David R. Knox
WEST GARDINER – David R. Knox passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024, at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born on Feb. 5, 1947, to Russell Knox and Beulah Young Knox in Gardiner, Maine.
He lived on “THE HOOK” in Randolph while growing up. Graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1965 and spent the next four years in the U.S. Air Force at King Salmon, Alaska and Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. He was Crew Chief for 106 Interceptor Aircraft and finished his service as Staff Sargent.
In April of 1969 he was introduced by “blind date” to Cheryl Wakefield of West Gardiner, and they were married July 4, 1970. They made their home on Hallowell Litchfield Road for 30 years and raised two children, daughter Joanna J. Knox and son Joseph M. Knox. In 2000 they had a new home built “down back” on Wharton Lane and enjoyed it “in the woods” for the last 24 years.
Dave was employed for 27 years by, then, New England Tel and Tel and retired in 1997.
Never one to sit around, he started work at Cobbosseecontee Golf Course and everyone there became his Golf Family! He hiked all of the Appalachian Trail in Maine and ¾ of New Hampshire after surviving a quadruple by-pass in January of 2001, his trail name was “Bitza”. He climbed Mt. Katahdin many, many times, kayaked the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and spent many years at Puckerbrush, the cedar pole camp he and his dad and family built on South Twin Lake at Millinocket in 1959.
He enjoyed so many things! Hiking, bowling, fishing, sailing and just being with all his family, very special long-time friends, The County Family, Golf Family, Bowling Family. How much they meant to him – well – we hope they know!!
He was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Beulah, his sisters Shirley Fuller Roy and Nancy Waterhouse and brother Randall H. Knox.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl of 54 years; daughter Joanna of West Gardiner, son Joseph; and granddaughter Mia of Bangor; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He quietly lived his life by good intentions and hoped his intentions would not be misunderstood, like the song says. We Will miss him so much!!
Special thank you to Hospice Nurse Kim Holden.
Dave’s graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Cherry Hill Cemetery, West Gardiner. A reception will follow.
Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, make a donation in Dave’s memory to a charity of your choice
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