or summer near Fonthill, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, LION’S HEAD CHAPEL, Lion’s Head. www.georgefuneralhome.com Selected by Don from the poem by Sarah Williams: Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.