KNIGHT, II, John Benjamin

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, May 31, 2012 John Benjamin Knight II, 72, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012, at home in Prescott, Ariz., after a long battle with cancer. John greeted each day with optimism and enthusiasm for life, even though his last year was largely marked by his ailing health. He was comforted and cared for during this time with extraordinary love and dedication by his children. Most notably, he lived for more than one year with his daughter Deanna and her husband Tom. John was born on May 3, 1940, in Los Angeles, Calif., to parents John and Marjory Knight. John had one sibling, his sister Jan, with whom he enjoyed many childhood adventures, including scuba diving, fishing and camping. John married Deanna Lee Green in 1958 and had four children, Vallie, Deanna, John III and James. Although a high school diploma from Glendale High School was the only formal schooling he obtained, John excelled in the school of life. He became an innovative entrepreneur who started and operated many successful (and some not) companies in various industries. His businesses included petroleum refining, river rafting, retail truck stops, jet sales and water purification. John never shied away from a project he was passionate about, no matter how complex or large in scope. One of John's last projects, one that was very dear to his heart, was the construction of a beautiful home in the town of Pelican, Alaska, for his family to enjoy. John built cars, truck stops, ranches, roads, businesses, relationships and adventures. John had many varied and exciting interests. Always living life to the fullest, John enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with his many friends who often met him for adventures like snowmobiling, waterskiing, boating in Mexico and Alaska, and scuba diving. An avid pilot since his early 20s, John flew both for business and recreation all over North America. He went on to earn the highest level of pilot ratings, the Airline Transport Pilot License. In his maritime pursuits, he earned a United States Coast Guard Captain's License for a 100-ton vessel. He also competed on the national level with his team of Percheron Hitch horses. Ever curious, John was always learning new skills and developing expertise in new fields. He was particularly adept at all things mechanical, possessing an innate understanding of how things work. He was fascinated by weather, engines, tide systems and fluid dynamics. While he will be remembered for his many remarkable accomplishments and talents, he will surely be remembered most for his ever-positive outlook and ready smile. John is survived by his four children, daughter Vallie Dodge and son-in-law Vic Dodge, daughter Deanna Speck and son-in-law Tom Speck, son John Knight and daughter-in-law Janet Knight, and son Jim Knight. He is also survived by his grandchildren Valerio Longoria, Miciah Dodge, Sherry Cain, Ian Dodge, Raquel McDonald, Preston Knight, Page Weiss, John Knight IV, Clifton Knight, Coleman Knight and Chase Knight; great-grandchildren Eric Dodge and Liam Dodge. John is also survived by his sister Jan Johnson and stepbrothers Peter Van Houten and Bill Van Houten. A private celebration of life will be on Saturday, June 2, 2012. His final resting place will be the Oddfellows Cemetery in Prescott. In lieu of flowers and donations, send condolence cards to 139 South Marina St., Prescott, AZ 86303, and support your local farmers. "Make every day count!" ~ John B. Knight II Information provided by survivors.