Roy Wayne Knight

Roy Wayne Knight, age 75, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer. He was born on June 24, 1950, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Vera Lee Casanova and Don F. Knight, and was raised, loved, and deeply adored by his dad, Carl J. Casanova, who played a central role in shaping the man Roy became.

Roy was married for 52 years and survived by the love of his life, Chris Knight. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and family. He is also survived by his daughters, April (Chris) Anderson and Ruthie (Vince) Trino, and his treasured grandson, Matthew (Alyssa) Anderson, who brought him immense pride and joy. Roy also leaves behind many, many friends-most of whom he considered family-relationships that reflected the depth of his loyalty and the generosity of his spirit.

Roy graduated from William S. Hart High School and later from College of the Canyons. His lifelong passion for motorcycles became both his livelihood and his legacy. He was the owner of Bakersfield Yamaha and Kern Yamaha, as well as KTM and Husaberg, and was an accomplished racer in his own right. Motorcycles carried Roy across the world, allowing him to ride throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe, experiences he loved to share through stories filled with humor and heart.

Known for his great sense of humor, Roy loved telling jokes-especially his own homemade ones-which often made him laugh harder than anyone else in the room. He was an avid reader with a sharp mind, famously knowing the answer to nearly every question on Jeopardy, despite never appearing on the show. Roy loved learning, and just as much, he loved teaching. Many of his friends would say they learned more from Roy than from any classroom, a testament to his curiosity, generosity, and willingness to share knowledge.

Above all, Roy was an encourager. He consistently saw the best in people and in life itself, choosing optimism, kindness, and loyalty every step of the way. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Stockdale Country Club.

Roy Wayne Knight will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Roy Wayne Knight Bakersfield -