August 6, 1931 - March 10, 2025
Lorraine Avis Knight, of Prince George, B.C., passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025 at the age of 93, at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia
after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Prince George, Lorraine was the daughter of Josephine and Jock O’Rourke (James Ruark). Her family had deep roots in the community—her grandmother, Madeline Izowsky, was a true Prince George pioneer, co-owning and operating Izowsky & O’Rourke with her daughter Josephine, a successful Ladies’ and Children’s Wear store from the 1920s until 1966. Lorraine attended Prince George Junior-Senior High School, completing Grade 13 before continuing her education in Vancouver in 1951. A glimpse into her future was captured in her 1948 yearbook from grade 11: “Lorraine’s the girl who’s exactly right, She’s small and sweet and short in height, And when she’s out, she’s out by (K)night.”
In 1952, Lorraine married her high school sweetheart, Dene Knight, and together they built a family, raising four children—Lynn, Doug, Bob and Lyle. She dedicated her career to education, working as an elementary school teacher and librarian for the Prince George School District until her retirement from Seymour Elementary School. Even in retirement, Lorraine remained active with the Prince George Retired Teachers’ Association
and went on to author, “First Tracks: Building Ski Culture in Prince George, B.C.” Lorraine and
Dene lived their lives to the fullest, enjoying a remarkably active social and recreational life. They were longtime members of the Prince George Golf & Curling Club and Gyro International. Their love of the outdoors led them to spend cherished time at their cabins at both Purden Ski Village (for endless happy hours) and
Summit Lake. Lorraine often attributed her longevity to northern BC huckleberries and good scotch.
Their adventurous spirit also took them beyond Canada’s borders—sailing their ketch, Knightwind 1, from Vancouver to Costa Rica over several years. Lorraine was a creative and musical soul, and regularly pursued new passions such as the ukulele, writing, drumming and painting.
Lorraine is lovingly remembered by her four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Dene, her parents Josephine and Jock and her siblings Jackie Wallace and Jim O’Rourke.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible staff at Jubilee Lodge for their care and kindness during Lorraine’s final chapter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MS Canada in Lorraine’s memory.