John Wayne Knight of Venice, FL., passed away peacefully at his home on October 26 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 1, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA., he was a long-term resident of the Monterey Peninsula before retiring to Venice, FL., in June 2004. He grew up in Long Beach, CA. After graduating from Millikan High School in 1967, he joined the U.S. Army. He served his nation with distinction in the Republic of Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After leaving the military he returned to Long Beach where he graduated from CSULB in 1973. He later earned his MA at San Jose State. He spent 23 years as a dedicated school administrator and respected teacher in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. John's love and respect for the outdoors were second only to his love and admiration for his family and friends. He was truly one with nature whether it was on the ski slopes, hiking and biking trails, or the golf course. He loved to take long walks along the beaches of California and Florida. As a friend, mentor, and leader, he touched the lives of everyone he met. Although John is no longer with us on earth, our memory of his warmth and generosity will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. John loved and was greatly loved. We will miss him dearly. John is survived by his fiancée Kathleen Freeman; her daughter Brandy; brother Joe Knight of Montgomery, AL.; sister Jackie Spellman of Ogalala, NE.; sister Barbara Miller of Colorado Springs, CO.; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends, colleagues and students. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10, from 10:00 AM to noon at the Fred Farr Forum, Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of John Wayne Knight to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1023 15th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 or online at vvmf.org.