Born March 15, 1941, Mr Knight was well known in and around Rochester for his significant service to the region, participating in countless community groups and meeting many people along the way.
His dedication stretched across decades and multiple sports – football, golf, bowls, badminton, tennis and cricket – earning him a remarkable nine life memberships, each one a testament to his extraordinary commitment to the people around him.
Throughout his life, he crossed paths with many — teammates and opponents who became lifelong friends, fellow community members, and above all, his beloved family.
In January, he was honoured with a special display at the Rochester Sports Museum celebrating his dedication to local sporting groups — an opening that drew the largest opening crowd the museum had ever seen.
Rochester Sports Museum volunteer Sam Watkins said at the time, the turnout was testament to the type of person Mr Knight was.
However, Mr Knight’s influence extended beyond the sporting fields.
It was that same quiet influence and wholehearted dedication to Rochester that saw him awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2019.
He told Campaspe News then, the dedication to service was a humility he learnt from his parents, which he would then pass on to his own children.
‘‘We were just brought up that way, to help someone if you can,’’ Mr Knight said.
Since news of his passing was shared, heartfelt messages of condolence have poured in from across the Rochester community.
Many spoke to Mr Knight’s humour and ability to have a conversation with everyone.
“How privileged our community has been to have had Bob bring his kind and witty charm,” Eileen McNeilly wrote on Facebook.
“His preparedness to contribute to so many facets of Rochester life and growth is immeasurable. May we all learn from his legacy.”
Others spoke to his involvement in the community.
“(It was) an absolute honour to have known Bob through Rochester Bowls Club and Rochester Lion's Club,” Lorraine Bond wrote.
“A true gentleman and a man of many words. Very funny ones at times.”
“You only have to look at our sports clubs honour boards, to realise what Bob's impact was to this community,” Peter Anderson wrote.
Rochester Lions, a group he was heavily involved in, wrote his services to the Lions was “unwavering”.
“His kindness to our new members was an example to all,” the Lions wrote.
“His jokes were funny and lightened our hearts.
“Rest peacefully, our dear friend.”
Mr Knight passed away peacefully at Rochester hospital on Thursday, July 16.
A memorial service for Mr Knight will be held at the Rochester Shire Hall at 10am on Friday, July 24.
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