GREENBUSH – Diane C. Knight, 67, died peacefully July 16, 2016, in the arms of “her sweetie,” with her two furry companions at her side, following a gallant fight with her fifth cancer diagnosis.

Born in Rockland on Aug. 20, 1948, she was one of 10 children born to Edwin and Sylvia Korpinen Knight. Growing up in Thomaston, Diane was educated locally and was a graduate of Georges Valley High School, Class of 1966.

Following graduation Diane joined the work force. Always a hard worker, she often had more than one job at a time. For many years she was employed full time with Exotica Woodworking, only to leave her shift and race to a second job. Her family remembers she did this all without a license, either “thumbing” or running from one place to the other. Following her time at Exotica, she also held jobs at North End Marine and Old Town Canoe.

Later in her life, Diane met her soulmate, Mark Buchanan, and together they moved to New York. For a brief time she was employed there until the couple returned to Maine, settling in Greenbush. Here, Diane kept busy and was active in the community, serving as a selectman for several years. During her time as a selectman, she never took a stipend for her work, always giving back what she would have made to the local elementary school. Even when she was out yard saling, she loved finding crayons and art supplies to donate. Most recently her generosity and concern for the children drove her to purchase and donate carbon monoxide detectors for the school, after she read of a tragedy elsewhere.

Diane loved being outdoors, and was an avid fisherman with several favorite “secret” fishing spots. Hunting was another favorite pastime, and more than once she bagged trophy deer, even winning the title of fifth largest antlers in the state. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her two dogs, Helga, a red-tick hound, and Teddy, a Labrador-Malamute mix. They were constantly by her side. She even kept a pet goat that accompanied her on car trips, boat rides and home to Rockland for family gatherings. This same goat also served as a “guard goat” at her home.

She loved helping others, and was willing to do anything for someone in need. Her house was always open with a place to stay, whether it was for a night or a year; she often had a house full of her son's friends, whom she loved like her own.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her parents, and two brothers, Russell and Ellison Knight; Diane is survived by her loving companion, Mark Buchanan of Greenbush; her sons, Peter Beal and his wife, Avi Good, of Rockport, Scott Beal of Warren, and David Beal of Greenbush; her siblings, Wesley Knight and his wife, Linda, and Wayne Knight, all of Rockland, Cindy Cox and her husband, Barry, of Lubec, Carl Knight and his wife, Christine, of Rockland, Lilian Knight and her partner, Kim Martin, of Swanville, Janice Kaufmann and her husband, Karl, of Union, and Jeffrey Knight and his partner, Terri Belyea, of Warren; her grandchildren, Alaric Beal, Cody Beal and Madison Beal; two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Raegan Beal; the mother of her grandchildren whom she thought of as the “daughter she never had,” Andrea Day; her “adopted boys,” Robert Bentley, Michael Whitman, Joseph Cormier, Malcom Robinson and Mike Knight; her best friend with whom she enjoyed a daily game of cribbage, Sandra “Sandy” McKeon of Greenbush; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, July 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A funeral procession to Village Cemetery in Thomaston will follow at 11 a.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

A benefit event to help Diane’s family will be held Friday, July 22, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Rockland, 335 Limerock St. All proceeds from a pot luck supper, cookie jar raffle, lawn sale tables and a live auction will go directly toward funeral expenses for Diane. Sale tables will include a vast collection of lp records and the cookie jars are mostly antiques. Included in the live auction will be gift certificates from The Pearl restaurant in Rockland, a Hoosier Hutch, a piece of Michael Good sterling jewelry and much more.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Helen S. Dunn School, 129 Military Road, Greenbush, ME 04418.