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Frank,
The Tree Man,
103
YARMOUTH -- Frank A. Knight, 103, a resident of Yarmouth, died on May 14, 2012, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.
He was born in Pownal on Oct. 17, 1908, the son of Frank A. Knight and Kate Hodsdon Knight.
He attended school in Pownal and graduated from North Yarmouth Academy. His education continued at the University of Maine and graduated with a B.S. degree in Forestry.
After working with the paper industry he began his own business as a pulpwood and timber dealer, land clearing contractor and blueberry grower.
In 1933 he married Frances Mann of Yarmouth. His wife of over 60 years died in 1994.
Frank was active in community affairs and served in many positions. He was a member of the First Parish Congregational Church for over 60 years and treasurer of the Ministerial Fund for 30 years, a member of first Yarmouth Planning Board and the Conservation Committee. Frank served as a trustee for North Yarmouth Academy for 26 years, the Merrill Memorial Library, Riverside Cemetery 30 plus years, and the Robert W. Boyd Award Fund for over 40 years. In 1983 Frank was publicly honored with the Latchstring Award for service to the community.
In 1956 Frank was appointed as a volunteer Tree Warden for the town of Yarmouth, a position which he held for over 52 years. He may be best remembered for his interest, work and dedication to help care for and preserve elm trees, specifically, the largest elm tree in New England, the famous 'Herbie.'
In 2010 Frank was honored to be named the Grand Marshall of the Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade.
Survivors include his son, Richard with his wife Joyce of North Yarmouth; two grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Sara, and Andrea Knight; along with two great-grandchildren, Maddie and Annie; and a niece, Meredith Dalessandro.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 2 p.m., at the First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth. A reception will follow in the church. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories and tributes with Frank's family.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute to an (a)
organization of choice
or to Hospice.
Frank A. Knight
Lindquist Funeral Home
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
846-4011
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Knight inspired me so much when I read an article back in 2012 about his fight to save one tree. If we all would fight for one thing with such vigor.... the world would be a better place. I did not know him but then again, he touched my life. RIP Frank Knight. I hope to meet you one day. Tree lover, Atlanta, Ga
Susan Hankins
December 20, 2014
I happened across this obit that is the story of Frank Knight and the mighty elm named Herbie. I was about 10 or 11 when the Dutch Elm disease hit Northern NY. One day the Highway Dept came and cut down 3 majestic elms that lined the Pleasant Valley Rd, a county road along which my dad's farm sat. I used to day dream out my bedroom window which looked upon those elms and a scenic view beyond. It was a very sad day. We still had 80 foot + maple trees lining the yard of our big old farmhouse on three sides, but I missed those elms. I always wondered if any elms in NY or the Northeast survived that horrible epidemic, and if so how many? Did more regenerate from seeds left behind? Sounds like Frank was a hero, a very loyal hero. Sorry the two had to leave us!
Jane La Lone
August 22, 2013
What a wonderful and inspirational man. RIP, Mr. Knight, with your beloved family & your beloved tree.
January 10, 2013
I love the picture that Peter Legge added. Tim & Carlene - Frank & Frances - - That's the way I remember the good times at Crystal Lake along with my Aunt & Uncle, Arthur & Mildred Austin. Both couples rented the Austin Cottage for several summers. I have such good memories of those great times.
Nancy McMinn
August 28, 2012
I wish there were more people like Mr. Frank Knight. I read his story while looking for other information and although I don't know him or his family, I will remember his story and how he cared about that tree.
Carol Knight
August 20, 2012
Frank ever since you arrived next door at Crystal Lake you were always kind and humble. You were a role model and inspiration to me growing up. I will never forget the great times with our wonderful extended family at Crystal Lake. Never a kinder and more thoughtful man have I known. Thank you Frank for all you have done to inspire so many.
