Robert 'Russell' Kight Jr.

Robert “Russell” Kight Jr., 77, of Renfrew passed away Friday.

Russell was born in 1937 in Pittsburgh to the late Helen and Robert R. Kight Sr.

He graduated from West View High school in 1955 and Edinboro State Teachers College in 1959.

After college, Russell served in the U.S. Army as a communications center specialist. He was stationed in Ankara, Turkey. Mr. Kight was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and named Soldier of the Month for February 1960 before being honorably discharged in 1965.

Eventually, Russell went on to become a distinguished art educator and talented metal smith. He taught jewelry at Fox Chapel Area High School for more than 33 years before retiring in 1997. As a teacher, he was deeply admired, inspiring many of his students to go on to become accomplished artists in their own right.

As well, Mr. Kight was actively involved in the art community. He was a member of the Associated Artists of Butler County, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, North Hills Art Center, Pennsylvania Art Education Association and National Art Education Association, among other notable organizations. Russell received numerous awards for his jewelry and was recognized both locally and nationally for his exceptional craftsmanship.

In 1995, Mr. Kight was named Outstanding Secondary Art Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association. Additionally, Mr. Kight was honored to serve as a judge for the Regional Pittsburgh Scholastic Art Awards, a prestigious award and recognition program for creative teenagers whose distinguished alumni include Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol.

Outside of teaching, Mr. Kight's passion was fly-fishing. He spent much of his free time fishing with his son and close friends in streams all across the Keystone state, one year catching more than 3,072 trout and steelhead combined. When Russell took to the stream, fellow anglers would sometimes put down their rods, gather around and watch in amazement as he reeled in trout after trout, releasing one before catching another. In addition, Mr. Kight was an avid supporter of Trout Unlimited and it efforts to protect and sustain our state's wild trout resources.

Russell is survived by his wife of 55 years, Murley Kay Kight of Renfrew; his son, Randy R. Kight of Butler; and several nieces and nephews.

Kight— In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public visitation or service for Robert “Russell” Kight Jr., who passed away Friday, Oct. 24, 2014.Arrangements are by the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Butler.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.