FORMER Glastonbury mayor – and ‘cornerstone’ of a popular town fish and chip shop – Bill Knight, has passed away, aged 87.
William Robert John Knight, affectionately known as ‘The Cod-father’, passed away peacefully at West Mensdip on March 9 surrounded by members of his family.
“Husband, dad, grandad, and great-grandad, Bill was the third generation of our family business and a cornerstone of Knights Fish and Chip Restaurant,” the family said.
“Affectionately known as The Cod-Father, his warmth, dedication, and passion for our community will never be forgotten.”
A book of condolence is open and can be signed at the shop, in Northload Street, upon request.
Knight’s – a bastion of Glastonbury – has been serving up traditional fish and chips for more than a century.
Tributes have been paid online to The Codfather, who was mayor of Glastonbury in 2011.
Knight’s is a stalwart of Glastonbury and hugely popular. Picture: Google
One said: “A great loss to his family and Glastonbury. A lovely, friendly person who made me feel welcome when I came to live in Glastonbury in 2007. Rest in peace, Bill. You will be greatly missed.”
Another said: “I remember the very early morning conversations the first time I was in Glastonbury in 2010 with much love. As well as the many times after. May his journey be blessed. Much love for everyone who needs to deal with the loss.”
Before he passed away, Bill spoke of his childhood at the fish and chip shop.
“My earliest recollection of our shop was during the war seeing a queue of men in uniform,” he said. “I often used to fall asleep in an open cupboard on piles of newspapers, i.e. wrapping paper, at the end of our counter.
“The frying range was of course coal-fired and I remember at the end of each frying session my father carrying the glowing embers from the range on a shovel through our living quarters and letting it burn out in our domestic fire-grate.”
So sad to see Bill has left us. I remember him well from back in the day when he served in the shop and a bag of chips was 6d. He was a ‘Knight’ of Glastonbury. Go well Bill – you leave a life well lived behind you.