Frank The Tree Man A Knight

The Tree Man,

103

YARMOUTH -- Frank A. Knight, 103, a resident of Yarmouth, died on May 14, 2012, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

He was born in Pownal on Oct. 17, 1908, the son of Frank A. Knight and Kate Hodsdon Knight.

He attended school in Pownal and graduated from North Yarmouth Academy. His education continued at the University of Maine and graduated with a B.S. degree in Forestry.

After working with the paper industry he began his own business as a pulpwood and timber dealer, land clearing contractor and blueberry grower.

In 1933 he married Frances Mann of Yarmouth. His wife of over 60 years died in 1994.

Frank was active in community affairs and served in many positions. He was a member of the First Parish Congregational Church for over 60 years and treasurer of the Ministerial Fund for 30 years, a member of first Yarmouth Planning Board and the Conservation Committee. Frank served as a trustee for North Yarmouth Academy for 26 years, the Merrill Memorial Library, Riverside Cemetery 30 plus years, and the Robert W. Boyd Award Fund for over 40 years. In 1983 Frank was publicly honored with the Latchstring Award for service to the community.

In 1956 Frank was appointed as a volunteer Tree Warden for the town of Yarmouth, a position which he held for over 52 years. He may be best remembered for his interest, work and dedication to help care for and preserve elm trees, specifically, the largest elm tree in New England, the famous 'Herbie.'

In 2010 Frank was honored to be named the Grand Marshall of the Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade.

Survivors include his son, Richard with his wife Joyce of North Yarmouth; two grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Sara, and Andrea Knight; along with two great-grandchildren, Maddie and Annie; and a niece, Meredith Dalessandro.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 2 p.m., at the First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth. A reception will follow in the church. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories and tributes with Frank's family.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute to an (a)

organization of choice

or to Hospice.

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'Herbie' the elm's caretaker dies at 103

By Kelley Bouchard [email protected]

Staff Writer

YARMOUTH — One of the town's most revered citizens, former Tree Warden Frank Knight, died this morning at the age of 103.

click image to enlargeIn this December 2009photo, Frank Knight, then 101, stands in front of an elm tree known as "Herbie" in Yarmouth.

AP

click image to enlargeFrank Knight in an August 2009 photo.

John Patriquin / Staff Photographer

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A dedicated and active community member for decades, Knight died in hospice care following a long illness, said Town Manager Nat Tupper.

Knight was best known for his 50-year effort to save a 217-year-old American elm tree, nicknamed "Herbie," which stood at East Main Street and Yankee Drive.

The tree, thought to have been the oldest of its kind in New England, had Dutch elm disease and was finally cut down in January 2010.

Knight, then 101, was there to see it happen. When asked if he was sad to see the tree go, Knight said no.

''Nothing lasts forever," Knight said. "We had a great, beautiful relationship, and I thank God every night for it."

Tupper described Knight as a person with a brilliant mind and a genuine sense of caring for others.

"He was a delightful person," Tupper said.

Deb Hopkins, a friend, told the Associated Press that Knight will be laid to rest in a coffin made from Herbie's wood.

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