Donald Louis Knight

MISSOULA ~ Donald Louis Knight was born January 27, 1932 at his parent’s home on the Fairfield Bench. He was the 5th child of Ernest and Edith (Coyle) Knight and baby brother to Gene, Betty, Bob, and Jack. He was a good natured boy that was always up to some kind of shenanigans. He claimed he learned his pranks from his brothers, mainly Bob and Jack. One particular story involving those two brothers concerned a skunk’s scent sac in a jar hidden in his desk at school. One of the three would occasionally open it and let the scent out. The jury is still out on who was responsible, as they all claimed innocence. Don did not outgrow his pranks, but fine tuned them through the years. We all have been victims of some of Don’s pranks!

Don served in the Army from 1954 – 1956, stationed in Berlin during The Occupation of Germany. He toured all over Europe when he had leave. He came home with a healthy savings. He would loan other servicemen money until pay day, with the interest rate of $10 for $20 repayment. Upon returning home, he began a successful farming partnership with Jack that continued for many years.

Don gave up his bachelorhood on May 9, 1977, when he married Dannie Jean Linville and gained 3 daughters, Carolyn, Lana and Susie. It was on their wedding day in Coeur d’Alene that they discovered each other’s age. Dannie was five years older than Don. After that surprise, the ceremony continued, complete with the dandelion bouquet supplied by Lana since Don didn’t think of giving Dannie flowers. Over the years, they became known as Ma and Pa, to both family and friends. When Pa’s time was coming to an end, they had a little visit about their 48 years of marriage. Ma thanked him for the great memories. Pa told her they had a good ride, and even though they were very different people and butted heads over the years, he wouldn’t change a thing. They both had tears in their eyes as they said their I love you’s to each other.

Pa said not long ago that he had not done anything remarkable in his life. Anyone who knows him knows that is not true. He wasn’t a member of clubs or service groups, he hadn’t won any awards. He was a different man behind the jokes. Pa bought his own farm from Mrs. Schock, who had been widowed. Pa told her she could continue to live out her days there, even though he now owned the place. It was several years before he would actually move into his house. Pa sold a family half a beef one time, had it cut and wrapped, then quietly tore up the check for payment. After he retired, he used his snowblower to clear everyone’s sidewalk time after time in the winter, around the entire block. He didn’t need accolades for helping someone. He said his parents set a good example of giving of yourself without expecting anything in return.

Pa was an amazing father and grandfather. Instead of saying we were doing something wrong, he would say to maybe try it this way next time. Always the gentleman, he never walked through a door in front of us girls. He had endless patience when teaching us work around the farm. If he had one fault, it was that he would not change a diaper, no way, no how. His grandson, Jarod, wore droopy diapers for hours when Pa was babysitting.

Pa’s favorite things were spending time with family and friends, playing cards for hours if not days, eating a good prime rib, working in his yard, and staying busy. He did not like to sit around and do nothing.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; 4 siblings; and his daughter, Carolyn.

He is survived by his wife, Dannie; daughters: Lana Johnson, Susie (Rick) Hilmes and unofficial daughter Danette (Randy) Arnzen; grandchildren: Jarod (Carin) Johnson, Ken (Giovanna) Gingras, Lana Lou (Dale) Cochrane, Duane (Lisa) Gingras and Valerie Gingras and best friend, Roger Beck. Also surviving are nephews: Ron (Carol) Ostberg, Rick (Earlene) Ostberg, Jerry (Cathi) Knight, Arnie (Linda) Knight, Jack (Theresa) Knight, John Taylor and nieces: Tammy (Tommy) Comer, Carol (Marv) Strom, Sherry (George) Deaton, Cindy (Tony) Blanton, Janice (Bob) Loss, and Barb (Bruce) Buss, along with many great-nieces and nephews.

Pa’s service will begin with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 on Friday, July 18th, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 449 4th Lane NE, Fairfield MT, under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula. The service will be at 11:00, followed by the burial and concluding with a luncheon.

I heard a saying recently, “Pain is a celebration of love”. Let us all see through the pain today to celebrate a remarkable man that was truly one of a kind.