Farewell to a man of honour

A businessman and entrepreneur killed in a cycling accident in the Czech Republic has been remembered for his zest for life and drive to help others.

Auckland father-of-four Perry Norwood Knight died on September 18, while holidaying with his wife Lindy.

A family friend, Steve Clerk, said he believed no other vehicles were involved and Knight had come off his bike while cycling down a hill.

The 64-year-old was farewelled on Wednesday.

Among the mourners were Mongrel Mob representatives honouring his efforts to help their members kick their P habits.

Family members who spoke at the funeral said the shock of Knight's death was lessened because he died doing something he loved.

"He kept on living, right up until the last moment," said son Krsnendu, also known as David.

Krsnendu said Knight was a proud and supportive father who had delighted in the arrival of his first grandson.

He said his father was his "biggest role model". "I hope that I can be like you in everything I do."

Knight's daughter Greta described him as an "extraordinary" man who "danced to the beat of his own drum".

Knight established a successful manufacturing business and was involved in forestry, farming and commercial property.

He was a member of business mentoring group Icehouse and its investment arm Ice Angels, supporting companies in the early stage of their development. Friends said he was passionate about helping others succeed, and lived by the motto: "Seek to make a difference".

Outside business, he was a keen gardener and sportsman with a single-figure golf handicap.

A strong supporter of the performing arts, he was also a patron of Auckland's Q Theatre.

Clerk told mourners Knight was a "man of strong principles" who helped set up an alternative drug treatment programme for Mongrel Mob members addicted to P.

Knight had met gang leaders concerned about the drug's effect on their members and the treatment scheme was due to start this month.

About a dozen Mob members performed a haka as Knight's coffin was carried from St Mary's Church, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.

A spokesman for Knight's family said he was a private man who never sought accolades, and declined to make any further comments.