William Charles Knight
William Charles Knight, 80, passed away in the early morning hours of April 6, 2021. He left peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Natick, Massachusetts to Dot and Bill Knight, Bill was the oldest of three brothers (Bob and Jim). He’s remembered by his brother Jim to have been always working, studying and, in his free time, patching up old cars with whatever was handy (including, in one memorable instance, an unsecured stool that sat a terrified Aunt Louise as they sped through the woods). In high school he excelled at baseball and basketball, which he would later spend much time teaching his children to varying degrees of success.
He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross finishing with a bachelor’s in history. While in school he supported himself by working in the railyard with his father, forever altering the shape of his fingers. Starting in 1964 he served three years in the navy, from Long Beach to the South China Sea, as a lieutenant, junior grade.
Back on dry land he settled in Phoenix, Arizona and began working at Valley National Bank as a loan officer. He finished his career at the nonprofit Arizona MultiBank as a small business and affordable housing loan officer. He felt deeply the importance of a healthy community and he sat on the boards of nonprofits and councils too numerous to list here.
This was characteristic of Bill. His patience and gentle kindness were attributes oft remarked upon in his lifetime. If friends or family needed help with almost anything he was there. He was there to fix a broken window and install some weather stripping or he was there to offer financial advice and review contracts. If he could help he would.
He married the love of his life in 1986 and they had a wonderful 35 years. Always together, the love they had was evident to anyone that spent time with them. A compassionate and steadfast husband and father, Bill will be dearly missed.
Bill is survived by his children Kelly Johnson (Jay), Kasen Knight (Debbie), Khrista Sohn (Jeremy), and Taylor; grandchildren, Cole, Kai, Ryker, Mollie, and Zach; and his wife Le, to whom he devoted each day.
No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers and prayers, please consider donating to Wildfire community action organization (wildfireaz.org) or Local First Arizona (localfirstaz. com).