Michael D. Knight died peacefully at his home in Detroit on August 26 after a short but valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

He was born on June 28, 1944 in Ludlow to Michael and Eleanor Taugher. After a number of childhood transitions, Mike was adopted in his mid-teens by Richard and Jane Knight in Amherst. He became one of six siblings.

During high school, Mike chose to move with the family to Grosse Pointe, Mich. He remained a loving and loyal part of the Knight family for the rest of his life.

Mike was a talented artist, musician and craftsman. He enjoyed taking on new interests such as furniture building in the farmhouse style, and tinkering with motors. He loved hot rods and old motorcycles, and had a prized vintage Indian motorcycle.

He collected classic and unusual guitars. In Detroit during the 1960s, he formed a jug band and later a rock/blues band named The Lords, in which he sang and played guitar or keyboard. Wherever he went, he had a way of drawing people into conversations. He was also a great letter writer and made a point of keeping in touch with family and friends.

He generously shared his love of nature, gardening and photography with photo series of his garden, flowering trees and plants around Detroit.

He created series of paintings of his beloved New England and Martha’s Vineyard memories, and surreal or edgy Detroit scenes. His artwork is cherished by family, friends and patrons who purchased it from art shows.

Mike enjoyed spending time on Chappaquiddick with family whenever he could break away from his life and work in Detroit. For many years, he worked in construction before going to work for the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development in Detroit. He appreciated the nonprofit’s goal to provide housing for low-income residents.

Mike is survived by siblings: Robert Knight and his wife Audrey, Laura Lowenstein and her husband Matt, Margaret Knight and her husband Sidney Morris, Dorothy Knight, and his sister in law Daryl Knight. He is also survived by nephews and nieces Benjamin Knight, Gabrielle Knight, Lily Morris, Julia Knight and Elliot Morris; and by many cousins and an uncle.

He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Jane Knight; and a brother, Richard Knight Jr.

Mike will also be greatly missed by all his friends in Detroit and around the country. The Knight family extends its heartfelt appreciation to his longtime friends, Pat and Francine Dorn, who gave Mike extra love and care throughout his illness.

A remembrance of life and interment of ashes will be held on Chappaquiddick at a later date.

Donations can be made to Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation, 3535 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201.