Colin Philip Knight

Those we love, can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live forever in our hearts ...

A Life of Purpose, Curiosity, Humour and Heart

With great sadness we share the news that Colin Knight — husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend — passed away peacefully on Monday 13th July, at the age of 84.

A pioneer of the computing age, a devoted family man, petrolhead, and a natural storyteller, Colin lived a life defined by service, innovation, generosity and an unwavering love for those closest to him. From his early years in the Royal Air Force to a global career at the leading edge of technology, and through his cherished charitable work giving children with life-limiting illnesses a voice, he spent his life proving that technology's true purpose is to improve the lives of others.  

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Pauline, his children Andrea and Paul, his grandsons Owen and Oscar, and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives he enriched with his warmth, humour and kindness.  The passing of Colin leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered..

A childhood of character and courage
Colin’s early years were shaped by strong family bonds, resourcefulness and a sense of humour that never left him. Even as a boy he was curious, enterprising and just a little mischievous — escaping his bedroom to sit on the doorstep of the family dairy, selling hot cross buns from a hand-cart on his father's milk round, and cycling out to Heathrow to learn every aircraft by the shape of its wings. Those early years gave him two things that stayed with him for life: a fascination with technology, and the gift of a good story. His relationship with his younger brother, Graham, and his cousins, especially Philip, Moira & Patrick Connolly, were ones of deep affection and lifelong connection. Their adventures — from coal bunkers to apple orchards to rope swings — forged a bond that endured across counties, continents and decades. Colin’s childhood stories became family folklore — told and retold with his signature sparkle. 

A life of service: The Royal Air Force
At just 15, Colin left home to join the Royal Air Force as a Boy Apprentice. It was here he discovered the discipline, teamwork and technical brilliance that would define his career. He trained in airborne weapons systems, worked on V Bombers, mastered the intricacies of ejection seats and nuclear readiness, and served in Germany during the height of Cold War tensions.
His RAF years were formative. He built lifelong friendships, developed a fierce commitment to quality and precision, and came to believe deeply in continuously learning. Above all, it was here that he learned the kind of leadership he would carry for the rest of his life — grounded in humour, humility and hard work, and generously passing on his time, skills and support to others.

A pioneering career in technology
Leaving the RAF in 1968, Colin entered the emerging world of computing — and never looked back. He rose to Senior Leadership across companies including British Computers Limited, APT Electronics, City Business Products (CBP), BT Syntegra, Genie Internet, IPC Europe and beyond, he became a respected leader in global financial trading systems, telecommunications, and early digital innovation.

Colin was a genuine pioneer of the computing age. From the earliest office computers to the world's first digital trading systems, he spent his career at the leading edge of technology — working across Europe & the Middle East, Asia and the United States with roles that took him around the globe from London to Moscow, Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York amongst others. His work always shared the same hallmarks: a legendary work ethic, uncompromising standards, an obsession with quality, a competitive spirit ("second sucks," as he liked to say), and a rare talent for inspiring others. He built teams that worked hard, cared for one another, and had fun doing it.  Colin’s passion for technology was never about machines — it was about people. He believed deeply in the power of innovation to improve lives, and he spent decades proving it.

A legacy of charity, fellowship and impact
Beyond his career, Colin gave generously of himself. He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1989 and served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists in 2006. He was especially proud of his work with the charity Lifelites, transforming the lives of children with life-limiting conditions. Helping to put assistive technology into children's hospices across the UK and beyond - giving seriously ill children a voice, an ability to continue to learn and grow whilst receiving critical treatment and providing connection and precious moments together with their families. One of his most cherished memories was witnessing a child speak to their parents for the first time using eye gaze technology. For Colin, this was technology at its very best: making the stars align to improve the lives of others. Moments like these fuelled his lifelong commitment to service.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather
It was in the summer of 1958, at a company social, that he met Pauline Beevor — a meeting that famously began with a knocked-over drink and an ill-advised "sorry ducks." They married in 1961, began married life in a caravan on a Wiltshire farm, and shared 65 years together. Colin’s devotion to Pauline, through every joy and every challenge, was the constant thread of Colin's life.
After thirteen years of hoping, Colin and Pauline were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Andrea, in 1975, and their son, Paul, in 1979. Being their dad was the role Colin was proudest of. He filled their childhoods with weekend adventures in the family campervan, "Bertha," enabled barcode "shops" in the kitchen at home before the supermarkets had even heard of such technology, endured a menagerie of rescued animals, numerous motorbike restorations with Paul, and countless family holidays in Cornwall and France. He championed his children fiercely, determined they should have every opportunity — and he took great pride in watching them both build careers in technology, following, in their own way, in his footsteps.

A man of humour, heart and horsepower
He was, unapologetically, a petrolhead — from his beloved Aston Martin to a succession of motorbikes and motorhomes — and a man who never quite lost his boyish delight in anything with wheels or a good gadget. He was a great ten-pin bowler, a bit of a joker, a devoted "paw-parent" and someone who could hold a room with a tale that meandered gloriously towards its punchline – most of which were allegedly true stories?! He lived with enthusiasm, curiosity and a competitive spirit, yet he was also gentle, thoughtful, generous and deeply kind.

A life fully lived
In his final years, Colin faced a diagnosis of Lewy Bodies Dementia with characteristic courage, humour and grace.  He always lived with purpose, generosity and joy. His legacy is one of service, innovation, laughter and love — and it will endure in the many lives he enriched.

"One's work is always to serve a higher purpose, to improve the lives of others." — Colin's own words, and a life truly lived by them.

He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.

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