KNIGHT, Charles Russell W. Knight

Hepassed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, with family by his side.

Born in Brantford, Ontario, where he lived until leaving to attend the University of Western Ontario, Chuck graduated with a Degree in Medicine. In 1954, Chuck met a young nursing student, Ruth McWhirter, who was also from Brantford. They married in 1956 and began their life journey.

Upon receiving his Medical Degree, Chuck chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and specialize in General Surgery. After a year in London, Ontario, he attended the Ohio Cleveland Clinic, where he became interested in the emerging field of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. To pursue his training in this field, Chuck took the international route from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Edinburgh, Scotland, then Bristol, England, and finally Norway, Sweden and Holland. Returning from overseas, he settled in Saskatoon where he joined Dr Les Chasmar assisting in establishing the teaching program for Plastic Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan. While living in Saskatoon, Chuck volunteered for 3 months with the Project Hope Ship docked in Tunisia.

In 1972 Chuck, Ruth and their two young boys moved to Kelowna as the first Plastic Surgeon serving the BC Interior. He also did monthly road trips to Revelstoke to care for patients in the Columbia Shuswap Region. Chuck retired from active practice in 1999 but continued to assist other surgeons until officially retiring at the age of 81.

Chuck was an active member of the Kelowna Wing 883 of the RCAF Association. He was an avid reader, especially stories and history of WWII. He also enjoyed the outdoor life of camping, boating, hiking, walking and skiing. After retiring he volunteered with the Kelowna War Museum, RCMP Citizens Patrol and as an Ambassador with the Kelowna Airport (Red Coats).

Chuck was a devoted family man and is survived by his loving wife Ruth of 69 years; two sons Russell (Betsy) and Donald (Cheryl); grandchildren Michael (Alicia), Christopher (Teigan); Megan (Kelly), Lindsay, Taylor; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by parents Dr. Russell and May Knight, and sister, Patricia.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. B. Mackay and the entire staff at Glenmore Lodge, especially the compassionate care by the staff of Quail Unit.

At Chuck’s request, there will be no service. He will always be remembered and always loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.