Connor Gregory Knight

Connor Gregory Knight obituary, San Diego, CA

Connor Gregory Knight

Connor Knight Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 19, 2023.
With heavy hearts, we share the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our precious Connor Knight of San Diego on November 16, 2023, following a tragic dirt bike accident. He was 31.

Born in the Santa Cruz, Connor brought his vibrant spirit to San Diego, where he resided until his untimely departure. The son of Nancy and Gregory, Connor was a beloved brother to Lindsey, a cherished brother-in-law to David, and a devoted uncle to Jordan. He was the grandson of Charles Knight and the late Joyce Knight. In addition, he had a special bond with his step-grandmother Alice Debolt. This year, our hearts also carry the loss of his grandparents, Maurice and Marjorie, and Uncle Thomas VanCoillie who resided in Michigan.

An adventurous spirit and daredevil from a young age, Connor began mastering his dirt bike skills at the tender age of 5. This passion for adrenaline defined his life's adventurous journey.

Beyond his love for off road sports, Connor graduated from La Jolla High School and honorably served in the Army Reserves. Professionally, he worked for Nixon, Stone Brewing and most recently Penske where he showcased his mechanical skills and passion for anything with a motor.

Connor's warm heart and infectious spirit touched the lives of many, including his friends, fellow soldiers, extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles, who will forever treasure the shared memories.

A celebration of Connor's remarkable life, including a memorial service and paddle out, are being planned. Details will be shared once plans are settled. We welcome all who knew and loved Connor to join us in remembering and honoring the incredible person he was.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior Project, in memory of Connor Knight.

May he ride in peace, surrounded by the eternal love and cherished memories he created for us all.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Connor Knight's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 15, 2023

Jenny Chotirawi planted trees.

December 13, 2023

Ryan Zayas planted trees.

December 13, 2023

Melissa Castillo planted trees.

Single Memorial Tree

Jenny Chotirawi

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Ryan Zayas

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Melissa Castillo

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Alyson Tuttle

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Polinsky Family

Planted Trees

Nancy Knight

November 27, 2023

Please join us for a Paddle Out Celebration of life at the Loring Street Beach in San Diego.

Brenda

November 24, 2023

Brenda

November 24, 2023

Connor rented a room from me for years. He was way more than a roommate. He became part of our family. I´ll never forget our fun times at the Nixon events and how loving, caring, and giving he was to all those around him. I still cannot believe he´s gone. I´m glad he went doing what he loved best. You´ll ride on forever in our hearts and he´ll only have the best dunes.

Stephanie Manipon

November 23, 2023

The first time I met PFC Knight we played soccer together for PT. He went all out for it and admired his tenacity and positive attitude. You could tell he put his heart into things he did. We will miss you PFC Knight. LTC Manipon

E Batte

November 23, 2023

Forever grateful and humbled for our conversation months ago, SPC Knight! Rest easy!

Single Memorial Tree

Patrice Mbo

Planted Trees

Brooke O´Connor

November 22, 2023

Connor was a go-to Soldier due to his positive, can-do attitude. He was always so helpful with the Army Combat Fitness Test prep, the most recent being going on a secret mission to get bagels for all graders and helpers. He will be missed dearly!

Single Memorial Tree

Leah Smith

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Nils Gustafson

Planted Trees

Eric Aasen

November 21, 2023

I recall the first time I met Connor when his father Greg (a firefighter) came to a graduation party for a Firefighter 1 academy. Greg had Connor on his chest in a baby Bjorn. Connor had to only be 6-8 months old at the time. But there was no doubt that Connor was a "mini-me" of Greg. To the family, may our Heavenly Father put his arms of love and comfort around you during this difficult time.

chris c meyer

November 20, 2023

chris c meyer

November 20, 2023

chris c meyer

November 20, 2023

I had known of Connor for a while before, but it wasn't until 2008 in statistics class at Ljhs that we actually got to know each other and bond over our mutual love for off-roading. Not long after, we went riding together for the first time at Gordons well with David and Justin. From there on out it escalated into hanging out every weekend whether or not it involved off roading/ dirt bikes. Connor was always willing to pull up and make the best of any get-together or event. With no shortage of banter, he was always able to bring a fun, carefree vibe to everyone everywhere he went, which is why he will be missed dearly by many and never forgotten. Ride In Paradise Connor.

