Vick KNIGHT Jr.

1928 - 2013

KNIGHT, Vick, Jr. 1928 - 2013 Educator and playful, witty rascal. Born Lakewood, Ohio, rooted for many years in Hollywood, California. Attended Gardner St. School, Bancroft Jr. High and Hollywood High. In the forties, he delivered the Hollywood Citizen News and also flowers for Benny the Parisian Florist where he socialized and perfected his gift of gab. Enlisted in US Navy and served with Armed Forces Radio Services in Hollywood during WW 2. With help from the GI Bill, Vick went to USC (their biggest fan!) and was affiliated with Skull & Dagger, Phi Sigma Kappa, Theta Nu Episilon and E Clampus Vitus. Vick's career in California public education dates to 1952 when he first taught sixth grade in Pico Rivera. He taught in Whittier, Placentia and Yorba Linda and also served as Principal, Superintendendent of Schools and University Dean. Vick was named Distinguished Citizen, awarded the Kiwanis International Legion of Merit and one of California's Fine Outstanding Young Men. He was a popular and effortless public speaker and created The West Atwood Yacht Club where he served as Commodore J. Herringbone Tweed. Among his books are Send for Hayam Solomon, My WORD and the irreverent spoof Snakes of Hawaii. After retirement, Vick served Children's Hospital of Orange County as Director of Development. Like fine wine, Vick got better as he aged. He became an Outstanding Old Man, a life-long learner who completed his doctorate and went on to study Ancient Mayan culture at numerous Central American sites, travelling with UCLA, Howard University and New York State University. A new chapter began when he moved to Canyon Lake where he served 13 years on the Lake Elsinore Unified District Board ofTrustees and was elected to the Riverside County School Board in 2004 where he later served as President and retired in 2012. Dr. Knight Founded the Friends of the Library at UC Irvine. Predeceased by his parents Vick and Janice Knight (Hollywood). Survived by his devoted wife Carolyn, his children Steve Knight (Cathy) and Mary Frauenthal (Michael) and their mother Beverly Levato, his daughters Kathy Blakemore (John) and Meri Faria (Skylar) and his sisters Ginny Knight and Nancy Kelly (Robert) and eight grandchildren: Molly Knight, Dr. Virginia Frauenthal, Sarah Knight, Devin Marine Knight, Carlee Blakemore and Hannah, Skylar Jr. and Madison Faria. He is also survived by his faithful pup Peggy Lou and his loving caregiver Tania. After loving life for eighty five years, Vick died peacefully surrounded by a houseful of love in Canyon Lake, California, December 5, 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Vick Knight Community Library, 32593 Riverside Drive, Lake Elsinore, California 92530. Celebration of Life pending.