Robert G. Knight

ATHOL - Robert G. Knight, M.D., age 86, of Athol passed in peace at his home surrounded by his family on October 22nd. He was born December 3, 1928 in Greenfield MA, the son of the late George R. and the late Marion A. (St. Germaine) Knight. He is survived by his loving wife Susan (Kenney) Knight, three daughters: Robin (Michael) Aronson of Weston and Waterville Valley, NH, Heather Holster of Waltham, Lisa Knight of North Hollywood, CA.; two sons Scot (Karla) Knight of Swampscott, Douglas Knight of Stow; their mother Janet Wilson Knight of Gardner; one step- son, Todd (Michelle) Kenney of Essex; eight grandchildren, six great- grandchildren, and three step- grandchildren. Dr. Knight graduated from Saint Michaels College in Vermont in 1950 where he completed his pre-med training, then attaining his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School in 1954; he later completed his medical internship at Worcester City Hospital. Continuously keeping up with the latest advances in medical technology, he pioneered endoscopy and invasive laparoscopy techniques within the state of Massachusetts as well as completing advanced studies in heart valve replacement procedures. He was a member of American Academy of Family Practice. In retirement he would later travel to India and Kenya, instructing standard and innovative surgical practices. Dr. Knight was known to his colleagues, nurses, and patients as a compassionate and caring family physician, a skilled surgeon, and Chief of Surgery at Athol Memorial Hospital for nearly forty years. He had a passion for teaching and sharing those things he loved. A proud patriot, Dr. Knight served in the Navy as a Commissioned Lieutenant at the Guam Naval Base in the South Pacific and later the reserves, released from active duty on October 13, 1958. He was assigned to surgical service, specializing in obstetrics and went on to deliver thousands of babies during his distinguished career. A man of great faith, Dr. Knight educated new devotees to the church the precepts of the Catholic faith at Our Lady Immaculate as a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) instructor. As a mentor to the many in attendance, his passion for his convictions was inspiring. Dr. Knight saw God in Nature, and was an avid hiker. He was awarded the Appalachian Mountain Club certificate “4000 –Footer club of the White Mountains “for having climbed to the summits of all 48 of the official peaks of the white mountains. He also loved to kayak, canoe, sport parachute, snow ski, and in his youth was an illustrious football player. Inducted into the Saint Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987, he was known as “Gluefingers” for his remarkable ability to catch passes. He knew the larger mystery of life and the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and hoped to impart a stronger faith within his family and community. It was his faith and love of this mystery of life and of death that helped his growing old. Death was his friend when he could no longer do all the physical, mental, and spiritual things that he so treasured. He died a peaceful death. In his living and his dying he taught us the meaning of perseverance. Calling Hours will be held Tuesday, October 27th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, New Athol Road, Athol, MA Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 28th, 10:30AM at Our Lady Immaculate Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, MA. Internment will be at a later date at South Cemetery in Orange, MA, where military honors will be presented. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, if you so desire, to direct charitable donations to, Camp del Corazon, 11615 Hesby Street, North Hollywood, CA 90601 www.campdelcorazon.org. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, is directing arrangements. To send an online condolence please visit mackfamily fh.com.