TERRY KNIGHT
Feb. 18, 1936-April 12, 2026
Terry Knight, 90, died Sunday surrounded by family and friends. A loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather who served his country, he was known for his love of all things outdoors.
An avid hunter and fisherman who grew up in Minnesota before moving to Lake County, Terry acquired a knowledge of Clear Lake that was second to none. One of the lake’s fiercest protectors, Knight spoke of his love for America’s oldest lake often in a column he penned for the Lake County Record-Bee newspaper for nearly four decades, and on a radio show along with co-host Greg Giusti for several years until health issues forced him from the airwaves.
Terry helped run what was America’s largest team bass tournament for a time in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a tournament that continues to this day.
A fishing guide on Clear Lake, Knight also held guided deer, pig and turkey hunts. He was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame in 2020.
Knight spoke at many events highlighting the beauty of Clear Lake, served on many advisory committees and boards, city, county and otherwise, and was one of Lake County’s biggest proponents. Though he believed in speaking up for the lake and county, he never was one to hold back when criticism was warranted, and he tried to bring all sides in a debate together to work for the betterment of the lake and county.
Terry’s collection of stories acquired over a lifetime were truly amazing. From the time he was surrounded on a hill as a civilian engineer in Vietnam to the time he watched an engine fall off a plane that he was aboard, Knight lived a full and complete life. There were also many, many stories about that big fish that got away.
Knight always had a smile on his face and kind words for his many friends. He will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life for Knight is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
