Born on July 19, 1962, to parents Karl and Clara Knight. Claude was the ninth of 12 siblings, whose names are Delarine, Yvonne, Louisa Eugenie, Everton, Archibald, Clive, Noel, Joan, Claude, Anthony, Novelette and Michelle. Delarine and Archibald predeceased him. Claude grew up in Kingston Jamaica where he graduated from St. Andrew Technical High School with a Diploma in Carpentry & Construction. He married his childhood sweetheart Sandra, his wife of 25 years. The union produced 3 children: Kiel, Kory and Keon.
Claude was a hard worker. He trained his three boys in the construction field, taking them to work with him often. His first-born Kiel graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a BA in Exercise and Sports Science. When his father had a medical setback and was unable to work, Kiel took over the family business at C. Knight Maintenance. Kory following in his father’s footstep also does construction and works with the family business. Keon went on to join the Marines and is a Corporal and Amphibious Assault Vehicle Mechanic.
Oh how Claude loved fishing! That was his hobby that he also passed on to his boys. He had a boat and was always out to sea with his brother Noel and his boys. He brought the family and friends many Snapper. He used to just give away the fish, all you had to do was call and he would send you to his freezer for a bag.
Claude was a master chef too. He and Sandra were very hospitable and their home was where the Thanksgiving Dinner was held every year, except for this year. Everyone looked forward to eating Claude’s jerk pork, jerk chicken and his wicked fish dishes at the family gatherings.
More than anything Claude was so funny! Always giving jokes and making funny comments. Even in his final hours, he was joking with Sandra that he is not going to lay down and watch her dig up in her bag. Just a fun loving, all around good person, loved by his friends and was close to his family. Claude was on dialysis, but he was very optimistic about his health and had a great support system from his loving family. Claude was very strong and although he did get some discomfort, he never took pity on himself, always upbeat and cheerful. He never complained about his pains or why me or gave up hope, as he beleved in God and knew that there was a God.
His sister Michelle said, “Claude was like my twin, half of me is gone, he will always have a place in my heart.” His son, Kiel said, “He was not just one of the greatest the world had to offer, but one of the greatest individuals to have ever taught, cared and had love for his family and friends so much. I will always miss and love my pops.”
“The sweetest soul I have ever met. My confidant, my friend, and the father I never had. I miss your laughs and I will miss your jokes...You have a personality like no other. I hope to see you again one day in paradise. I love you.” Michaelan. (niece)
Louisa Eugenie says. To my dear Brother Claude. You must have known that you were my favorite brother. I will miss our conversations, laughter, and your witty comments. You were the first one at my home to fix any home repair problem, on a donation basis ...lol... P.S. I never have to give you the $300 I owe you on the last legal advice. Sweet sleep my brother. May Jehovah grant you a resurrection in the future!
His wife, Sandra said, “That’s the love of my life. I do not know what I will do without him. He is the strongest person I know. I love him more than life itself. “
Sadly missed by wife Sandra, sons Kiel, Kory, Keon, granddaughter Zaila, his nine siblings mentioned earlier, Nephews, Mikale, Chase Sr., Carey, Everton Jr., Rashaune, Shaquan, Nieces Michaelan, LaYinka, Camille, Jamillah, Abbigayle, Deandra, brothers-in-law, Dean, Paul, sister-in-law Melissa, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Knight family wants to thank God for the privilege of knowing Claude and the positive ways in which he impacted our lives. We are grateful for God's love and also beg Him to give us the strength to cope throughout this difficult time. May God bless you all.
