Obituary of Graydon Knights

Surrounded by his three favourite girls, our family said farewell to our dear Graydon Knights on July 1, 2024. He was 84 years old. Family was everything to Graydon. He was adored by his wife of 59 years, Beryl Knights (nee Blimke), was the beloved dad of Jen Knights (Dave Cakebread) and Julie Knights-Thomson (Russ Thomson) and proudest ever Grampy of Noah, Jake, Abby and Riley. Graydon was born in Pembroke, Ontario on May 22, 1940, to the late Arthur Knights and Nina Smith. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Dennis Knights (late Gwen Draper) and Glen Knights (Marge Nicholson). Graydon loved spending time and sharing stories with his extended family in Calgary, Toronto, the Ottawa Valley and beyond. Graydon graduated from Queens University in 1963, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and continued his studies at Queens, completing a Masters of Structural Engineering in 1964. Graydon’s passion was bridge design. He began his engineering career with DeLeuw Cather & Company in 1964, taking Beryl and Graydon to South Africa one year later. He joined (MM) Dillon in March of 1969 and became the Manager of the Dillon London office in 1987. Graydon was involved in the inspection, design and construction of many bridges. One of his favourite projects was the Guy Lombardo Bridge in London. Beryl and Graydon put down roots in the Forest City in 1969. Here they grew their careers, their family and their circle of close friends. The loves of his life were his two daughters, Jen and Julie, and his “sweet baboo”, Beryl. Graydon’s intelligence, kindness, sense of humour and constant interest in learning was admired by many. He was an avid gardener, a voracious reader and loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. His passion for bridges meant most trips required detours to check out bridges and civil engineering projects both locally and worldwide. As a family of 10, we laughed and played frequently together. Graydon enjoyed listening to classical music with Jen, jigsaw puzzling with Julie, discussing gardening with Dave, having Jeopardy competitions with Russ, talking baseball with Noah, chatting about books with Jake, playing cards with Abby and building Lego with Riley. Graydon loved to clink a glass of gin & tonic and talk world issues with Beryl. Together, they travelled extensively, often with close friends, visiting vineyards and historic landmarks along the way. Our family wishes to thank the team at McCormick Home for the caring and support given to Graydon and our whole family during his 2.5 years that he resided with you. You became family to us. We are grateful for your care, compassion, and sensitivity. Cremation has been entrusted to London Cremation Services www.londoncremation.com. To celebrate Graydon's remarkable journey, an intimate gathering of his family and friends will be planned for a later date. Those wishing to donate in honour of Graydon are asked to consider the McCormick Care Group: https://www.mccormickcarefoundation.ca/tribute-giving .