WAYNE KNIGHT

Wayne Beale Knight Passed away suddenly on May 8, 2010. Wayne was born in Tacoma, WA August 18, 1930 to Robert T. Knight and Jeanette Gutcher Knight. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1948, where he played 1st chair trombone among other activities and sports. While in high school he met the love of his life, Dagmar "Dee" Quevli at the Annie Wright formal dance. They soon became inseparable. During his sophomore year at the University of Washington, he was activated by the Naval Reserve and signed up for flight training at Pensacola Florida. He qualified to fly the F9F Cougar jet fighter. In 1952, he received orders to deploy for the Korean War. In a hurried but beautiful ceremony at the Annie Wright Chapel and reception at the Tacoma Country Club, Wayne and Dee were married on August 31. The next day they flew to the Alameda Naval Air Station, CA where the squadron was stationed. Wayne flew his fighter jet in missions for 2 years over China and North Korea off the storied carrier, the USS Yorktown. His first son, Eric, was born while he was in the South China Sea. Upon his return he completed his undergraduate work and enrolled in Law School at the UW. During this time his second son, Rolf, was born. After graduating from law school in 1958, the family moved to an old 27 acre homestead farm, Lillegaard, near Home with waterfront and a view of Mt. Rainier. Wayne and his family spent much of their time remodeling the old farm house while clearing and renovating the property. They raised Irish Wolfhounds and other assorted dogs, cats, horses, ponies, a skunk, chickens and a pig. Wayne's many projects included cutting firewood, clearing brush and planting gardens. His sons became well acquainted with picks, shovels and the relationship between an ax and firewood. In 1965, a third son, Tor, was born. During this time Wayne practiced law in Tacoma and Key Center in partnership with Rush Stouffer in the Law Firm Stouffer and Knight. Wayne represented all types of people with all types of legal issues. He was also involved in Harbor Water and numerous other business projects. Among his family, friends, and community at large, Wayne was known for his quiet generosity, assisting in many different ways from financial to legal to advisory. Wayne and Dee sponsored a family from Guinea, Africa allowing them the opportunity of a better life. Wayne and Dee led active lives traveling, sailing, skiing, hiking, and outdoors work. They loved music and dancing. The Knights loved to entertain with special parties for every season. Their home was a gathering place for family and friends. Every winter, Wayne would take the family to Puerto Vallerta and their condo at Ocho Cascades, always a joyous time. Wayne had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a joke. He enjoyed every part of life and shirked nothing. He wore wild ties to court, and usually won his case. He brought style and civility to any situation. He practiced law as a member of the WA State & Tacoma Bar Association for 52 years, finally retiring in 2009. He received a special recognition for his 52 years of service from the Bar Association. Wayne Knight was the greatest husband, father and friend we have ever known. Wise and wonderful, he lives in our hearts forever. Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Rolf Thomas Knight, and his older brother Robert Knight. He is survived by his wife Dee of 58 years, sons Eric (Elise) and Tor. Two grandsons Brian and Nicholas, step grandson Derek Blea, and step granddaughters Josie, Cia, Erin and great-grand-stepsons Logan, Seth and Jack. Remembrances can be made to Cancer Alliance/Fred Hutchison & UW Medical School, Franciscan Hospice and the Tacoma Humane Society. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Wayne will be held on May 25th at 4 pm in the Chapel of Annie Wright, with a reception to follow in the Great Hall.