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Robert Knighton Obituary
Feb. 23,1935 - Dec. 22, 2017
Dr. Robert Tolman Knighton passed away on December 22, 2017 at the age of 82 in Stockton. He was born in Bountiful, Utah to George Robert and Edith Knighton. He grew up with five brothers; George Albert, Maurice Dean, Byron, Roger and Kenneth and two sisters, Edith and Jennie. He received his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and his Ph. D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In 1967, he joined the English department at the University of the Pacific. In 1993, Dr. Knighton received the Faye and Alex G. Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award. He became an Emeritus professor in 2002. He received correspondence and visits from past students throughout his 40-year teaching career and retirement.
During his pastime, he enjoyed watching football, basketball, baseball, playing card games and brain-teasers with his loving and supportive wife of 37 years, Letha Claudette. Robert also enjoyed writing poetry, reading mystery novels, crossword puzzles and gardening.
Robert is also survived by his sons Daniel (Grace), Jonathan (Melissa) and daughter, Crystal Eunique, and will be sorely missed by surviving brothers George Albert, Maurice Dean, Byron and Kenneth and sister Edith Hoskin and extended family and many friends. Robert is preceded in death by his parents George and Edith Knighton, brother Roger, and sister Jennie.
Amnesty International, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Cancer research and disabled veterans were his charitable donations. Private interment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Daniel R Knighton.
Marjorie Siverson
March 16, 2018
Robert, I'll always remember the love, compassion, and encouragement you provided your students and me. You were a model of a good teacher, friend, and companion. You'll be missed by all, but always remembered by those who knew you.
Julianne van Leeuwen
February 24, 2018
RIP my precious professor, mentor and friend.
Larry Seidman
February 6, 2018
I was a student in many of Bob's classes in 1967 and 1968. He had a profound effect on me at UOP and my life beyond those amazing days. He was a professor, friend and a mentor. We talked often about the events of those times...the war, the movement, the 60's, later Watergate, revolution and life after UOP. He encouraged me to always move forward, believe in my abilities and passions. I was never the best writer but his encouraging advice made me a better one.
Heidi Wilson
January 23, 2018
Dr. Knighton was a mentor, fantastic advisor, brilliant professor and wonderful sounding board. He always provided sound, critical, encouraging advice and made my time at UOP memorable. His impact on my studies was profound and he will be remembered fondly. Class '96
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Karen Stevens
January 22, 2018
Dear Letha,
I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. You had a wonderful "partnership" in love and intellect. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Robert will be much missed by all.
Letha and Crystal, I pray that the good memories of your lives together with Robert will sustain you in this difficult time. May the Lord's peace shine above you and comfort you always.
With loving thoughts from your friend and former colleague,
Jeff Spencer
January 14, 2018
RIP Dr. Knighton, You were the best.
January 11, 2018
Bob and I shared a number of professional goals. His receiving of the Spanos Award speaks to his relationship with his students. Excellence in all, love for all and goodness in the world connected us in an academic envelope experienced by few. We will miss him,,, Maria Luisa and I send to his wife, children and those who loved him our sincerest condolences...
Robert & Maria Luisa Dash, University of the Pacific
George Albert Knighton
January 11, 2018
Dear Robert-Please know that,as you have returned home, having"graduated" from this lifelong University, your presence enriched our lives, for all privileged to know and associate with you. Your absence will be a sweet reminder that one day, not too distant, we will see each other, break bread together,and laugh, as we have done here, by the grace of God.
Dear Letha and Crystal--I extend to you my love and sincerest condolences, shared by Marilyn. We are hopeful that our family ties will prove to be of comfort to you, as well as to Robert's children, and that as time passes, perhaps even strengthen...I ask Our Heavenly Father's blessings to be yours, now and always.George Albert
Templ Corbit
January 11, 2018
I only remember meeting you a couple of times since you lived in California and I was in Utah. I recall we met at family reunions both times. I was a child and what I remember is you having a ponytail and as kids we thought that was kind of shocking and neat. This was a time when a man having long hair in a ponytail was not a common thing. Haha! I remember you were reserved and had a calming spirit, kind of like my dad Byron, your brother. I wish I could have known you better. Rest In Peace uncle Robert. Much love ❤ Your niece Templ
Acia Knighton Roberts
January 10, 2018
Rest in peace Uncle Robert ❤❤❤
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