Obituary of Robert John McKnight

Robert John McKnight

November 17, 1951

February 9, 2018

Rob passed away peacefully in Kingston surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Margaret Betts. Loving son of Winn McKnight and the late Russell McKnight (1974). He will be missed by his sisters Lynn Koroniak (Maurice), Laurie McKnight (Grant Gilliland), and his brother Doug McKnight (Jill); by his nieces Stephanie McKnight (Travis Cooper) and Ben and Spencer, Jessica Garten (Micah) and Winn, and nephew Luke Walker; and by brother-in-law Jim Betts (Kate Barris) and nieces Courtenay and Emilie Betts.

Rob had many loyal friendships that he developed through his love and passion for skiing, golfing, hockey, cards, and regular ‘business’ breakfasts and dinners. Rob put his keen mind to work as an entrepreneur in the area of real estate development and financial investment, and was dedicated to the wise management of the properties left in his father Russ McKnight’s estate. Although Rob was a reserved person he was known for his quick wit, his storytelling, his integrity, honesty and loyalty. In his quiet way he was very generous in supporting and advising many people including his friends, tenants, Hospice Kingston, Almost Home, business colleagues and his family, especially his spouse Margaret and his mother Winn. His academic studies at Queen’s University prepared him for his chosen career as an entrepreneur. Rob was in the classes of B.Sc.’73 (Civil) and MBA ’75.

We all have deep respect for the way Rob faced his cancer diagnosis and lived a rich and engaged life until the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held at James Reid Funeral Home, Kingston on Saturday February 24th, at 2:00, with a reception to follow. Visitation will be February 24th from 12:00 to 1:45. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.