David Farrar Knight

David Farrar Knight, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in La Grande, OR on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

David was born on August 22, 1949, in La Grande, OR. He was the son of Dean C., and Elizabeth J. "Libby" (Farrar) Knight. He was raised in La Grande, graduating from La Grande High School with the class of 1968. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University.

David worked with his family and many lifelong friends in Knight & Sons Painting. He served his country with the Oregon Army National Guard, both as a recruiter and supply specialist. He managed the Paint Department at Millers Cabinet Shop and later worked in shipping and receiving for Eastern Oregon University before working as a courier for FedEx, he retired from FedEx in 2011. Many of David's friends thought it was funny that he chose FedEx ("The World On Time") as a 17 year career due to his nickname for many years being "Mr. Slow".

David is survived by his wife Marilyn, children Jason (Rebecca) Pennington, Dustin (Kaely) Knight, and Echo (Rex) Stanley, all of La Grande, siblings Libby (Bill) Smisko, John Knight, many nieces and nephews, and grandchildren Chase, Olivia and Carter Pennington.

During David's younger years, he enjoyed backpacking through the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Elkhorn mountains. He was a lifelong fisherman and he and Marilyn spent their honeymoon fishing for steelhead on the Wind River in Washington. He enjoyed bird hunting, especially chukar hunting, and spending time with his friends on the hillside. Spending time outdoors was one of his favorite pastimes. He spent many hours working in the yard and garden, and camping with the family was something he always looked forward to. 

Throughout high school he played basketball, baseball (outstanding senior award) and football. He played city league basketball for many years with his friends, and slow pitch softball with his father, future father in law and friends. 

David was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2016, and although his disease was progressing, he continued to do many of the things he loved with his family and lifelong friends. This last year he created many memories; traveled and spent time with his family and friends. 

David will be sorely missed by many people; he was one of a kind. Donations in memory of David Knight may be made to the LHS Girls Basketball team. 

There will be a celebration of David at Mamacita's in La Grande on January 7th from 2-4 pm.