SADDENED York fans of legendary TV presenter Harry Gration have left moving tributes to the former Look North presenter.
Following news of Harry's sudden death on Friday at the age of 71 people have been sharing their memories of meeting the popular broadcaster and passing on their condolences to his family.
Harry had been the face of Look North for almost 40 years before stepping down in 2020.
He had been a tireless champion for Yorkshire and numerous good causes. A devoted family man, he had his last child in 2019 at the age of 68.
Regulars at the Theatre Royal panto will have many fond memories of Harry joining in the mayhem created by Berwick Kaler and co during their reign at the venue.
Read more: He was a York legend - remembering Harry Gration in 30 photos
Here are some of the tributes left in our online book of condolence:
Dennis Taylor of Tollerton said: "As a gentleman I met a few times. I still recall the pantomime antics with Berwick and that will stay with me."
Patricia Neilson said: "So sorry to hear about Harry, we watched him regularly on Look North for many years. He was such a down to earth man and an all round good bloke. He will be very sadly missed."
Kevin Bailey shared a photo of himself and Harry together outside York Minster and posted: "So so sorry, you were a top, proper Yorkshire bloke."
Joan O'Reilly said: "Just to say thank you Harry for all you have done for York. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Condolences to his family."
One reader wrote: "We shall all miss your quiet and cheerful presence in the local community of Dringhouses. Our deepest sympathies are with your family." Georgina posted: "I grew up watching you and then so have my children. You were a welcomed visitor into our home each evening via the screen. A proper Yorkshire lad, a genuine Yorkshire gentleman and all with a cheeky glint in your eyes. Sending love to your family from mine. From us here in the north goodnight and God bless.”
Neil Drysdale posted: "Often used to see Harry shopping in Tesco, Tadcaster Road, York. He always spoke and was a great friendly character. Condolences to all his family. RIP Harry."
John Binns wrote: "I was collecting some furniture once in York about 20 years ago for a local charity and went to Harry's house by mistake. Had a good laugh with Harry about it and spent a few minutes chatting with him. A true gentleman, who had time for everyone. RIP Harry, you will be sadly missed by everyone."
Community answers
Book of condolence for Harry Gration
"York-based BBC presenter Harry Gration was a much-loved Yorkshire institution. Harry has died suddenly aged 71. Please leave your tribute to Harry and share your memories and stories here."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationI was collecting some furniture once in York about 20 years for a local charity and went to Harry's house by mistake. Had a good laugh with Harry about it and spent a few mins chatting with him. A true gentleman, who had time for everyone. R.I.P Harry, you will be sadly missed by everyone
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationAs a gentleman I met a few times .I still recall the pantomime antics with Berwick and that will stay with me .
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSo sorry to hear about Harry, we watched him regularly on Look North for many years. He was such a down to earth man and an all round good bloke. He will be very sadly missed.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSo so sorry, you was a top proper Yorkshire bloke mate xx
Please share any photos with captions
Such a top bloke xx Leave your tribute to Harry GrationHarry often came into the shop where I work. He was a lovely man. I’m so sorry to hear the news of his passing. My sincere condolences go out to his family. I hope they can take some comfort from how highly he was thought of.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationA true gentleman RIP Harry you will be missed. Condolences to family & friends.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationGod bless Harry. RIP. Lovely guy. Always enjoyed watching the rapport he had with anyone. Love and thoughts of his family and friends xx
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSo sad to hear the news about Harry. The end of an era. Harry was known and loved by many generations as the face of Yorkshire tv. Sending love to his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time xx
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationHarry the Legend, taken far too soon, you will be greatly missed by York & Yorkshire. R.I.P Harry
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSuch a great loss, he will be sadly missed by so many. Condolences to his wife and family and all the Look North team. R.I.P
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationRIP Harry. You will be sorely missed by all!
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSuch a lovely man . Rest in peace Harry . One of the best taken too soon . Condolences and comfort for all his family and friends .
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationJust to say thank you Harry for all you have done for York . Sadly missed but never forgotten . Condolences to his family .
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationA true gentleman he will be sadly missed
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationWe shall all miss your quiet and cheerful presence in the local community of Dringhouses. Our deepest sympathies are with your family.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationI grew up watching you and then so have my children. You were a welcomed visitor into our home each evening via the screen. A proper Yorkshire lad, a genuine Yorkshire gentleman and all with a cheeky glint in your eyes. Sending love to your family from mine. “From us here in the North goodnight and God bless”.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationOften used to see Harry shopping in Tesco, Tadcaster Road, York. He always spoke and was a great friendly character. Condolences to all his family. RIP Harry.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationI am both shocked and greatly saddened by the news of Harry's death. I regularly bumped into Harry whilst on York's streets more so since the happy birth of his 3rd son. We often would have a quick chat and he would always have time to say hello..my love and prayers go out to Harry and his wife and children and this very sad time.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationSo very sad. Condolences to all family and friends. RIP Harry.
Leave your tribute to Harry GrationRest Easy Harry god bless, condolences to Helen and all of your children.
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