Damon Francis Michael Knight

Damon Francis Michael Knight (formerly Francis Michael Topolski), age 70, of Buda, TX 78610, formerly living in Houston, TX 77034, returned to his spirit home on Tuesday May 14th, 2013. Damon was born March 25th, 1943 in Utica, NY (304 Blandina St.) His parents were Adolph Topolski and Genevieve (Galka) Topolski. Damon attended local schools in Utica including St. Mary's Catholic School where he received his First Holy Communion on May 21st 1950. He attended the Utica Free Academy and graduated in 1961. Damon later attended and graduated in 1962 from Mohawk Valley Technical Institute with an

Associate's Degree in Advertising. He served with the United States Air Force, stationed at Nellis Air force Base in Las Vegas, NV (1963-1967) and was honorably discharged. He was dedicated to furthering his education and completed a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Psychology at Peru State College, NE in 1969 and a Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, WI. He was also certified as a secondary teacher and rehabilitation counselor.

Damon wore a lot of hats and was a dynamic leader in vocational rehabilitation, working in various capacities including as a Director of: Kelly Workshop Inc. in Athens, GA , Gulf Coast Regional Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center/Growth Unlimited in Alvin TX, Beaumont State Center in Beaumont, TX and for Oyster Creek Industries under the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (now DADS). Over multiple years he also enjoyed his employment as a schematic designer with NASA.

Damon retired after ten years with the Social Security Administration and after running his own small businesses. Damon was an avid fisherman, sailor and bowler, as well as an accomplished artist who had many art pieces in local shows and galleries.

In 2003 at age 60, Damon was given 6 months to live after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery and suffering multiple heart attacks. He had a long battle with congestive heart failure, diabetes and renal failure. Despite his doctor's grim diagnosis and debilitating illnesses, Damon never gave up on pursuing his goals and dreams. During his retirement he continued writing two books, in addition to producing numerous paintings and working on other various projects. At the age of 64 he started an acting career. At the age of 69 he returned to pursue additional studies at Texas State University in Studio Art which was a lifelong passion of his. With dedication to his health and natural healing, he was able to extend his life for an additional 10 years with the help of his eldest daughter Dina, an accomplished holistic foods chef. Even in spite of his numerous health challenges he always had a strong spirit and will to live.

On February 12th, 1970 Damon married Madeleine Danielle Lárman, a union of 43 years. Damon is survived by his wife Madeleine, and three grown children: his son Michael Knight of New Haven CT, his daughter- in-law Johanna and his two grandchildren Winston Michael Knight and Audrey Madeleine Knight. He is also survived by his daughters Dina Rae Knight of Austin, TX, and Danna Lynn Knight of Buda, TX. He also leaves his cousins Michael Crouse, Sandra Killino, Elizabeth Rozpad, John Bator Jr., Ronald Bator and their families and many others not listed. Helen Topolski is his surviving sister-in-law.

He was preceded in death recently by his younger brother Eugene Gregory Topolski. He was also preceded in death by his older brother Gregory Topolski and his father and mother (Adolph and Genevieve Topolski).

There will be no local services in Austin. Damon's body will be laid to rest at sea in the NY area, day and location TBD. His son Reverend Michael Knight will conduct a memorial service on board ship to commemorate Damon's love of nautical life. For more information on the sea burial memorial service, please contact his daughter Dina Knight at [email protected]. A commemorative website is also being designed to display Damon's art and written works.