JEFFREY MCKNIGHT

JEFFERY MCKNIGHT Jeffery H. McKnight went to ride with the angels Thursday, March 14, 2013. Jeff worked with the Carpenters Union, helping to create and recreate many casinos, the City Center and more projects around town. Jeff was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., but was raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. He loved to hunt moose, fish for salmon, go on subsistence hunts with his native friends and run wild around the town. He first learned the carpenter's trade here with his stepfather, Dick Pusti. Alaskans respect and love the outdoors and Jeff was no different. Alaska turned to Hawaii, and seeing the birth of his son, Taylor. Progression of his career brought Jeff to Seattle. There, he created coffee carts and had several jobs throughout the town while still working construction. Following the work, Jeff came to Las Vegas and fell in love with the place. Being able to ride his Harleys year round, with little or no rain, was his passion. He especially loved the River Run in Laughlin, camping by the river and partying with new and old friends. Jeff made friends as easily as water runs downhill and stood beside them faithfully. We will miss Jeff's laughter, bawdy jokes, and larger than life presence. Whether racing motorcycles at 13, creating a business, or giving a helping hand to a neighbor in need, he could be depended on to see it through. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, William C. McKnight; and stepfathers, Johnny F. Martin and Richard J. Pusti. He is survived by son, Jeffery Taylor Harrison McKnight; Taylor's mother, Tracey Lucas; long-lost daughter, Kayla Matthews; mother, Judith L. Pusti; brothers, William D. McKnight and Johny F. Martin; nieces, Rebecca M. McKnight and Renee D. Martin; and nephew, Jonathan B. Martin. Memorial will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, at the Odyssey Hospice, 4011-A McLeod. Call 702-693-4904 for directions.