Steve Knight, Woodstock councilman from 2000 through 2007, died on January 19, in New York. A man whose modesty matched his great musical talent, he may be best remembered outside of Woodstock as the keyboardist for the rock group, Mountain, even performing with them at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, an experience he would laughingly refer to as “glitziest, ultimately most meaningless” period of his career. In Woodstock he will be remembered as a deeply thoughtful, generous and courteous townsman who enlivened many public occasions with his ability to play just about any musical instrument put into his hands.
Born in 1935 to parents who had arrived in Woodstock in the early 1920s, Steve grew up here, but spent many years of his adulthood in New York before returning to town in the 1980s. He won election to the Woodstock town board in his first political endeavor in 1999, and reelection in 2003. His tenure was characterized by temperance and evenhanded attempts to reconcile the passionate rifts that characterize local politics.
For a 2002 community play to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts community Steve wrote “Valley Finale,” which went on to become the Town’s official song. The words, included below, explain why so many Woodstockers loved Steve as much as he loved them.
Steve is survived by his daugter Zoe Knight, son-in-law Stuart Wolferman, and grandson Jasper Knight Wolferman.
Steve’s ashes will be interred in the Woodstock Artists Cemetery after a private ceremony. His family will host a public celebration of his life at a time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of condolence, Steve’s wish was consideration of a donation to the Woodstock Land Conservancy.
Jeremy Wilber
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