Robert P. Knight, 95, still vital and fully engaged in life until the end, died suddenly on May 11, 2020. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on October 10, 1924, to Francis M. and Helen (nee Perkins) Knight. Robert graduated from Yale University, '45W, and worked his entire career at Marsh & McLennan Insurance Company. He was actively involved with a variety of charitable, religious, education, sailing, and music organizations, and was happiest when at sea, listening to chamber music, or telling animated stories. The love of his life was his wife of 69 years, Andrea S. Knight, who predeceased him in 2018. He is survived by his two loving daughters, Susan Knight (Lawrence Jones) and Margaret Kulkin (Brad Kulkin); and admiring grandchildren, Nicholas and Matthew Jones (Sarah Denny) and Abigail Kulkin (Greg Orlov). His beloved son, Robert P. Knight, Jr. died in 1984.

Memorial services are delayed due to the pandemic. Memorial contributions may be given to the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund of the Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes - Lake Forest Place, or Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune from May 20 to May 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Knight

5 Entries

Louise Echola

June 18, 2023

I worked at Marsh & McLennan, Chicago and remember Bob Knight to be such a great leader and just a wonderful person. Thanks to Bob for all his good works. Your legacy lives on.

Louise Goerdt Echola
currently Vice President
NAMI St. Cloud Area
St. Cloud MN

Susan Knight

May 26, 2020

Robert P. Knight, 95, still vital and fully engaged in life until the end, died suddenly on May 11, 2020 in his home at Lake Forest Place. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on October 10, 1924, to Francis M. and
Helen (nee Perkins) Knight. He attended the Hotchkiss School and graduated from Yale University with the class of 45W. During WWII, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and participated in a special
training program in electronics and radar, eventually stationed in India working with a group to develop television-controlled glider bombs.
Robert met the love of his life, Andrea (nee Saladine), in 1947 at a Yale weekend, and they subsequently married in 1949. Throughout their 69 years of marriage, they affectionately called each other Rabbit,
and experienced great joy together through their sailing and skiing adventures, traveling to every continent including Antarctica, raising their three children, and nurturing lifelong friendships.
Andrea predeceased Robert in 2018. He is survived by his two loving daughters, Susan Knight (Lawrence Jones) and Margaret Kulkin (Brad Kulkin); admiring grandchildren, Nicholas and Matthew Jones (Sarah Denny); Abigail Kulkin (Greg Orlov); and by Lina McCarthy, devoted caregiver to both Bob and Andrea in their final years. His beloved son, Robert P. Knight, Jr. died in 1984.
He worked his entire career for Marsh & McLennan Insurance Company in Chicago, retiring in 1986.
In many ways, Robert, known as Bob, was a Renaissance man. Sailing was his primary passion. He celebrated an early retirement with a transatlantic voyage on his sailboat with a crew of his friends.
While involved in a wide range of organizations, he was happiest when at sea and was on the Boards of the Cruising Club of America, Great Lakes Cruising Club, and the Great Lakes Grand Banks Association.
He captained his sailboat on many Chicago to Mackinac races, winning the Past Commodores Mackinac Trophy in 1967 at the helm of the appropriately named Andrea III. For many years, Robert served on
the Board of Childrens Memorial Hospital (now known as Lurie Childrens Hospital). Other organizations in which he invested his time and talent were Northland College, Chicago Chamber Musicians, the Winnetka Congregational Church, the Duncan YMCA, Presbyterian Homes, the University Club of Chicago, the Yale Club of Chicago, and the Institute for Living, a pastoral counseling agency. In recent years, he enjoyed the companionship of his fellow residents at Presbyterian Homes Lake Forest Place, regaling his friends with animated stories, sharing photographs, and participating in a weekly news discussion group. His bright outlook, inquisitive mind, dry sense of humor, and loyalty to family
and friends will be missed.
Memorial services are delayed due to the pandemic. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Employee Emergency Assistance Fund of the Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes Lake Forest
Place, or Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago Foundation

Judy Samuels

May 21, 2020

Susan, Larry, Matt, and Nick, So sorry to read of the death of your father/grandfather. My thoughts are with you during this sad time. Much love to the Knight-Jones family! Judy Korshak-Samuels

Luke

May 20, 2020

Thinking of the family and wishing them comfort and peace

May 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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