M. Richard Knight

M. Richard (“Dick”) Knight, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2020. He was born on August 24, 1932, in Massillon, OH, to Ralph C. and Helen D. Knight. Dick was the Chief Executive Officer and General Director of the Y.M.C.A. of Greater Toledo until his retirement in 1989. Dick first joined the Y.M.C.A. at the age of nine and pursued his lifelong passion for Christian service through his many roles with the organization. He was a teen volunteer and lifeguard, and later chose a career with the Y, which included leadership roles at Y.M.C.A’s in Port Edwards, WI, Mansfield, Warren, and Toledo. Dick’s dedication to serving his community extended far beyond his Y.M.C.A. affiliations. His other contributions to his community came through service with the Toledo Rotary Club, several regional and national Y.M.C.A. committees, and through his membership on the (Ohio Living) Swan Creek Retirement Community Board, the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services (OPRS) Development Corporation, and his long-time membership at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Maumee. Dick graduated from Middletown High School and Indiana University, where he lettered as a member of the swim team and completed his ROTC training. After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany, and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Roush in 1955. He later obtained his master’s degree at George Williams College in Chicago. While Dick’s most recognized legacy is one of humble and tireless public service, his true legacy was his quiet philanthropy, his generous, unhesitant aid to friends and strangers alike, and his loving devotion to his wife and family. Betty, the love of his life for over 65 years, left this earth only two months ago. Although saddened by the tremendous loss, their family feels blessed that they have been so quickly reunited. No mortal will ever be able fill his size 14 shoes, but his children take great pride in having mastered his trademark “Dick Knight shake of the head” in any situation when words just aren’t enough. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph D. Knight and J. Philip Knight, sister Norma McVay, and wife Betty Knight. He is survived by sister Elizabeth Smythe of Toronto, Canada, son Stephen Knight of Columbus, daughter Teri Clark (Chuck) of Stow, daughter Julie Jensen Harrington (Steve) of Maumee, “bonus” daughter Dawn Dalrymple of Milford, CT, and cherished grandchildren Dylan, Christopher, Aislinn, Hanna (Jeremy), Clara and Jared. There will be a private memorial service for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maumee (www.stpaulslive.com), Ohio Living Swan Creek (www.ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-swan-creek), Hospice of Northwest Ohio (www.hospicenwo.org), or your local Y.M.C.A. Arrangements by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Maumee. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com