A member of Bermuda's "old-school" hospitality industry workers has died at the age of 79.

Clifton "Herbie" Knight worked at Willowbank for more than 40 years as a property manager and chef. He was known for his grand breakfast menus, which included bacon, ham, hash browns, French toast, waffles and pancakes. Willowbank is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian hotel and offers religious retreats and guest speakers for guests.

Terri Allison, manager at Willowbank said Mr. Knight would be "sorely missed".

"Herbie represented the finest traditions in Bermudian hospitality. He brought a warmth, a humour to Willowbank, that brought a significant number of guests back to Bermuda over and over again. He not only was an excellent employee but he was an admirable man that was loved by all the people that worked here the staff, management and trustees of Willowbank. He will be sorely missed."

Mr. Knight received letters and postcards from guests on a regular basis in his more than 40-year career and has been praised in the House of Assembly by MPs.

Earlier in life he suffered through alcoholism, living on the streets and spending time in hospital. At one point when doctors thought he wouldn't make it, Mr. Knight was visited by the late Howard Dickinson, a board member of Willowbank.

Dr. Dickinson invited him on a religious conference in Pennsylvania and it was there where Mr. Knight found Christianity.

Back in Bermuda, Mr. Knight received treatment at Wilson Place, a home for alcoholics in Somerset. He was then offered a job as the property manager of Willowbank fixing fans and building patios. As luck would have it, one morning the chef didn't show up and Mr. Knight took over and cooked breakfast.

The manager at the time was impressed with his food and asked him to be the chef full-time. His funeral will take place today at the Salvation Army at 4 p.m.