F. Rush McKnight

F. RUSH MCKNIGHT, age 88, former Managing Partner of the Calfee, Halter & Griswold law firm, resident of Chagrin Falls and Moreland Hills, OH, passed away on September 16, 2017. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Nancy (nee Tame), he leaves his 3 daughters, their spouses and 7 grandchildren: Ellen McKnight and Jeffrey Schumacher of Riverwoods, IL (Lauren); Janet and Jeffrey Jinks of Hudson, OH (David, Bryan and Mark); Susan and Michael O’Connor of Chagrin Falls, OH (Emily, Rush and Kelly). He also leaves his brother William McKnight, his nephews and cousins. Rush had a zest for life, a big laugh and even bigger heart. Born in 1929 in Toledo, OH, after his parents, older brothers and sister emigrated from Northern Ireland, Rush was very proud of his parents and their Irish heritage, and credited his mother with his love of books, education and music. Rush stood out for his natural quickness and drive. Growing up in Cleveland, he took whatever jobs he could get and paid tuition to attend Shaw High School, where he became a star on the football field and in the classroom. He won a scholastic scholarship to University of Pennsylvania, then transferred to Western Reserve to be closer to home. There he completed his undergraduate and law degrees and fell in love with Nancy. They wed in 1954. Rush began his career at the NLRB in Washington D.C., then worked as a labor lawyer and litigator for the Falsgraf law firm in Cleveland. But he found his true professional home in 1961 when he joined Calfee, Halter & Griswold in Cleveland. Working primarily in labor law, Rush was instrumental in developing a national labor practice for the firm, represented Figgie International, the firm’s largest client, and took on increasing management responsibilities. He was Managing Partner of CHG from 1985 to 1992. During his tenure, the firm grew at a time when most firms were shrinking. Rush started the firm’s Intellectual Property practice with the hiring of a key partner, began its Bankruptcy practice, opened its Columbus office, and helped raise its community profile. Post-retirement, Rush continued to work on the firm’s behalf, attracting significant clients. Rush served on a number of corporate Boards, including Figgie International, and performed civic charity work for United Way, Cleveland Growth Association and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Seeing Cleveland’s revival brought him great joy. He was active at The Country Club, Union Club, Pepper Pike Club, Hermit Club, Nisi Prius, and Quail Creek Club in Naples, FL, where he and Nancy had a second home. Over the years, Rush and Nancy hosted many lively gatherings for the firm, their families and their friends. He played tennis every weekend and enjoyed singing and travel, especially to see his relatives in Ireland and to attend the Wimbledon Championship in England. Rush’s life was full, and he loved it. Above everything else was his devotion to his family. He was always there for them, ready to support his adored daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and other relatives through every triumph or disappointment. His generosity, unpretentiousness, humor, intelligence, charm and tremendous life force made him a singular human being and very much loved. A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at The Country Club, 2825 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 440124, immediately followed by a reception in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rush McKnight Endowment Fund at Case Western Reserve University by clicking “Give” at www.case.edu or by mailing to Office of Advancement Services, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 (in either case, noting “In memory of Rush McKnight to support the Rush McKnight Endowment Fund”) or donations may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org or 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 in his memory.

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