Harold Richard “Rick” McKnight

McKNIGHT, Harold Richard “Rick”…

Harold Richard “Rick” McKnight, 73, of London, Ontario, Canada, passed away on February 12, 2025. He was born in 1951 in eastern Ontario. Rick graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School in Calgary, Alberta, in 1969 and furthered his education at Western University in London, Ontario and the University of Calgary, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree. Rick had an unwavering passion for home improvement, personally building one of his family homes and a lakeside cottage. Even in his 70s, he continued to swing a hammer, run a deck and fencing business, flip homes and take on various renovation projects. Additionally, Rick worked as a career coach, trainer and educator at various points in his life. A man full of spiritual depth, Rick was an avid practitioner of Reiki, meditation and authored 8 Weeks to Enlightenment: Igniting Your Passion.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Hal and Mary McKnight and brother, Steve McKnight. He is survived by the woman he partnered with through three decades of his life, Michele Gervais, children Shad McKnight (Serena), Rishanna Denman (Stephen), Tristan McKnight (Rebecca), Shelley Houston (Robert), Paden McKnight and Hayley McKnight and eight grandchildren, Zachary and Graysen Denman, Sophia and Michael McKnight, Cale and Vada McKnight and Canon and Piper Houston. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Crumb (Dave) and Kathleen Tiede (John) and sister-in-law Sue McKnight and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rick lived his life in the moment and had an infectious love for laughter. He was an avid fan of crossword puzzles and classic comedy, particularly The Three Stooges. He was known for his playful antics, often embarrassing his children by “making friends for them” or calling for them over department store intercoms with the most obscure, made-up names. Rick also had a talent for striking up long conversations with random strangers on the street, and when asked who they were, he’d simply say, “I don’t know.” We laughed a lot in his presence, and may have been slightly embarrassed by his dance moves. His energy and passion will be missed by all who knew him.

Rick’s wishes to be cremated have been honoured, and a Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held this summer in London, Ontario, where family and friends will come together to honour his memory.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please do a random act of kindness for a stranger. Rick would love to know that we are all spreading the good.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com