Gary L. Knight ... ran excavation company; at 71

STRAFFORD - Gary L. Knight, 71, of Strafford, died peacefully at home on Oct. 15, 2023, after fighting colon cancer for nearly two and a half years.

He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 2, 1952, to Alan and Beatrice (Pitman) Knight where Alan was stationed with the USAF. Gary attended elementary school in Barrington and Strafford, and was a 1970 graduate of Spaulding High School. He worked for various local construction companies, primarily Tilcon in Farmington. He also spent many winters plowing snow for the Town of Strafford, where he lived for all but a few years of his life.

Gary had a lifelong dream of owning his own company. That dream was realized in 2005 when he established Haylex Excavation, named for his four grandchildren, which he operated until his retirement in 2021.

Gary took great pride in his family and his work. He enjoyed antique cars and had been a member of the Granite State Street Rodders in the 1980s. He also loved antique trucks and tractors, especially construction and snow plowing equipment. He was a talented dozer, grader, and excavator operator, and occasionally designed and fabricated his own tractor attachments.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alan and Beatrice. He will be truly missed by his friends, new and old, and his growing family; his wife Emily (Drapeau) Knight; son Gary Knight and his wife Stacie of Rochester; son Andrew Knight of Strafford; brother Michael Knight and wife Grace of Strafford; granddaughter Kaylee Tibbetts and husband Mathew; grandsons Hayden and Alex Knight; granddaughter Amber Knight; great-grandchildren Nevaeh and Parker Tibbetts; niece Lindsey Knight and her son Carson Schoenbucher.

Earlier this year Gary expressed a desire to see his extended family and friends before he became too ill. To meet that desire his family threw a belated surprise birthday party in June, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Gary and his family greatly appreciate all of those that attended. That party served as his memorial. Therefore, as Gary requested, no funeral services will be held.

Gary's family urges everyone to take their health seriously, and to please follow the guidance of their health care providers regarding preventative tests and screenings.