Alan Stephen Knight

Alan Stephen Knight, 89, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away at home on Monday, June 5^th, 2026, after a life marked by adventure, curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering willingness to follow wherever circumstance led.

Born to Stephen G. and Julie Knight in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Alan often took great delight in sharing his uniquely memorable birth date: 3-7-37, a simple detail that gave him a distinctive start in life. Devoting more energy to enjoying life than to academics, a choice he never regretted, Alan graduated from Highland Park High School in New Jersey and enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He served from 1955 - 1959, which included a memorable year filled with Eskimos and arctic foxes on Baffin Island in the subarctic west of Greenland.

Alan’s life was ‘a buffet of experience.’  He worked in Real Estate appraisal, photography, and boat building.  An adventurer with an insatiable curiosity about the world around him, Alan loved traveling, ultimately, visiting every state except Alaska.  Although Alan spent the last 48 years of his life in Iowa, he carried with him cherished memories from the many places he had called home and explored, including the mountains of New Hampshire, the beaches of Florida, and the deserts and canyons of Arizona. Yet despite the many years spent elsewhere, Alan remained deeply connected to his roots and always considered himself, at heart, a Jersey boy.

Alan’s first two marriages brought four children into his life, while his third marriage to Patricia became the great love story of his later years—one he proudly summed up as “Jackpot! Pure gold!”   He shared thirty-one wonderful years with his beloved wife and first mate, whom he affectionately called his “irreplaceable treasure.” More than a wife, Patricia was his best friend, trusted companion, fellow adventurer, and steadfast partner through their many journeys. Together, the captain and his first mate embarked on countless adventures, including several years cruising the East Coast aboard Solitude Seeker, their sailing catamaran.

Reflecting on his life, Alan wrote, “My life was lived as fate and circumstance dictated. I had my allotted time, and I enjoyed each of my eighty-nine years.”  Alan wished for no sorrow at his passing. “The empty space I leave behind should be filled with laughter and smiles. As a Zen master once said, ‘There is nothing left to us but to have a good laugh.’”

Alan left this world after living life fully and on his own terms. He leaves behind more than a few mysteries that may never be solved. We can only imagine him now, laughing heartily as he watches us try to piece together the answers, if there are any.  He is survived by his wife, Patricia, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him. In accordance with his wishes, Alan was cremated, and his family plans to spread his ashes at a later date, returning him to the places and memories he held dear.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Rescue League in Alan's memory, celebrating his love for animals and the special bond he shared with his beloved Pussycat, who stayed faithfully by his side until the end.

"My lifeline followed the path that fate dictated, for fate conquers all.  I have                    become energy transformed.”

(Captain) Alan Stephen Knight

March 7, 1937 – June 5, 2026