Neal Eugene Knight

Our talented and creative father and grandfather, Neal Eugene Knight passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2025, at the age of 88 from complications of a lingering illness. We honor and remember him for sharing with us his knowledge of multiple subjects, varied interests, honed skills and artistic abilities. He was an extremely hard worker and instilled in us his strong work ethic.

Neal was born April 2, 1936, in Upalco, Utah to Parley Newel “Pete” Knight and Adaline Meacham Knight. He grew up on his parents’ farm in Upalco and attended Altamont High School. He worked on a sheep ranch as a teenager. After moving to Provo Utah, he met his sweetheart Barbara Jean Cahoon. They were married on October 25, 1954. They were very devoted to each other and shared a deep, eternal love. They became the parents of four children, Keith, Dolores, Blane, and Linda. They were sealed together with their four children in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1961. Barbara preceded Neal in death on July 6, 2022, and Neal remarked everyday how much he missed her. Neal was the oldest of three siblings. He was also preceded in death by both his sister, Connie Knight Hart (March 21, 1943 - June 5, 2018) and his brother, Tim Knight (October 15, 1953-April 9, 2014).

Neal excelled at several careers. As a newlywed, he worked at the Kennecott mines laying railroad track. Later he established a business partnership repairing office machines. He eventually chose to switch careers and was hired by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints as a security officer. He worked in this capacity for 25 years. Following his retirement, he continued to spend long hours caring for his home and property. He was a skilled builder and concrete finisher. He had an eye for detail and was a talented designer, adding artistic and aesthetic elements to his home.

Neal had many interests. He loved to read, especially science fiction novels and books about history and archeology. He enjoyed photography, wood carving, gardening, making pottery, working with stained glass, fishing, and remodeling houses. He especially loved traveling with his dear wife, Barbara and together they had many wonderful adventures exploring the world.

Neal was an avid scouter and mentored many young men by helping them develop their camping, survival, and citizenship skills. In 1968 he attended Wood Badge, an adult leadership training camp. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 10 of the Great Salt Lake Council and attended the Seventh National Boy Scout Jamboree with his troop in July of 1969.

His posterity includes 4 children, Keith (Gwen) Knight, Dolores (Jay, deceased) Smith, Blane (Julie) Knight and Linda (Denys) Poyner; 17 grandchildren (2 deceased); 28 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

A viewing will be held from 9:00-10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.