Tributes paid after death of 'force of nature' Wetherby community champion Kazia Knight

Kazia Knight died aged 69 on Saturday morning (January 31) having been a councillor for Wetherby Town Council and on the committees of countless charities and community groups around the town.

Among the most prominent of these were the Friends Of Sandringham Park, with whom she won multiple awards as the group’s chairperson, and Wetherby District Lions Club.

Those paying tribute have described her as a “diamond”, an “absolute inspiration” and “the very best of us”.

The town council’s facilities officer Laura Tune, who worked closely with Kazia in a number of different capacities, said: “It’s a very sad time but what a legacy she has left.

“She gave so much to the town and her dedication to the community was truly remarkable. She never blew her own trumpet or expected thanks. She got her pleasure from seeing the joy on other’s faces and she gave her all, right up to the end.

“She will always be a role model to me, and I feel privileged to have known her and worked with her on several community projects, the latest one being the brand-new playground at Sandringham Park.”

Kazia was also part of the organisation team for Drover’s Day, which sees a marching brass band competition held in the town, and the Dickensian Market.

“She was part of so many groups in Wetherby it’s harder to know what she wasn’t a part of”, said Laura.

“She was known as ‘the security lady’ at the events despite how small she was. She was dainty but dangerous.”

Laura said that until the end Kazia was as involved as she could be with the various groups in the town, even while she was receiving treatment for her growing health issues.

“The day after she had a hospital visit she was here doing the Dickensian Market”, she said. “She even asked us to send the minutes from the last council meetings to her while she was in the hospice. She wanted to make sure everyone was behaving.

“She was just incredible.”

Kazia helped garner numerous Green Flag awards for Sandingham Park and she also earned multiple personal accolades for her longstanding contributions in the town, including recently receiving the ‘Platinum Award’ for her years of “going above and beyond” for Wetherby Town Council.

Laura said: “I know her daughter is having a challenge because her house is covered in awards and plaques for different organisations.”

She added: “One of the things she asked me when I last saw her was to carry on the Green Flag for her and I said they are pretty big boots to fill.

“Nothing seemed to phase her. Even when she didn’t feel well her response was ‘so what. I’m carrying on’.

“She was just a diamond. There needs to be more people like her in the world.”

Also paying tribute to Kazia was the MP for Wetherby, Alex Shellbrooke, who said that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.

He said: “Kazia gave so much to Wetherby, not least as a Member of Wetherby Town Council but also working with various organisations in the town.

“Sandringham Park's many awards were the result of the way Kazia could bring people together, twist arms, lobby and get things done.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Kazia's family and her many friends.”

Wetherby councillor Alan Lamb also shared his thoughts in light of the “desperately sad news”, saying: “Kazia was the very best of us. She did so much for our community and never stopped giving.

“My thoughts are with her lovely family. She will be missed by so many people.”

A post was also shared by The Friends of Wetherby BMX Track that read: “Not only was she our treasurer but also a great friend.

“She's been an inspiration for us to create the Friends of Group for the BMX track.

“Kazia was a much loved face around Wetherby and carried out so much community work. She'll be deeply missed.”

Laura said that Wetherby Town Council is looking at paying tribute to Kazia by holding an event at Sandringham Park.