TRIBUTES have been paid to Yorkshire broadcasting legend Harry Gration, who has died aged 71.
The Bradford-born broadcaster joined the BBC in 1978 and Look North in 1982. He presented his last show in 2020.
Known as the face of Look North, he presented around 12,000 editions of the regional BBC news programme until his retirement.
His illustrious career began in sport for BBC Radio Leeds in 1978.
He won two Royal Television Society (RTS) awards for sports documentaries and the RTS Best Presenter award twice.
The news of his death was broken by Look North presenter Amy Garcia at the end of the 6pm bulletin yesterday.
For the last seven years of his time at Look North, Harry shared the screen with Ms Garcia.
In 2019, he became a father again at the age of 68, when his wife, Helen, gave birth to his sixth child.
At the time of his retirement from broadcasting, he said: “For the past four decades, it’s been a privilege to meet the people of the county I love.
“Make no mistake, these good folk are the heartbeat of the programme.”
He said: “I’ve interviewed every prime minister since Margaret Thatcher, covered every major Look North story even at the expense of my holidays, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
BBC Yorkshire tweeted: “Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration died suddenly today. We are absolutely heartbroken to give you this news.
“Tonight our hearts go out to Harry’s wife Helen, their children and all of Harry’s family and friends.”
Last night his wife, Helen, paid tribute to her husband, saying: “He will forever be with us.
“Our three boys and I loved Harry totally. We had an awful lot of fun with him and our home was his life.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “Harry Gration MBE was an outstanding broadcaster and commentator.
“He had a real connection with the public who saw him as one of their own.
“Loved everywhere, but especially in Yorkshire, he will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Shortly after his retirement, the T&A interviewed Harry about his illustrious career and his decision to call it a day.
The former school teacher said: “When you are invited into people’s homes, you realise you are part of their lives and playing a special role.
“Covid did end my career, to be honest. I was shielding at home. I could not do anything on the biggest story we have had. That shaped my decision to leave really.
“I went back on for a few weeks before I decided to leave.
“The young ones (reporters) asked me for advice. I always try to give back, as I have had a good career. The future of Look North is very solid.
“I am not an aggressive interviewer. I’m not a Piers Morgan type. I always like to listen to the answer before giving the next question.”
One of his proudest moments was helping to raise more than £800,000 for charity.
He took on various challenges including cycling on a tandem with fellow presenter Amy Garcia, and pushing a sofa. In 2016 he was tied to Look North colleague Paul Hudson for a 121-mile three-legged walk across North, South and West Yorkshire which raised more than £190,000 for Sport Relief.
In 2013, his work in broadcasting was recognised when he was appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Asked to pick the key news stories from the Bradford district during his time as a presenter he singled out the murder of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox in 2016, the first Tour de Yorkshire in 2014, the Bradford City fire disaster in 1985 and the Bradford riots in 2001.
He said: “I have never ever regarded it as a journalist to think ‘that’s that story done, now on to another one’.
“With the Bradford city riots we kept going back to see how the city responded. They responded as a community.”
Harry was a passionate advocate for his home city.
He said: “I’m a Bradford lad. I was born and raised there. I left when I was about 12 or 13. The city still has a massive affection for me.
“I was guest speaker at a dinner in Bradford years ago. A comedian who was on with me was slagging the city off. I had a go at him for doing that. He changed his act after that. You don’t do that to the place that raised you.
“I know the people of Bradford very well. They have been nothing but supportive. I have always had a good rapport with them.
“I have always got on well with people at the football clubs. We have always covered Bradford City as well as we can.
“You just always know the people of Bradford care.”
Sport always played a key part in his career, a passion which began during his childhood in Bradford.
Harry was a supporter of Bradford (Park Avenue), Bradford City and York City, but said the Bantams was the first result he looked for.
He also remembered as a boy watching Yorkshire cricket legend Fred Trueman playing for his beloved county at Avenue.
But Harry did not just confine himself to God’s Own County. He reported on nine summer Olympic games and presented on Saturday afternoon BBC sports show Grandstand.
He added: “I started off commentating on sport. I still love my sport. I want to go and watch Yorkshire CCC, if we are allowed to do that.”
