Ralph Drury Knight

ralph knight
Ralph went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday morning, June 30. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to Ralph C. and Helen Knight, Ralph is predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Knight, and by his brother, Phil Knight. His sisters, Norma McVay and Betty Smythe, and his brother Dick survive him. Ralph and Betty had four children and seven grandchildren: Kerry and Liz Knight of Fremont, CA., and their sons, Brady and Parker; Candileigh and Gary Monzo of Pleasanton, CA.; Brett and Kris Knight of Fremont, CA., and their sons, Kevin, Matthew and Brian; and Yvette and Todd Haley of Newark, CA., and their children Austin and Caleigh. Ralph was the captain of the Massillon High School swim team and lettered at Indiana University in 1945, but his swimming was interrupted to serve honorably in Okinawa during WWII as an airplane mechanic. Ralph earned his masters at Ohio State University where he was an NCAA All American in backstroke from 1948-49. His medley relay team set a world record, but an injury prevented him from competing for the USA Olympic swim team. Ralph was inducted into the Greater Canton Aquatics Association Hall of Fame in 2004. After attaining his seminary degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, KS, Ralph served as pastor and youth director at Alzona Park Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ. In 1959, he became the director at the United Christian Center in Sacramento, CA serving under privileged youth. He went on to serve as the administrator at Pilgrim Haven retirement home and later became vice president of the American Baptist Homes of the West. Ralph served his last 10 years (1982-92) as the President of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services. Ralph was a member of: Centerville Presbyterian Church, Fremont SIRS, Rotary S.F., Satellite Sr. Home Board member and chairman, American Association of Home and Services for the Aging Board member and chairman. A memorial service is planned to honor Ralph's life on Friday afternoon, July 15, at the Centerville Presbyterian Church, 4360 Central Avenue, Fremont CA, 94536, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to https://www.alzinfo.org/donate

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  1. A true servant who ;lived out his faith in a way that touched the lives of many. To me he was a role model and a colleague in serving older persons and his influence was national in its scope. He loved His Lord and family and is now united with those who have gone before.

  2. Ralph Knight was my mentor, giving me the opportunity to become the first woman administrator in ABHOW. He was one of the finest men I have ever known. My sincere sympathies to his lovely family!


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