Peter Legge
Peter Legge
May 28, 2012
What an appreciation for nature. Frank will always be loved for his contribution to the world. Soon we will not have to see an end to wonderful people like Frank. Revalation 21:3,4
May 21, 2012
To the family,although I did not know mr.knight I enjoyed the story behind the tree,I happen to hav attened a service of a friend,who loved ranching,and she too helped her husband build her own coffin,she had cancer! May god bless the knight family & rest in peace frank..
sandra gomez
May 19, 2012
Sandy
May 18, 2012
Frank was and continues to be an inspiration us younger ones. He showed us how not to take our surroundings for granted and work together. While we will miss him and I have fond memories of Frannie I am a better person to have known them. May the love and respect shown him be a comfort to his family as we all share his life and passing. Bruce Boyd
Bruce Boyd
May 17, 2012
I had the privilege of knowing Frank Knight since I was a young boy, going to school for thirteen years with his son Dick. Later, my wife Sharon and I bought the old Titcomb Farm on Mountfort Road from Frank and Frances and we lived there for 21 years, raising our three children, Hannah, Todd, & Patrick. Frank was always a mentor and a dear friend to all of us and we shall miss him very much!
Ted and Sharon Sharp
May 16, 2012
precious man, wonderful legacy...God bless Frank!
Beth Berkland
May 16, 2012
I always loved to hear his stories whenever the family got together. Sending prayers to the whole Knight family and those that knew and loved him.
Robin Hodsdon Morin
May 16, 2012
An amazing man, God bless him.
May 16, 2012
Dick, Joyce, and family, we were saddened to hear of your Dad's passing Dick. It has been a distinct pleasure to know him all of these years and follow the story of him and Herbie. We remember from NYA years when Dutch Elm disease was taking so many of Yarmouth's stately Elms, your father's care, feeding, and medicating of them to save as many as possible. He was certainly dedicated to the cause and Herbie was a testament to that devotion. May you take comfort from all of the wonderful memories you have and in the fact that your Dad was revered by so many.
Sterlin and Pat
Sterlin and Pat Clockedile
May 16, 2012
What a passionate heart for taking care and appreciating what God has given to us. Thanks Frank for teaching us how to be grateful and thankful. May you and Herbie Rest In Peace with our wonderful Lord. We will meet someday soon.
Cindy Wilson
May 16, 2012
sorry to hear. he did a good thing
May 16, 2012
Dear Richard and Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. Frank was a wondeful man and it was a pleasure being able to talk with him at the Hodsdon family reunion's. He will be sure missed. You all are in our thoughts.
Cousin Robert, Heidi, Arianna, Elizabeth, and Robert, Jr.
Robert Hodsdon
May 16, 2012
Frank,
Thanks for the memories !
Steve and Mary
May 16, 2012
sad to read about your loss.
blaine--toot watson
May 16, 2012
DICK: Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. He was indeed a fixture in the town and will forever be in many peoples memory. He lived a great, long life and you were lucky to have him for that time. We lost a parent in January, She was 92 so we know where you are.....Roger and Charlene Vaughan
May 16, 2012
I mourn the passing of a nice man. To read the story of him and his devotion to Herbie brings tears to my eyes. I very much miss the Elms. May Frank and Herbie rest in peace in Heaven's grove.
Susan
May 16, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time of grief.
May 16, 2012
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know this remarkable man....If only for a few days...When I play Rumicube (sp), I will always think of him...I still think he let me win a few times...:)
Mary Mitchell
May 16, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
C.S
May 16, 2012
I feel so fortunate to have known Frank and his family for so many years, beginning in the 1940's as they spent time with us at Crystal Lake here in Gray. I always looked forward to their arrival as well as Tim & Carlene - They were two great families. Dick & Joyce - you are so lucky to have enjoyed so many wonderful years. You will miss him but you do have wonderful memories.
Nancy (Burnell) McMinn, Gray, ME
Nancy McMinn
May 16, 2012
Hey Dick----name from the past remembering you and especially. Your dear dad, Frank!!! I'll always remember his support and kindness to me through our years at NYA, and you as a super team mate!! Thinking of you and yours at a difficult time!
Fondly mike and midge burnham
Mike and midge Burnham
May 16, 2012
I've been keeping Frank in my prayers since I first read about him and Herbie prior to Herbie's felling. What a beautiful life and what stewardship to our Earth! Peace be with you, Frank! Thank you for all that you've done to show others the importance of caring for even a single tree.
Laura Young
May 16, 2012
Trusting in God's Promises
Comfort for your sorrow,
courage for each day,
Strength to face this journey,
His Word to light your way,
His peace to fill your heart,although you may not understand,
And his love to hold you gently
in the hollow of His hand.
