‘We are in such disbelief that his chair remains empty today’
HELEN Gration, the wife of veteran BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, has paid tribute to him after he passed away aged 71.
Harry Gration was well known for presenting BBC Look North between 1982 and 2020 in a career which spanned decades. His wife Helen, who had six children with him, said the family were in “disbelief”.
She said: “The boys and I would like to thank everyone sincerely for the beautiful things here about Harry. We are in such disbelief that his chair remains empty today and his coffee cup unused. We’ll try to reply as much as possible in time. We love him and miss him totally.”
Keeley Donovan, another Look North presenter, also paid tribute to the veteran journalist.
Keeley worked closely alongside Harry and paid tribute to the man she said treated her like a daughter.
When Keeley married another Look North presenter, Jonathan I’Anson, it was Harry who conducted the ceremony and both presenters have now paid tribute to him.
In a post on Twitter, Keeley wrote: “This is the day Harry married us, our dear friend.
“He treated me like his daughter at Look North. He was so kind and generous, always sneaking off to pay for meals but also in the time and opportunities he gave me on air.
“I’m so sad I won’t see you again Harry. Love you x”
Christine Talbot, who said his passing is a “huge loss”, revealed they spoke last Thursday about an event they were due to host together this week.
Paying tribute, she said: “Harry was a true Yorkshire legend, a brilliant journalist and talented broadcaster.
“He simply made it look easy and everyone loved his warmth and easy persona. To me he is also a great friend. We worked together a lot in recent months and had great fun. We chatted just yesterday about a charity event we were due to host together next Friday.
“Yorkshire has lost one of its finest and my heart goes out to
Helen and his family and all who love him. His passing is a huge loss.”
Dan Walker said: “Harry would often call to talk and once, I’d been hammered in the press for something, he called with the kindest and most helpful words of encouragement. He cared. He was brilliant to work with, wonderful to watch and just a true gentleman.
“He will be missed by many.”
BBC Look North Journalist Amanda Harper said: “Always kind, generous and supportive, the best of colleagues and a loyal friend. Rest in peace lovely Harry. We’re so, so sad tonight.”
Stephanie Hirst said: “Absolutely heartbroken to learn of the passing of Harry Gration.
“We all loved him in Yorkshire, as he was part of the fabric of our lives for decades. I was lucky to know him as a friend & colleague, who was incredibly supportive towards me.
All my love to his family and friends.”