FromdaBurgh Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 Hey Zip family...If you have not already heard, Mr. Mcknight (Chris and Brett's dad) passed away sometime this morning. I do not have any details, but I heard the news on facebook. My heart is soooo heavy, even now, as I am sharing this with you all, but if any of you knew Mr. McKnight like I did...he was a blast, a HUGE supporter of the Zips and a fun person to be around. He will be sorely missed! It just won't be the same without him! Please keep the family in your prayers and send a shout out of love, if you have a way of contacting them! RWG...Mr. McKnight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Quote
Valpo Zip Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 I am so sorry to hear that. My prayers go to this soul and for the Mcknight family. Quote
ZippyRulz Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks for letting us know. He was a great supporter of his sons and their teams. Quote
johnnyzip84 Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 Will definitely miss his presence at the JAR. Thoughts and prayers go out to Chris, Brett and the whole family. Quote
The Hip Zip Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 RIP Phil, you had the heart of a lion and I was fortunate to get to know you. I'll never forget the BG game up at their place because of you. Quote
Blue & Gold Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 Oh, my. That is really awful news. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McKnight, but, even from my seat in the upper GA on the other side of the arena, I could tell he was a fantastic father! He was always both present and supportive of his boys. Throughout the games I would often see them glance up to his seats in lower reserved. You could sometimes hear Mr. McKnight's shouts of encouragement over all the other ruckus in the JAR. I remember he used to occassionally make funny faces (BIIIIG smiles ) at Chris in order to help get Chris to relax and just enjoy the game. The McKnights used to have the entire team over for lasagna when they'd travel south to play OU. This will be a difficult loss for the McKnight young men. But, if they're anything like their father, and I'm sure they are, they're going to be more than just fine. Prayers. Quote
Zip_ME87 Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 I'm so sorry to read this. Phil was awesome! I first met him in line to get into the arena in Portland in 2009 and talked with him at every home game after that. I also fondly remember that BG game TheHipZip mentioned. Absolutely a great guy. Quote
Captain Kangaroo Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 Profoundly sad news. Great man. Absolute fixture at the JAR for several years. Thanks for everything, Phil. Your family's presence on the UA campus made it an immeasurably better place. Quote
FromdaBurgh Posted November 16, 2011 Author Report Posted November 16, 2011 His favorite quote: INTEGRITY OF THE GAME!!!! Quote
Zip_ME87 Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 EDIT: updated link http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/artic...cKnight-Sr-dies Quote
Dave in Green Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 I didn't know Phil McKnight personally. But I knew him the way so many other Zips basketball fans knew him, because he made himself heard by all at Zips basketball games. He was the conscience of all MAC officials with his constant reminders of the importance of the Integrity Of The Game! And then there were all the stories about him on ZN.o from those who did know him, or who relayed stories about him from those who knew him. And they were all good stories, because Phil McKnight was obviously a good man. You could see it in his sons who represented Zips basketball and UA so well. You knew they came from a good, strong family headed by a good, strong man. The story in the Lancaster Eagle Gazette confirms what Phil McKnight meant to the people of his hometown. It's sad that he's gone from among us, that we'll no longer hear his strong voice booming out at a Zips basketball game. But that voice will echo in our minds for years to come. He'll always be a part of Zips basketball, and we'll remember him with great fondness and respect. Quote
GoZips Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 Its one in the morning and I just read Game Changer's, post. My heart stopped. I love this man. I talked to him so many times at Zips games. He was a true warrior. God bless Beth and the all four of the sons. Integrity of the game ... !!!! Quote
Zip Watcher Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 A very sad loss for everyone who knew him. VCD Phil! Quote
ZippyforPresident Posted November 18, 2011 Report Posted November 18, 2011 I don't think I'll ever be able to understand how such terrible things can happen to such good people. At the end of the day, all any of us can do is hope to leave this world a better place than we found it and Mr. McKnight certainly did just that. Thoughts and prayers to the McKnight family. Quote
GoZips Posted November 18, 2011 Report Posted November 18, 2011 I don't think I'll ever be able to understand how such terrible things can happen to such good people. At the end of the day, all any of us can do is hope to leave this world a better place than we found it and Mr. McKnight certainly did just that. Thoughts and prayers to the McKnight family. Amen Quote
MDZip Posted November 18, 2011 Report Posted November 18, 2011 I never got to meet Phil but he was definitely one of the most recognizable Zips fans whether it was on TV or you were there in person. Seemed to be a man who truly loved the game. My condolences to the McKnight family as well. The Zips family has lost a great friend. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.