TERRANCE ROBERT MCKNIGHT

TERRANCE ROBERT MCKNIGHT SHELBURNE - Terrance Robert McKnight, husband of Jane Osborne McKnight, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Nov. 29, 2014. Terry was born on July 28, 1950, in Altoona, Pa., one of thirteen children to the late William J. McKnight and the late Eleanor Hughes McKnight. He graduated with a B.A. in English Literature, magna cum laude, from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he was a member of its championship debate team. In 1972, Terry was awarded first speaker at the National Debate Tournament and the La Salle Medal, for the most illustrious member of the Canisius College community. It was last awarded to an undergraduate in 1933. In 1975, he received his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was a finalist in the Ames Moot Court competition. Terry practiced law for over 20 years, during which time he received pro bono awards for his representation of indigents. He then began a career in business and non-profit work. In 1996, he relocated, with his family, to Shelburne from Southern California. Most recently, he served for 12 years as Executive Director of the Addison County Community Trust, which creates and manages affordable housing. While at ACCT, he oversaw the development of numerous affordable apartments, single family homes, and senior housing in Addison County. Terry loved his adopted home of Shelburne and was active in many community and philanthropic efforts. He was an active member of the St. Catherine of Siena parish in Shelburne, where he was a lector and enjoyed cooking for the Salvation Army dinners. He also served for six years as a member of the Board of Directors of Anew Place, formerly the Burlington Emergency Shelter, which provides emergency and transitional housing and employment services to the homeless. He was a member of the school funding committee for Shelburne following Act 60 and secured additional grant monies for the Community School. He enjoyed local politics and, in 2012, was elected to represent Vermont at the Republican National Convention. He was involved for many years in Boy Scout Troop 602. Terry had recently joined the Shelburne Historical Society and was a patron of the Shelburne Museum. Terry and Jane recently celebrated 28 years of marriage and their special life partnership. In addition to his spouse, he leaves three daughters, Caitlin Williams, her husband, Craig, and their two sons, Cole and Curran, of Encinitas, Calif., Maura FallonMcKnight of Oakland, Calif., and Gillian Bergeron, and her wife, Jennifer, of Essex Junction. He also leaves two sons, Patrick McKnight and Brendan McKnight, both of Monkton. He is also survived by ten siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was a lover of poetry and an accomplished poet. He recently published a volume of poetry written with his daughter, Maura, titled, "Fortunate Journey." He could be counted on at any dinner party or family celebration to recite a poem from memory or to read one of his recent compositions. He also enjoyed golf, tennis, sailing, and spending time with family. His wit, energy, smile, and hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Viewing and visiting hours will be onThursday, Dec. 4, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service and time for sharing of memories at 6:30 p.m., at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Shelburne at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, with burial to follow in Shelburne Village Cemetery. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.readyfuneral.com.