NEARLY 300 people gathered at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Cleveland on July 7 to farewell The Reverend Canon Neville Knott.
Canon Knott, who served in the diocese from 1983 to 1995, died unexpectedly on June 27 following a stroke. He was 88.
Described as “many things to many people”, Canon Knott’s funeral was attended by four bishops, reflecting the high regard in which he was held by colleagues and the wider church community.
Rector of the east Redland Anglican parish, Reverend Cameron Freese, said Canon Knott was a man of deep wisdom, compassion and experience.
“He had influence with his colleagues, and as a mentor and friend,” Rev Freese said.
“His depth of experience couldn’t be underestimated. He was always willing to help, offer advice from his experience and be a sounding board.”
Canon Knott’s wife Eve remembered him as a devoted priest, loving husband and kind-hearted man who was always willing to help others.
“He was a family man, a devoted priest and wonderful husband,” she said.
“He supported me completely. He taught religious education in schools and was knowledgeable and wise.
“He was also interested in politics and current events.
“He wasn’t a sportsman but he liked to watch cricket and AFL.”
Daughter Andrea Findlay said the family was raised in a home full of love.
“He took great delight in raising his children and supporting his grandchildren. He was a man of the community, and a man of faith,” she said.
Born in Brisbane, Canon Knott attended Brisbane Boys Grammar and completed a commerce degree before training in Newcastle.
He was ordained at St John’s Cathedral in 1966.
His ministry took him to parishes in Ekibin, Southport, Moranbah, Holy Trinity Fortitude Valley and Cleveland, as well as a brief posting in England.
“He loved working at Cleveland in particular and we met lots of people here,” Mrs Knott said.
Cleveland was where the couple’s daughters Andrea and Caroline were raised, and the family remained connected to the community long after Canon Knott’s retirement in 2005.
In retirement, he became an active member of the University of the Third Age (U3A), where he regularly played pétanque and gave talks and lectures.
He was also a long-serving member of Probus and Cleveland Rotary.
Canon Knott is survived by his wife Eve, daughters Andrea and Caroline, and four grandchildren.
