Rothnell "Rocky" Knight passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica, one of eleven children in a large and close-knit family. He often shared stories of growing up with his brother and sisters, helping tend crops and care for animals, and spending countless hours outdoors. Those early years shaped the quiet determination, resilience, generosity, and strong work ethic that defined him throughout his life.
He completed his psychiatric nursing training at Bellevue Hospital in Jamaica and earned his certification through the General Nursing Council of Jamaica. In 1965, he immigrated to Canada with three friends, first settling briefly in Kentville, Nova Scotia, before making northern New Brunswick his lifelong home. He settled in Tide Head and devoted more than 35 years to psychiatric nursing at the Restigouche Hospital.
At a time when very few Black men worked in psychiatric nursing in Atlantic Canada, Rocky quietly helped pave the way for those who followed. He believed deeply in providing "exceptional care," treating every patient with dignity, compassion, and respect. A devoted professional, he mentored generations of nursing students, always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.
It was in northern New Brunswick that Rocky met the love of his life, Victoria ("Vicky"), his chérie. Married in 1971, they shared 55 wonderful years together and enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and abroad, creating treasured memories. A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Rocky especially enjoyed visiting England during Wimbledon.
Rocky loved the outdoors, sports, and staying active. He enjoyed badminton, bowling, soccer, skiing, and Taekwondo, earning his First Dan Black Belt. Tennis, however, was his greatest passion. If rain interrupted play, Rocky was often the first on the court with a squeegee, determined to get everyone back to the game. He immersed himself in every aspect of the sport, even purchasing a ball machine to perfect his game. Vicky often joked that she should have had a bed installed at the tennis courts.
Rocky was a devoted husband, a loving father to his daughter, Melanie, whose accomplishments he celebrated with quiet pride and unwavering encouragement, and a cherished father-in-law to Tony, with whom he shared a love of the outdoors. His greatest joy in later years was becoming "Grandpa" to his beloved granddaughter, Adélaida. Whether teaching her to ride a bicycle, playing tennis, or sharing everyday adventures, every moment with Adélaida was a gift he treasured.
Although Canada became his home, Jamaica never left his heart. As his brother and sisters made their homes across the United States and England, Rocky treasured their reunions, family vacations, and visits to Canada. Their time together was always filled with stories, laughter, music, and spirited games of dominoes. He was equally embraced by Vicky's family in Caraquet, where the language barrier never diminished the deep affection they shared, and by his extended family in Tanzania, who welcomed him as one of their own.
Rocky delighted in crossword puzzles, music that ranged from Peter Tosh to Andrea Bocelli, legendary backyard barbecues – especially his famous ribs – and spending time with family and friends. Guided by a deep sense of fairness and social justice, he believed everyone deserved dignity, opportunity, and respect. In retirement, he continued serving his community through Meals on Wheels and on a committee dedicated to electoral reform.
Rocky will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Victoria ("Vicky"); his daughter, Melanie; his son-in-law, Tony; his cherished granddaughter, Adélaida; his siblings, extended family, and many dear friends in Canada, Jamaica, and Tanzania. He will be remembered for a life of quiet service, unwavering integrity, and deep devotion to those he loved.
A heartfelt thank you to the management (especially Marilyn) and staff at Windsor Court, and to the extraordinary team at Thomas Hall – including management, RNs, LPNs, CCAs, dietary, recreation, restorative, and Compass staff – for the compassion, dignity, and exceptional care you showed throughout his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Your kindness, patience, and unwavering support brought comfort not only to him, but to our entire family, and for that we will be forever grateful.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.