Denman “Den” Winston Knight of Langley was born April 22, 1920 in Everett. Den went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 23, 2009 at the age of 89.
Den graduated from Lake Stevens High School in 1937, continuing on to Washington State College and graduating in 1941.
Den joined the Navy right out of college as an aviation cadet. During his 27 years in the Navy, he served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Den qualified in
44 different aircraft. He served as executive officer of Naval Air Station Adak, Alaska and Naval Air Station China Lake; as an aide to Admiral Perry, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and also served as commanding officer of two squadrons.
Den received 17 medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals during World War II for the rescue of four downed pilots, and 12 battle stars and a Star of Military Merit from the Chilean Navy.
His 27 years in the Navy were spent in various stations throughout the world, including Chile, were he was aviation advisor to the Chilean Navy, and a U.S. ambassador’s pilot. Moving to Seattle in 1965, he was stationed at Sand Point Naval Air Station as ships and crafts officer. He retired from the Navy in 1968.
Den worked as the director of environmental health in Yakima until 1980, then moved to Whidbey Island in 1984 and worked as a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker, Windermere and Dalton Realty for 18 years.
Den enjoyed his breakfasts at Mike’s with his Bible study group, and could sometimes be found watching the pilots do touch-and-go landings at the Naval Outlying Field in Coupeville.
Den is survived by his wife Gwenn; daughters Denne Gold (Charles), Diana Knight, Wende Balma, Karen Allison (Steve) and Lisa Knight; son Matthew Knight; grandchildren Cary Gold, David Gold, John Matthew Knight (Caitlin), Brian Allison, Andrew Knight, Kerri Knight, Charles Knight; two great-grandchildren; and brother David Knight (Betty). He was preceded in death by sister Juanamae Thompson.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at South Whidbey Assembly at 5373 Maxwelton Road, Langley.
