Alan McKnight

Alan Scott McKnight, born September 22, 1950, in the United Kingdom, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.

Alan was a proud Scotsman who, in the 1980s, made the difficult decision to move his family to Canada in search of adventure and new opportunities. He lived most of his Canadian years in Kitchener-Waterloo. Upon retiring, wanderlust led him to Vietnam and Cambodia, where he travelled and lived for seven years, before once again returning to Canada to make Toronto his home.

No matter where he lived, he carried with him an unshakable Scottish accent, a cowboy spirit, and an indelible sense of humour.

A skilled tool and die maker by trade, he had the rare gift of being able to fix almost anything, or at least tell you exactly how it should have been done.

He loved telling stories of his early years in Scotland, although the lines between actual memories and scenes from Peaky Blinders was getting blurrier through the years.

He was a loving father to his daughters, Rachael and Francine, and a proud father-in-law to Damir and Chris. He adored his granddaughters Sydney (Peter) and Samira, and had the joy of meeting his brand new great-granddaughter Sloane before his passing. He is also survived by his dog Jasper, a faithful companion.

Alan will be lovingly remembered by his sister Karen, brothers Jim and John (and families), niece Kirsty (and family), and nephews Ian and wee John. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia (Thomas) McKnight. He was proud to have been brother-in-law and uncle to the whole Thomas clan.

Alan was a devoted family man, a respected co-worker, and loyal friend. He will be remembered for his wit, his charm, his humour, his stories, and the way he could make a backyard chair and a dog at his feet look like a perfect day’s work.

Donations can be made in Alan’s name to the Kitchener-Waterloo or Toronto Humane Society.