L. Green-West Palm Beach, FLA 33407
May 15, 2012
What a wonderful story. Frank you were, for sure, an earth angel with a profound love of Life. Thank you and thank you all for doing this for Frank and his family. You will not be forgotten. God Bless
the Paterson Family
May 15, 2012
An amazing life you led Frank...my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Wujastyk Family from Winter Haven, FL and Maine
Susan Wujastyk
May 15, 2012
Beautiful soul, beautiful tree, beautiful story: inspiring & heart touching. Mr. Knight's legacy will live on, it will inspire others to be good stewards of our fragile world. We are grateful to have had such a caring soul. Our condolences to Mr. Knight's family & friends.
Wanita & John H.
May 15, 2012
David Kitchen
May 15, 2012
David Kitchen
May 15, 2012
What a wonderful story about a beautiful man and his beautiful tree and now they will be together for all eternity.
Patricia Olsen
May 15, 2012
Thank God there are special people like Frank who show us what life is truly about.Rest in God's peace Frank and Herbie.
John F. Perrelli
May 15, 2012
What a great guy!
D Cass
May 15, 2012
What a long, wonderful life! I think about your dad and the entire Knight family often. I think the idea of building his casket from that tree is one of the greatest ideas I've ever heard. Our thoughts are with you all. RIP Mr. Knight.
Dave, Jake & Josh Wujastyk
May 15, 2012
Such a wonderful man! My condolences to Mr. Knights family and friends.
Kelly Watters
May 15, 2012
Frank will be missed by all. I loved hearing the stories that he and my Grandfather shared as well as the family history in Pownal. What a wonderful life Frank had.
Vanessa Matthews
May 15, 2012
Thank you Frank Knight, what an appropriate moniker for a man who spent half his life defending the life of another. R.I.P.
Zita Morrow
May 15, 2012
Thank you for inspiring us all with your courage and example, Mr. Knight.
ER
May 15, 2012
Rest in Peace
Scott Chamberland
May 15, 2012
What a wonderful story and thank you Frank for fighting for that tree. It was a living thing and it was beautiful, even tho' I have never seen it
Kathy Kearns
May 15, 2012
RIP Mr. Knight. What an amazing story we can all take something from. My condolences to Herbie and the Knight family.
Kevin
May 15, 2012
Yarmouth has lost two old friends,first Herbie and now Frank.
Both were proud and strong.
Our condolences to Frank's family.
Fran Fairfield
May 15, 2012
Thank you Frank for not going gentle into that good Knight.
Jack Mish
May 15, 2012
It is Frank's whole life that has been an inspiration to me. He is one of life's most beautiful gifts.We are all the better for having known him.
Carolyn Boyd Fleiss
May 15, 2012
Peace to Mr. Knight and Herbie.
Cindy Nicolls
May 15, 2012
what a wonderful true story...frank n herbie will always be together...thank you
dianne banks
May 15, 2012
Life comes full circle and now Herbie can take care of Frank. Rest in peace.
May 15, 2012
Thanks! Frank & Herbie. Rest together in peace.
Bernadette Humphrey
May 15, 2012
What an outstanding legacy Mr. Knight has left to all of us to tell our children and grandchildren. I didn't know him, but I feel a kindred spirit with him and his love he had for nature and his tree.
My prayers are with his family.
Patricia Watridge
May 15, 2012
This was one of the most touching life stories I've read of someone I didn't even know. It makes me smile knowing that Frank and Herbie have come full circle and can rest peacefully together. Thank you Frank for all you did for Herbie. This story really touched me!
Verna Wommack
May 15, 2012
What a fitting end, two old friends together forever. May they continue to care for one another for eternity.
Susan Painter
May 14, 2012
carl Wells
May 14, 2012
My deepest sympathy to his loved ones. Thanks Frank for fighting for something you believed in.
New England
May 14, 2012
What a beautiful story
carole troxler
May 14, 2012
Please accept my condolences during this time of sadness.
May 14, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF FRANK KNIGHT,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT ISAIAH 45:18.AW.HOUSTON,TX.
May 14, 2012
May they both rest in peace.
Joyce Loomis
May 14, 2012
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