Old man and old tree to spend eternity together

Frank Knight spent decades fighting to save New England's tallest elm tree, a 110-footer with a vast canopy, which he named Herbie and considered an "old friend." Two years ago, despite Knight's dogged efforts, Herbie finally succumbed to Dutch elm disease and, at age 217, was cut down. "His time has come," Knight told the Associated Press at the time. "And mine is about due, too." Knight died Monday at age 103. But the story has a sweet coda: Unbeknownst to Knight, his relatives saved some of Herbie's wood and had it made into a coffin, in which Knight will be buried. Now the two friends need never leave each other.