Long time Cook County cabin owner Richard Harvey McKnight passed away January 27, 2011 in Rochester, MN. Richard and his family began visiting friends on the North Road in Hovland during the 1940s, eventually purchasing one of the old homesteads there. Later, Richard made a trade with his friend Clark Rude of Hovland—a brand-new snowmobile for a piece of land where the family cabin now stands. Many happy days were spent “Up North” exploring the Lake Superior shore, fishing the streams and rivers, and hunting for wild game.
Richard was born on Nov. 21, 1933 in Rochester, the son of William R. and Maxine M. McKnight.
He graduated from Rochester High School in 1952, and married Isabelle Louise Lewis on June 27 of that year. As a child, Richard had a German shepherd, Scout, who served as a sentry during World War II in the U.S. Army overseas, being honorably discharged in 1945. Richard himself was a veteran Airman in the Korean War, where he served as a Munitions Technician.
Richard worked professionally in the construction trade, first as a plasterer, later as a drywall taper. His work was sought after by area homebuilders for many years. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, sport shooting of firearms and munitions reloading. He turned his crafty talents toward furniture making, metal sculpture, and glass etching. His curiosity led him into scholarly studies, which included historical topics ranging from the United States’ westward expansion to the Samurai culture of Japan. He was also a great storyteller.
Along with his wife, Richard is survived by his sister Romayne Thompson of Rochester; brother Ben McKnight of Duluth; and three children Teresa L. [David] Cook of Forest Lake, Richard W. [Stacey] McKnight of Chatfield, and Rebecca A. [Lyndon] Peterson of Rochester. He enjoyed the grace of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
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