Russell Knight entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 16, 2019. After a four year journey with cancer, he passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 61.

Russell is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Margie Knight; his two children, Ashley (Will) Simmons and Spencer (Jenna) Knight; his two grandchildren, Evelyn and Emma Simmons; his mother, Betty Knight; and his brother, Earl Knight.

A native of Sacramento, Russell was born to Ralph (d. 2015) and Betty Knight on December 11, 1957, at Sutter Memorial Hospital. He was raised to love the good things in life: family, friends, music, laughter, tennis, basketball, drawing, photography, church, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and butter. He professed his faith and was baptized at the age of nine by Pastor Lee Toms at Arcade Baptist Church. Russell was also known to chase a girl or two or three, but it was only to invite them to church.

While growing up at Arcade the junior high group and especially the junior high staff had a significant impact on Russell’s life. His experience lead him to minister to junior high students for 5 years. He shared laughter, hope, and encouragement with hundreds of teenagers. Eventually, Russell became a camp counselor, then head of activities, and finally camp director at Silver Spur Christian camp. He showed junior high students how to be silly while having a deeply-rooted faith in Christ.

During Russell’s collegiate years he was a leader in the college group at Arcade Church. While attending a college retreat at Silver Spur Christian Camp Russell found his way to the camp volleyball court where he met a young woman, Margie Pack who would turn out to be the co-author of their enduring love story. It was Margie’s athletic skills and aerodynamic contours that caught his eye. Immediately after he returned from camp, Russell told his parents I met the girl I’m going to marry and she’s a good volleyball player.

After he graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with an engineering degree, Russell and Margie Knight were married on January 9, 1982 at Arcade Church.

Soon after Russell and Margie moved into their Arden-Arcade home where they raised their family. Together, Russell and Margie remained active in the church and volunteered with the junior high and college groups and mentored young married couples.

The story continues in 1986 when Russell and Margie became the proud parents of their daughter, Ashley. The lovebirds enjoyed parenting so much, they decided to keep practicing and three years later happily welcomed their son, Spencer into the world. And so began the adventures of the Knight Family.

Over the years, Russell and Margie were actively involved in their children’s lives — coaching sports, planning parties, and family vacations.

Throughout his time at Arcade, Russell developed meaningful relationships with fellow members and became a loved and respected leader. He served as a member on the Arcade Church Elder Board and as Head Elder. Most recently, Russell and Margie led and encouraged young married couples in a Love and Respect group for over ten years.

During his 36 year career with Western Area Power Administration, Russell provided support and leadership on many projects including the California- Oregon Transmission Project, Sacramento Voltage Support Project, as well as working as a specialist, analyst, and liaison with entities such as the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In 2017, Russell received the Exceptional Service Award for his outstanding career. Russell enjoyed his job and the wonderful people with whom he worked.

Russell and Margie had the privilege of seeing both Ashley and Spencer graduate from college. Together, they had the pleasure of watching their children marry. In 2013 and again in 2015, Russell and Margie were overjoyed to become grandparents. As their family grew, Russell continued to lead the family fun. Whether taking trips to the family cabin, or telling silly knock-knock jokes to the grandchildren, Russell made everything fun.

The legacy Russell leaves behind is measured in the smirks and laughter, the goofiness and seriousness, in the butter and bacon, the kitchen dances and the evening walks, the rounds of golf and the trips to Carmel, the music and the pictures, the kindness, the encouragement, the faith, and the love that he shared with everyone in his life.