Harold "Ben" Knight

Harold “Ben” “Benny’” “Sarge” Knight of Maidstone, Vt. passed away suddenly in Florida on Jan. 7, 2025. Ben was born in Lancaster, N.H. on May 22, 1940 to Marion (Ford) Knight and Harold Edward Knight. Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean ( Howland) Knight; a son, Victor Harold Knight (Corinne); a daughter, Laura Ann Brooks (son-in-law Leo Brooks); six grandchildren, Jeremy Brooks (Jill), Abbie Carrier (Brandon), Abriana Brooks, Hannah Brooks, Mia Brooks, Briana Sheptor and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marion Knight. Ben graduated from Groveton High School, Groveton, N.H., in 1958 and attended Lyndon Teachers College. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served for 20 years. One of those years was in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal and the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal. While stationed in Alaska he worked as an Inspector for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He oversaw the construction of a 36-hole golf course (Moose Run) on Elmendorf Air Force Base. It is known as the “World’s Northernmost 36 hole Facility.” He also raced snow machines in Alaska. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force (20 years) he was the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works in Nashua, N.H. for several years. After his father passed away, he and his family moved back to his childhood home in Maidstone, Vt. He then worked for the James River Corporation in Berlin, N.H. Ben was an avid sports enthusiast, hunter and fisherman. He loved his Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. He played and coached softball and basketball in the Air Force. He then coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball in Lancaster, N.H. Ben had “Coon Dogs” and won many trophies and ribbons with them for “Water Racing” and “Treeing” Contests. He loved hunting and had many mounted trophies. He had to give hunting up due to ill health. Ben then became interested in “Pony Pulling.” He exercised his ponies many hours a day and won numerous trophies and ribbons with his beloved ponies. As his health became worst, a dear friend, Donald Bowman, took the ponies and continues to win with “Jake” and several others. There was only one “Ben Knight” as many people will tell you! How he loved to tease, “agitate” at times and tell stories. He loved his family and friends. Thank you to Donald Bowman, Anthony and Cole Morse, Jake, Lori, Brit, Scott Haas, Brian Barney, Walt Bickford and Phil Mullens for enriching his life. A Graveside Service will be held at Ridgwell Cemetery in Guildhall, VT at 11am on Saturday, June 21st. In lieu of flowers you can donate to: National Veterans Association, 5777 West Century Blvd. STE 350, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Harold "Ben" Knight

May 22, 1940 - January 7, 2025