Roy Knight

Roy Arthur Knight passed away in Harpswell, Maine, on Aug. 10, 2026, at the age of 71, with his wife, Debra, and their three children, Ryan, Rachael, and William, by his side. Born in Brunswick, Maine, Roy was the son of William R. Knight and Gertrude L. (Barnes) Knight. He attended West Harpswell Grammar School and graduated from Brunswick High School.

Once out of high school, Roy started his lifelong fishing career. From swordfishing to long-lining, dragging and lobster fishing, and from the Grand Banks to south of the Florida Keys, it was the thrill of the chase. Roy was hooked.

In August 1987 he married Debra L. Fortin, and they made their home in their farmhouse in Harpswell across the street from where Roy grew up. As Roy’s dad, Bill, would say, “Roy never got very far in life, moving just across the street.” Roy and Deb, along with Roy’s mother, Gertrude, later built a home together at the shore.

His eight grandchildren were a constant source of joy for him. He was very adept at adjusting his play to suit each of their unique personalities. He loved them dearly and enjoyed playing hide and seek, reading the funny papers, and, of course, the “Look what I cooked for you, Gampy or Gamps!” One of their favorite pastimes was sitting on Gampy’s knee for a spirited ride to an old horse-ride jingle. Roy spent many evenings looking at the world map that hung in his man cave, with his children and grandchildren, when they asked about faraway places or needed help with their geography assignments.

A lifelong learner, Roy had an insatiable curiosity about the world and its history, which inspired his travels, especially the many road trips he took across the United States with Debra and their children. Their adventures included a cruise through the Panama Canal and, most recently, a memorable trip to Virgin Gorda with friends.

Roy was a devoted and supportive uncle to his many nieces and nephews and took great joy in hearing about their pursuits and accomplishments. He especially loved gathering family and friends around the table and was delighted to host large Thanksgiving celebrations at home each year. After a plentiful meal and a long walk outdoors, guests were treated to lobster rolls, the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Roy never hesitated to open his home and his heart to others. Whether a lifelong friend or someone who found themselves far from home, he had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, included and part of the family.

In 1980, Roy joined the Interstate Lobster Co-op, beginning a career that spanned decades on the water. Over the course of his lobstering career, he fished three vessels: the Nan-Sea, the original Pioneer and a 42-foot Duffy built 29 years ago and also named Pioneer. Roy served as president of Interstate Lobster Co-op from 1982-1984, again from 2007-2010, and from 2012-2022.

During his tenure, Roy played a key role in the purchase of the wharf from King Fisheries, ensuring its future as home to the Interstate Lobster Co-op. He also helped secure a working waterfront grant that funded significant wharf improvements in 2019. Today, the wharf serves as a vital hub for more than 100 fishermen and 32 boats, supporting Maine’s working waterfront and the generations of fishermen who depend upon it.

After a fellow lobsterman lost his life in an accident on the water in 1991, Roy and his wife, Debra, stepped forward to provide Christmas gifts for the family. From that effort, the Harpswell Santa Fund was born and grew into a year-round, townwide nonprofit organization that continues to support local families.

For many years, Roy quietly served as Santa Claus, preferring to remain anonymous. As a result, many people never knew he was the person behind the red suit and white beard. Even last year, Roy could be found visiting some of Harpswell’s older residents dressed as Santa, continuing a tradition that brought smiles to people throughout the community.

Beginning in 2015, Roy worked alongside American Legion Post 171 and began visiting veterans at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta. Each holiday season, he and his dedicated team of “elves” prepared a feast of lobster rolls using fresh lobster meat donated by dealers with whom Roy and Interstate Lobster Co-op had long-standing relationships. Dressed as Santa, Roy listened intently as veterans shared stories of their lives and service, along with the occasional off-color joke that brought laughter to the group.

These gatherings became a holiday tradition and an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifices of local veterans. The annual visits continued for many years and ended only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether through the Harpswell Santa Fund, his visits with veterans, or his role as Santa Claus, Roy was a familiar presence in the community during the holiday season.

In 1987, after good-natured banter with a fellow lobsterman about who had the faster boat, Roy and his fellow co-op member decided to launch the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, which became part of Maine’s lobster boat racing circuit. What started as a friendly challenge grew into a popular community event that continues to draw participants and spectators from across the state. Roy took great pride in ensuring the races benefited a greater cause, with proceeds from entry fees and merchandise sales supporting the Harpswell Santa Fund and local families in need. More than 1,200 people attended the races last year, a testament to both the event’s success and the community spirit behind it.

A lifelong resident of Harpswell, Roy was also dedicated to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter with Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue for 23 years. Whether on the water, at the fire station, or supporting local families through his many charitable efforts, Roy’s commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Roy was predeceased by his sister, Margaret. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Debra; his son, Ryan Knight, and his partner, Erin, and their children, Emily, Dillon, and Ella; his daughter, Rachael, and her husband, PJ, and their children, Ava and Blake; and his son, William, and his wife, Jessica, and their children, Kaydance, Barrett, and Quinn. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Our hearts wrap around Dustin and Dillon for bringing Roy and the Pioneer safely into port.

A public celebration of life will be held on Sept. 15, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at The Dolphin Marina and Restaurant. Memories and condolences can be shared at brackettfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, which may be made online at harpswellneckfireandrescue.org/donate or by mail to Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 8, Harpswell, ME 04079. (Note on the check: In memory of Roy Knight.)