HAMPDEN – Earl Clifton Knight Sr., 68, passed away peacefully July 1, 2007, surrounded by his family at a Bangor hospital, from complications of leukemia. He was born Oct. 8, 1938, in Bangor, the son of Earl A. and Mildred V. (Ryder) Knight. Earl attended Brooks schools and was a mechanic and truck driver in the Bangor area for many years. During his life Earl also worked as a meat cutter and drove for Project Ride. He particularly enjoyed the children that he transported at Project Ride. Earl enjoyed reading, spending time with his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Pappy”; collecting model cars; car racing, particularly Wacky Wednesday’s, when his son raced; and his dog, Sparky, whom he had a special bond with for 12 years and who predeceased him just a few months ago. One of Earl’s proudest accomplishments was his association with A.A., where he was a 27-year member and mentor to many. During this time in A.A. he made many cherished friends who provided him with many years of enjoyment. He was responsible for starting the A.A. meeting at Roe Village, Hampden. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, who cherished his family. Earl is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara A. (Kangas) Knight of Hampden; his children, Roxanne Blethen and husband, David and their children, Meghann and Ian, of Lisbon, Brenda Dahlbergh and husband, Stephen and their children, Ethan and Olivia, of Carmel and Earl “Cliff” Knight Jr. and wife, April and their children, Ashlee and Stefanie, of Frankfort; a sister, Earlene and husband, Ronald Martin, of Orono and Albert “Allie” Sawyer, who thought of Earl as his father, and his wife, Tara and daughter, Jessie, of Weaversville, N.C.; nieces and nephews. Earl was predeceased by his parents. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Family and friends may call 11 a.m. until time of service 1 p.m. Thursday. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. Memorial contributions in Earl’s memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
EARL C. KNIGHT SR.
