TRIBUTES have been paid to a “loving” man who lived a “full life” who has died aged 99.

Robert ‘Bob’ Henry Knight, who was the last chairman of Newton-le-Willows District Council, and a former mayor of St Helens, passed away on Sunday, November 3.

Bob had been married to wife Nancy for 77 years, with the Star having reported on their most recent anniversary in August this year.

During his busy life he served in the RAF during the Second World War and went to Egypt, and has also worked as a Justice of the Peace.

He met the late Queen Elizabeth II several times, including one time as mayor when he was invited down to Buckingham Palace and when he was awarded with Maundy Money at Liverpool Cathedral.

Bob and Nancy enjoyed active lives, with their family life including regularly going camping as a family during the summer to destinations, including Scotland and North Wales. Trips to Llandudno with the blind veterans were among their highlights.

Also among the many roles he held during his life were secretary at the AEU (Amalgamated Engineering Union) and he was active in the church as a layperson and was a scout leader.

Robert was also involved with the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (‘Buffs’).

He was also heavily involved in education, and was a governor at various schools in the area including Lyme School and Selwyn Jones. He was also a driving force behind getting a new school building created at St Mary’s and St John’s Catholic Infants and Juniors School after it had fallen into disrepair.

Bob, pictured as he played the 'Wizard of Lyme' while a school governor, along with Chris Winstanley who was head of the school Bob, pictured as he played the 'Wizard of Lyme' while a school governor, along with Chris Winstanley who was head of the school (Image: Submitted)

Robert was also involved in the creation of the community hospital on Bradlegh Road, through his work the local health authority.

Son Bryan, 71, said: “He was the sort of person who always wanted to be doing something.

“I would run home and say ‘how are you?’ and he’d say ‘I’ve got a bit of a bad back, I’ve fallen off the ladder’. I ask why and he said ‘the light wanted fixing!’

“He was a loving man, by the family he will be well remembered.”

Bob during his RAF daysBob during his RAF days (Image: Submitted)

Those Bob leaves behind include wife Nancy, son Bryan, 71, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was also pre-deceased by another son. 

Bob, with Nancy and the familyBob, with Nancy and the family (Image: Submitted)

Following Robert’s passing, in a statement St Helens Borough Council said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce former Mayor and Councillor, Robert Knight, passed away on Sunday, November 3, aged 99 years.

“He was Mayor of St Helens Borough in 1983/84 and a Councillor from 1974-1980 in the Crow Lane, Town Hall and Viaduct (Newton) Ward and then 1980-1988 in the Newton West Ward.

“The Corporate Flag will fly at half mast on the day of his funeral.

“Our condolences go to his family at this difficult time.”

Dozens of messages have been posted on a community Facebook group paying tribute to Bob reflecting his impact on Newton-le-Willows and beyond. 

  • Robert’s funeral will be held at All Saints Church on Wednesday, November 27, starting at 1.15pm and then to St Helens Crematorium at 2.30pm. Following this, anyone who wants to celebrate Robert’s life can attend the wake at St Patrick’s Club, in Newton-le-Willows.

 

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk