Raymond Knight

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Knight_(rodeo_organizer)

Oscar Raymond ("Ray") Knight (8 April 1872 – 7 February 1947) was a prominent Latter-day Saint settler of what is today Southern Alberta. Knight instituted the Raymond Stampede, the oldest and longest-running rodeo in Canada and is considered the first rodeo stock contractor.

The son of mining magnate Jesse Knight and his wife Amanda, Knight was born in Payson, Utah Territory. After filling a full-time proselytizing mission in England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Knight took an active part with his father in his various business undertakings. Notably, Knight was closely involved in the establishment and settlement of Raymond, Alberta, a town named in his honour by his father.

While living in Raymond, Knight managed his father's ranch, which consisted of approximately 400,000 acres (1,600 km2) of land stocked with over 15,000 head of cattle and 40,000 head of sheep. Knight held many honours and trophies for his skill in calf and steer roping. In 1902, Knight organized the first Raymond Stampede, the first organized rodeo to be held in Canada. At the inaugural event, Knight himself took first prize in the steer roping competition.

Knight was married to Isabelle Smith in 1894 and had three children from this marriage: Uarda, Raymond, and Kenneth. Knight had five other children from his second marriage to Charlotte Maud Heninger: Owen, Wayne, Jesse, Charlotte, and Mary.

Knight has been inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Raymond Sports Hall of Fame, the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Knight has been called the "Father of Canadian Stampedes", the "Father of Canadian Professional Rodeo" and the "Father of Canadian Calf Roping."

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https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/42189695

OSCAR RAYMOND KNIGHT was born April 8, 1872 at Payson, Utah. He grew up on the ranch home west of Payson. Here he learned the skills of farming and caring for livestock. He was educated in Payson and the Brigham Young Academy. He filled a mission for his church in England. In 1901 he was sent to Southern Alberta by his father to look over the new country. He decided to make it his home. His father bought large areas and Raymond did, too. The town of Raymond was named after him.

Raymond Knight was a big man, both in stature, ideas, and ambition, and his generous heart was in keeping with his size. He bought quality animals for his herds and sold or loaned them to settlers. He donated land for parks and schools. He had large holding of land and managed the Knight Sugar Company. Yet, he had time for sports, and community activities to enrich the lived of everyone.

He organized the first stampede in Canada at Raymond. He had stampedes all over the continent and was one of the original organizers of the Calgary Stampede.

In 1917 his father asked him to return to Utah to help with the other family interests. After discussing the Canadian affairs with his father, they decided he was more fit for Alberta and returned to Raymond.

Mr. Knight's wife was, Isabelle Smith, and they had 5 children prior to coming to Alberta. She lived in Raymond for a number of years but her health required her to move back to Provo, Utah where she died.

Mr. Knight's second wife was Charlotte Maud Heninger. She was the mother of 3 sons and 2 daughters. In 1942 he suffered a stroke and died February 7, 1947.

Oscar Raymond Knight was a robust gentleman. His father was the founder of the town but Raymond Knight was the builder.

Roundup, May 1967, pg.33-36