Philip J. Knight
September 6, 2019
Philip J. Knight, Retired Surgeon, died last week at age 76. He served South Central Kansas from 1982-2012, the majority of that time as its only pediatric surgeon. He departed happy, a little sooner than he had hoped, there was still so much more to see, do and dream. He is grateful to his patients and their trusting parents. He thanks his excellent pediatric colleagues who made his busy practice bearable. But he is most thankful for his late son, James, and wife of 50 years, Laura. She brought him joy while trying to keep him in line. He is also grateful for his 7 siblings, which made life fun. He would like to deeply thank Dr. Dennis Moore and Dr. Keck Hartman who served him so well until the end. Per his instructions, he was buried quickly and quietly. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Laura, we are so sorry for your loss. We had the greatest respect for Dr. Knight as a skilled surgeon and an excellent teacher. He took care of so many of our patients for so many years. He also brought out the best in us- challenged us, kept us on our toes, and made us better.
Dr Knight was one of my most helpful and most respected consultants. Rest in peace.
Dr Knight was my favorite surgeon to work with. He set the bar high and I became be a better nurse in return. Some of my best memories include him, or his patients. To earn his respect was the the biggest honor for myself as a nurse. A man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. He was a highly respected professional and if you were lucky enough to get past his wall, he was a big teddy bear with a big heart. May he rest in peace.
Phil was a great surgeon, and I will miss him. Suzie and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Laura. Dick
I always enjoyed working with Dr. Knight with our surgical infants. I recall one evening about 30 years ago when he had to stay late for an unscheduled, emergency surgery, (again), and he called home to explain. He was on the phone (a land line with a coiled up cord) with James who was maybe 4 years old and he explained the surgery to him, twisting the phone cord as if his son could see the bowel. It was adorable to listen to him answer the questions that James posed. Though private, he was very proud of his family. Dr. Knight was an instrumental part of our pediatric community and I will always appreciate that. My condolences to his family.
Dear Laura, I was saddened to hear of Dr. Philip’s passing. Why it seems like only yesterday that I saw him at a nurses retirement on the Via Christi-St Francis campus, commenting on his own retirement himself. What wonderful contributions he made to the Wichita medical community! Many patients and families benefitted from his surgical expertise. I don’t know if you remember me or not but as a now retired pediatric speech-language pathologist, I had the pleasure of working with James as a young child. James, you, and Dr. Philip have always held a special place in my heart. I’ve heard that you have a love for gardening, Laura–as do I. I hope that you find some peace and tranquility in your garden during this difficult time and are comforted by the many wonderful memories you shared with Philip and James. Please take care, Laura. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marilyn Kelly-Browne
Susan and I are sorry to learn of Phil’s death. He was a good friend and colleague. I could always count on him for his help and expertise. Our deep condolences go out to Laura.
I will forever be grateful to Dr. Knight for his knowledge, skill and confidence. He treated our son, Zack, who had a very serious condition at birth, and I will never forget how impressed I was with his ability to surgically correct the problem and give our 1 year old a normal life. He seemed almost larger than life to me. I am saddened to learn of his passing and will always remember Dr. Knight with the highest regard. Job well done, sir. Your memory will never die with us.
Laura, Jane and I are so sorry for your loss. You and Phil were pillars in the Wichita medical community and his passing is a sad occasion for all those who knew and worked with him. Burt and Jane Odenheimer
Phil, you were a good uncle, somebody I always admired from afar. Your gifts and dedication as a surgeon helped many children and families, and your presence on this planet, 76 years but far too short, will be missed dearly by those who loved you, those who knew you and those whose lives you touched. Love, JP
Dr. Knight, I don’t know what made me go online and look up your name just now, but I did, and found you had passed just last month. You saved the life of my daughter born with TE fistula back on 9/3/91; you performed surgery on her when she was 17.5 hours old. She’s 28 years old now, master’s degree in criminal justice at 23, engaged now, and giving back to the community and has a deep passion for protecting those affected by domestic violence. You, sir, did a good deed of the kind I can only hope to aspire. Her younger brother and I thank you for her life! She is an amazing, smart, caring, beautiful, spit-fire of a human being! Peace, dear sir, and see you on the other side!
Our family lighted a candle in memory of your loss.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
An outstanding surgeon, I really enjoyed working with you. I can’t imagine Wichita without you. Al Ross, MD