Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE*
Arthur “Harold” McKnight of Hanover, passed away peacefully after a full day of being surrounded by his family in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 81 on November 2, 2025.
Cherished husband of Lois (Collins) McKnight for nearly 58 years. Loving father of Al and Estella McKnight and Julie and Mike Rowe. Proud grandfather of Robin and Brad Regier, Ashley and Jordan Cameron, Raymond McKnight and Jessica Baker; Lucas, Lauren and Curtis Rowe. Special great grandfather to Addison and Calvin Cameron and Austin and Hallie Regier. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Gordon McKnight and Catherine Burke; Anne and Ron Thompson; Carolyn and Harold Closs; Al Lill; Irene and Keith Priest; Joan and Tom Haskett; June and Bill Bradley. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents George and Ethel McKnight, parents-in-law Allison and Edith Collins, grandson Jordan Rowe, great granddaughter Jocelyn Regier and sister-in-law Bernice Lill.
Harold was born and raised in Eastern Ontario and developed an early love of agriculture on his parents’ dairy farm. Education was of utmost importance to Harold, and he pursued his education at the Ontario Agriculture College, Kemptville Campus and later returned to teach there. After moving to Hanover in 1974, Harold and Lois moved to Bentick Township in 1977 and raised their family on Sleepy Hollow Farms. Harold worked for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Walkerton for over 20 years, and when he retired kept busy with positions as a drainage superintendent for the Municipality of Brockton and West Grey and in the farm equipment industry.
Harold was a proud member of the Crawford United Church, Hanover Masonic Lodge and took pride in his involvement with the Bentick Plowmans Association. Harold had a passion for music and never missed the opportunity to pull out his accordion at any family events, social gatherings and enjoyed playing at local nursing homes and businesses so he could share his love of music with those around him.
To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held. As per his wishes, a celebration of Harold’s life will be held at the Grace United Church on the same day Harold and Lois would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary, November 11th, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, with words of remembrance being shared at 1:30 PM. Family, friends and neighbours are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover. Messages of condolences are welcomed at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
So very sorry for everyone's loss.
- Beccy SpechtSo sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He was a passionate and consistent supporter of Kemptville Alumni and will be missed at future gatherings. Our kindest thoughts are with Lois and family .
Joe & Grace Allison year 68
Lois, Al, Julie and families our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Tim and Rebecca Becker
Lois and family,
The Kemptville College Alumni extend sympathy to you all. Harold was a very proud '65 Agricultural grad who returned to Kemptville to take the Mechanical course in '66. Harold supported the Kemptville College Alumni Historical Building, wrote two books about the college and printed beautiful calendars that many grads had the opportunity to purchase. He enjoyed reunions and will be missed by his classmates from '65. Lois, your classmates from year '67, also send you their support. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Dear Lois & family, please accept our sympathy on the passing of Harold. When I talked with Harold just before the alumni gathering, he told me that the KCAT reunion was just too far to drive this year. I knew then that he was not feeling up to par because he had spent a good part of his working life travelling Ontario's roads. He would rarely miss KCAT reunion, especially his or Lois's special years.
Love, Bruce & Mary-Ellen Garlough KCAT '65 & '66
Dear Lois and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Harold's passing. I have fond memories of my discussions with Harold over the years and, most recently, his positive perspective during a visit at the end of August. When Harold spoke, I listened and learned. Sincere condolences,
Dave Burt
Dear Lois and Family:
How sorry we are to read about your loss. Harold had an amazing presence and will be greatly missed in many circles around the province. We extend our most sincere condolences to all.
Lois & family,
Sincere condolences to you and your family. As a year '65 grad I always looked forward to meeting Harold on a regular basis at our reunions and of course always enjoyed another tune or two on his accordion. He will be missed. Bob Hawley
To Lois and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you. Whether a church service or variety night, Harold was always willing to share his gift of music, his unique blessings and his great sense of humour. He was a cornerstone of our community.
Dorothy and Jim
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family
Big hugs to you all. . .
I'm very sorry for your loss. We lived across the road from Sleepy Hollow. When my husband and I first moved there Harold always made sure our laneway was blown out in the winter and he plowed up our first garden. We liked to sit outside in the summer when Harold and his friends were playing their musical instruments. Harold will be missed by many.
Susan Gristey
Lois, Al, Julie and families - our sincere condolences on Harold's passing. He was always interesting to chat with and curious about anything ag business related. In your hearts he will always be loved and remembered.
Nadine & Mike Schwandt
I'm keeping you and your family, in my thoughts, very sorry to hear of Harold's passing.
I am so sorry for your loss, Lois and would like to offer my condolences to your whole family. It has been far too long since we last met. Hope you are well.
- Sylvia DuganLois… please know that you and your family are in our thoughts as you navigate through this difficult time. We have many fond memories of good times with you and Harold. Deepest condolences.
Bev and Bill Demerling
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences to Lois and family.
- Renate KaufmanMy sincere condolences to you and your family
Attended KAS with Harold and met you a few times at class reunions
You will have many fond memories and family to help you with this transition of life changes. Take care of yourself
I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
I remember Harold as bringing joy, laughter, and music to our various family gatherings that we all enjoyed.
Sincere thoughts to you Lois and family. We always had good visits with Harold and Lois at our Kemptville reunions. I don't believe they missed very many. It was always a treat when Harold got out his accordion and played several tunes on it .He was a wonderful friend and will be truly missed. God Bless Wilfred & Nancy
- Wilfred and Nancy Shier Year '65Julie & family. So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He sounds like a wonderful father! May you be encouraged with the life lessons he taught along his journey.
- Ron & Janice McGuireMy condolences to Lois and the extended Family. Lots of fond memories of the McKnight Family growing up as a member of the Crawford United Church.
- Kevin Chittickmy condolences from a Kemptville graduate
- judy mellorLois and family I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray you will find comfort in knowing I will have you all in my thoughts in the days to follow. May God bless you and keep you safe. Eileen Bell
- Eileen BellMy condolences to Lois and family. As one of Harold‘s many cousins I enjoyed Harold‘s congenial personality. His musical contributions rang loud and clear along with his brother Gordon and other family members. I encourage his family and friends to pick up the torch and carry his memory into the future!
Robert and Nina
My condolences to Lois and the whole family we were neighbors
- Gail cesLois and family.
My condolences on your loss. I last saw Harold in the spring and he was his usual chipper self. Harold retired from OMAF shortly after I started working out of the Walkerton office so we only crossed paths briefly through work but continued to stay in touch through various "OMAF retirees" and local ag functions. When I was operating the on-farm market in Bentinck/West Grey we often had good conversations about the current state of farming and OMAF extension efforts. I could always count on Harold for a funny remark, a smile or insight into the world of ag engineering.
He will be missed.
Andrew Barrie
Sending our condolences to the family and our thoughts are with you's all at this time.
- Lee hodgert/joanne stephenAl and Estelle and family
Sending condolences your way on the farewell to Al's father.
Sorry to hear about Harolds passing. Enjoyed his music and visits with my family. Prayers and condolences to you and family.
Brian and Denise Hudgins
Lois. our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the recent passing of Harold. I remember him coming to the pool to entertain us during aquafit session.
May you have many good memories as you grieve your loss.
Doug and Sheila Long
We are so sorry to hear about Harold's passing!
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
What a blessing to have 81 years of love and memories .May those memories bring you comfort at this hard time .Our family had the pleasure of meeting Harold fairly recently and he holds a special place in our hearts .Doug and Dianne Regier and family,.
- Doug and Dianne Regier and familyWe are so sorry to here of Harold's passing. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
- Chris, Jenn and Cassie Becker
