Obituary of The Rev. Richard Arthur McKnight

Fr. Rick passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at Humber Meadows Long Term Care home, where he received great care.

Rick was born and raised in a large family in Toronto. He is predeceased by his father Harry (Sarge), mother Gladys (Bunny), sister June Meade, and brothers George and Bill. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Evelyn (neé Darby), and his three children Meghan, Alanna, and Joel (Judy Ly), brothers Leonard and Glenn, and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in a close-knit, poor family shaped his life. He attended the Baptist church as a child, where his knowledge of Bible passages was rewarded with treats. As an adult, he attended Trinity College (UofT) where he obtained an M.Div and joined the Anglican church as a priest. After a few years he was called to the Roman Catholic Church, where he was accepted by the Pastoral Provision and Pope John Paul II, becoming the first married Roman Catholic priest in Canada.

Rick spent his ministry as a high school chaplain at St. Basil’s College in Toronto, and presided over masses at various churches in the GTA, especially at Our Lady of Grace in Aurora. For many years, he was the summer pastor at St. Anne’s Parish in PEI, and celebrated mass at a beach-side chapel in Cavendish. He made many lifelong friends there, and the Island remained a special place in his heart. Rick’s ministry extended to the Reserve of the Canadian military, where he held the rank of Captain. He did summer chaplaincy with Air Force cadets in Alberta, and later assisted with Sunday masses at Downsview Airforce Base. He also did chaplaincy at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, and in the prison system. Through these roles he helped many members of the community through difficult times.

Rick was a natural athlete, excelling at most sports, but especially golf and tennis. He was an avid runner, completing several marathons.

Rick wanted to make a difference in the world and had a strong sense of social justice, which he held close during his ministry. He made a positive impact in the lives of many people, and he will be missed by more people than can be named.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 17955 Leslie St., Newmarket on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.