Ken Knight loved God and his family first and foremost. His passion in life was Tang Soo Do and his many students, friends and associates related to his church world and his karate world. He taught karate for seven years at the Church at Rocky Peak in Chatsworth, Calif., where he left a legacy of discipline, love and excellence for God through the karate experience. Ken studied under Chuck Norris and Dennis Ichikawa among other great karate professionals. Ken would have been touched deeply by Mr. Ichikawa’s praise, “Ken was one of the best men I had the pleasure of knowing, teaching and working with in my entire life. He embraced the martial arts, his family and life to the fullest degree. The world is a better place for having him in it. He touched so many lives and encouraged so many people, that his influence and legacy will live on forever.” Thank you, Mr. Ichikawa! In the words of our wonderful Pagosa friend, Becky Shields, “I will celebrate his life! He is home!”
He is survived by, his wife, Nancy Danielson Knight, Pagosa Springs; his brother, Steve (Kelly) Knight, Anaheim, Calif.; his daughters: Lori (Chris) Knight Vaught, Ladera Ranch, Calif.; Debi (Tom) Knight Bertog, Ladera Ranch, Calif.; and Heather (Andrew) Knight Delauney, Valencia, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his stepdaughter, Lisa (Gabe) Madanat, Oceanside, Calif.; his stepson, Todd (LuAnn) Ormonde, Pagosa Springs; his second family: Carolyn Yeargain, Wash.; Gary and Margie Proud, Calif., and J.J. Thompson, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the International Board of Missions, www.imb.org “Lottie Moon Christmas offering” (Ken’s granddaughter (Tara Rice) and her husband (Daniel Rice) are preparing to serve as full time missionaries) or to Paige and Mark Anderson, c/o Nancy Knight, 21 Teal Circle, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. (Ken’s niece, Paige, and Mark are preparing to leave Brazil after 20 years of running the Davis Lar Orphanage for street children due to Mark’s diagnosis of advanced melanoma.)