Sam Muxlow

November 20, 2023

Knight was such a happy person. Every drill I would always be happy to see him and just chat, because he was so friendly and easy to talk to.. especially when I first got to the unit. I had the privilege to sit next to him at the dining out... it's hard to accept that a person that kind is gone so soon. Although I didn't know him deeply, I knew him well enough to know he didn't deserve this. Rest in peace brother.

Single Memorial Tree

PFC Knight

Planted Trees

Douglas Santiago

November 20, 2023

PFC Knight was a humble leader that made everyone around him better. He genuinely asked how you were doing because he cared. His smile was contagious and always welcome.

Single Memorial Tree

CPT Brittany Fouts

Planted Trees

Marcus McNabb

November 20, 2023

Having know this young man for a little over 2 months I could tell he was special. The compassion he had for other was visible. Any task that came up wasn´t beneath him. Everything was done with dignity and class.
One thing that stuck out to me was at the Dining out I was sitting alone and Knight came up to me to make sure I was alright, he asked me how I was doing and if I needed anything.

So on Saturday when I was told I was coming to meet the command staff in the morning I was sure it was about a promotion for him or to talk about him being in the best warrior competition which I have no doubt he would have won. To see all the love for him and the lives that he touch I feel we have all been cheated days of having him in our lives and myself for only having known him for such a short time. But also a blessing for knowing what kindness is, what genuine care looks like. What compassion is. Thank you PFC Knight for being who you are. You have truly blessed all you touched.

Brittany Fouts

November 20, 2023

Heart heavy as we say goodbye to a true hero. Our beloved soldier, who tragically left us, was more than a uniform; he was the one with an ever-present smile, always the first to volunteer without hesitation. His selflessness, courage, and infectious spirit will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy of love and bravery lives on.

Sharrah Todoc

November 20, 2023

We´re from the same unit, he´s truly one of a kind soldier. Loved by many and he will be missed by his brothers and sisters here. Thank you for your beautiful soul

Single Memorial Tree

allyssa montemayor

Planted Trees

MAJ Cindy Ditona

November 19, 2023

PFC Knight, I miss your laughs and smile already. Keep sharing them in heaven where your light will shine forever. MAJ Cindy Ditona

Tristan Hoyer

November 19, 2023

Connor was one of my closest friends during our military training. He always talked about me coming to Cali and showing me around his stomping grounds. I cherish the stories we shared and the memories we made. I´ll make a trip out west just for him <3

Nathan Marquez

November 19, 2023

Connor was such a great brother in arms, but most of all he was an amazing friend. Until Valhalla, brother.

Seng lou

November 19, 2023

Lori Long

November 19, 2023

Connor and my son Mitch were two peas in a pod when they were young. Both silly, mischievous, with boundless energy. I have so many memories of them playing together - riding quads at Pismo Beach, trick or treating, playing baseball, celebrating New Year's Eve - always with that puppy dog endless energy. One very clear memory, is Nancy and I sitting at her house drinking a margarita when we realized the boys were being much too quiet for much too long. When we tried to get into Connor's bedroom, we found that they had taken everything they could from the room to barricade the door. They even had emptied the waste basket onto the floor and added the empty basket to the barricade. They thought they were so hilarious, and truth be told, so did we! My heart is breaking.

Kathy and Steve Bettles

November 19, 2023

Connor stopped by our house on Christmas Eve after spending the evening down the street with grandparents. He had recently finished boot camp and was a now a proud member of the reserves. He seemed so confident and stood so tall. He had that lovely smile as he told us of his new adventure in life. We are so thankful to have that forever memory. The Bettles Family

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Connor Knight's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Connor's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Connor Knight's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Connor Knight's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 15, 2023

Jenny Chotirawi planted trees.

December 13, 2023

Ryan Zayas planted trees.

December 13, 2023

Melissa Castillo planted trees.