Robert B. Knight

KNIGHT, ROBERT B., 88, the popular two term mayor of Coral Gables from 1973 to 1978 passed away on Tuesday. Known for his open door policy to all the citizens of Coral Gables, Mr. Knight never required anyone to make an appointment to see him. So determined to be accessible to all that Mayor at one time even had his office door removed. A tireless worker Mayor Knight always thought of himself as a "people person" and from time to time he was known to personally buy and deliver groceries for people he thought were in need. Originally from Adel, Georgia, Bob grew up in Miami, playing in the Greater Miami Drum and Bugle Corps and graduating from Miami High School where he met his wife of over 50 years, a local girl, Bonnie Cotton. Bonnie passed away in 2003. Mr. Knight became involved in local politics almost by accident in the early 70's when he organized a zoning battle to prevent high rise development in the Cocoplum tract. His determination to prevent this kind of building in the City Beautiful was after a long and arduous effort, successful. Taking note of his oratory and organizational skills, grateful neighbors and friends urged him to enter Coral Gables politics. Describing himself as a "private person", Bob at first rejected the thought of running for public office, but soon gave in and was easily elected Mayor in 1973. So popular was Bob Knight, that he ran unopposed for a second term. Former commissioner Phil Philbrick once remarked "I can't think of a more popular, exacting and conscientious person than Mayor Knight." Bob Knight was also a lifetime back country angler, spending many weekends exploring and fishing some of the remotest areas in the Everglades National Park. On many of these excursions he was accompanied by close friend John Pennekamp the former editor of the Miami Herald, himself an avid fisherman. As the Flamingo fishing village, located at the southern tip of the park, had limited visitor facilities and no overnight lodging, Bob hit upon the idea of providing these facilities for park visitors and fishing enthusiasts. Organizing a small group of investors, he was eventually successful in selling the idea to the National Park Service and was awarded the concession rights in the park. In the late 50's what amounted to a small city complete with a modern marina, dining facilities and overnight lodging emerged at Flamingo to the delight of anglers and tourists, alike. Mr. Knight served as president of the concession operation for several years. Bob was also a self taught gourmet cook and further pursued this passion by purchasing the landmark restaurant in Deerfield Beach, Pal's Captain Table. Bob upgraded the restaurant and menu considerably and after a few short years with an enormous following, he was offered and accepted a handsome profit for his venture. Determined to retire at this point, Mr. Knight purchased a home in Gables Estates, but shortly thereafter became the community activist that led to his election as mayor. Always, the fearless fighter, even at a young age, Bob Knight had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army during WWII. As a tank commander in the storied 11th Armored Division, Bob experienced heavy combat and participated in the liberation from German occupation, several villages in France and Belgium. He was the recipient of three Purple Hearts as well as a Silver Star. He was discharged in 1945 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After hi s retirement from politics, Bob remained active in the South Florida community and served on the Board of directors of FPL Group and Sun Trust Bank as well as president of the Coral Gables Youth Center. Robert Knight was a member of the University Baptist Church in Coral Gables and is survived by sister Jane Hill of Atlanta and brother Paul of Saluda, NC as well as countless nieces and nephews throughout Florida and Georgia. Visitation 1 PM until Service time 2 PM Saturday Dec. 9th at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Woodlawn Park North Cemetery. VAN ORSDEL - CORAL GABLES 4600 SW 8 St (305)446-4412 Family Owned Since 1924 To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.