Arts and education leader also owned iconic stores in Columbus. Rick McKnight dies at 71

Rick McKnight, an out-front and behind-the-scenes leader and supporter of arts and education and the former owner of two iconic clothing stores in Columbus, has died.

McKnight died Tuesday, according to the notification McMullen Funeral Home posted on its website. His obituary and the cause and location of his death weren’t available before publication, but McKnight had been battling cancer for years. He was 71.

Visitation will be Aug. 1, from 5-7 p.m., in St. Thomas Episcopal Church , 2100 Hilton Ave., where he served as organist and choirmaster for 20 years. The funeral service will be Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. in St. Luke Church , 1104 Second Ave., because the sanctuary at St. Thomas is being renovated .

McKnight most recently was president of FABArts , a nonprofit organization he founded to connect arts organizations and teaching artists with schools as an engaging way to instruct students in core academic subjects such as English, math, social studies and science.

He previously was education director and community support officer at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts .

McKnight also succeeded in the fashion industry. After working for Casual Corner and Bergdorf Goodman , he founded a boutique in Columbus called McKay’s, which according to his LinkedIn page , brought “high-end ladies clothing and accessories to the area with over-the-top customer service in a stunning atmosphere” from 1979-2008.

From 1990-2013, McKnight owned the Kiddie Shoppe , a children’s clothing, shoe and toy store in Columbus.

McKnight was the honoree at the Columbus chapter of the American Cancer Society’s 2018 Crystal Ball fundraiser.

Here’s a sampling of the reaction on Facebook to McKnight’s death and the impact of his life on the Chattahoochee Valley:

“Rick McKnight was Joy, Excitement, Pizazz and always Love. …and he shared all of these and so much fun with so many,” wrote Helen Johnson , retired Synovus community development director. “There will never be another like him. Rick, thanks for the memories.”

“Rick’s unwavering dedication and vision enriched our community immeasurably,” the Columbus Museum wrote. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions and enduring legacy in the arts.”

“ Rick McKnight would always say after a long rehearsal, ‘but don’t you feel so much better? I know I do.’ And we did, Rick,” wrote Columbus State University associate professor of choral and music education Michelle Folta , who is artistic director for Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus. “ That was one of your super powers. You could take a group of singers with all the struggles and worries of the world, and make them go away; stop time. What a gift this was many times for me, and an example of what I aspire to be with my own choirs.”