Community answers
Pay your tributes to Harry Gration
"Leave your tributes, memories and messages of condolence for former BBC presenter Harry Gration"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Your tribute:We are sorry to hear the sad news about Harry. Our love goes out to the whole family. Harry was always a joy to watch on TV. Harry's personality shone through on every broadcast. We will remember Harry with affection. On one occasion, we saw Harry with his young family at Downtown Disney in America. It was quite a few years ago. He was a typical dad on holiday with his children. But he had time to be smiley and friendly to anyone who recognised him.
Your tribute:I was taught by Harry Gration at Rodillian School in the early ‘70s. Such a shock to read of his passing at such a young age. Condolences to his family.
Your tribute:Loved seeing Harry on my tv growing up. Can't take this tragic news in, but my thoughts are with Helen an the family . A true yorkshire Gent, a cheeky glint in his eyes, a lovely smile an Yorkshire humour. Rest In Peace x
Your tribute:Lovely man, greatly missed. Was lucky enough to meet him on his sofa push.
Your tribute:A true gentleman and a natural presenter everybody felt at ease when watching him on the news and other programs
Your tribute:Absolute legend of local tv. You will be greatly missed Harry. RIP
Your tribute:So very sorry to hear about Harry, he was a wonderful man. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this sad time. RIP
Your tribute:Such sad news about Harry. Not long retired too. Life is so unfair. Big hugs for all his family ♥️♥️♥️
Your tribute:Great presenter, always had a great charm and presenting style. Will be missed, deepest condolences to all family and friends of this legend.
Your tribute:I think that Harry was a great presenter. He will be sadly missed. God bless the family at this time.
Your tribute:A really genuine person that I met while on the “3 legged challenge’ with Paul Hudson at Sowerby Bridge back in 2017. He thanked me for NOT taking a photo when the two of them (separately!) relieved themselves in some nearby trees RIP Harry XX
Photo:
True Yorkshire Legend XX Your tribute:Was a tremendous reporter and will be sadly missed by all
Your tribute:Great man will be missed
Your tribute:I and my family grew up watching Harry do a superb job since the 80's. His accent made us feel connected to Bradford. My condolences to his family. Thank you Harry for all your service to broadcasting.
Your tribute:You were a great and honest reporter Harry and you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Harry.
Your tribute:So sad to hear of Harry’s passing, always seemed to be a top bloke. RIP.
Your tribute:I am saddened to learn this sad news. Harry always came over as a decent, charming and friendly chap. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Your tribute:RIP Harry 😔
Your tribute:Thank you Harry for all the happy memories that flood back of when I was a young boy living with my mum and dad and watching you on the TV.
Your tribute:So sad to hear of the passing of this fine gentleman a true legend to Yorkshire and Yorkshire sport. He will be sadly missed condolences to his family ❤
Your tribute:I grew up seeing this man on the local news and now a part of my childhood has gone. Condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him xxx
Your tribute:I am deeply saddened at the loss of such a genuine and lovely man. After forty years of working for the BBC he should be enjoying his retirement with his beautiful family. It’s so sad that he only got two years to enjoy his retirement. Harry will be sadly missed by everyone . My heart goes out to his family, his wife and children. Rest in peace Harry 😢😢❤️
Your tribute:A great man and gentle soul who will be missed dearly. Sympathy to all family and friends.
Your tribute:Harry will be sadly missed. Loved seeing him do the charity things he always put his heart and soul into very thing he did. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.
Your tribute:We have missed you since your retirement, Harry. You will be playing cricket now with some greats now you join them. Condolences to Harry’s family. RIP
Your tribute:I never met Harry but I felt I knew him as a friend, such was his charm and brilliance as a presenter. My parents knew him years ago when he attended their church for a while at St John's Moor Allerton, north Leeds. They remembered him fondly. Such was his presence that it feels like losing one of the family. Condolences to his family and RIP Harry, a true Yorkshire great
Your tribute:So sorry to hear the tragic news of the passing of Harry, Look North former news man. Top man. Sadly will be missed. All our thoughts are to his family and former colleagues.
Your tribute:So sorry to hear the death of Harry he’ll be so missed and my memory of Harry is that my mum and me and my grandma saw him at York at Paperchase
Your tribute:Rip Harry. A great man. Condolences go out to his family and friends.
Your tribute:Gone but not forgotten HARRY RIP Condolences to your family. So sad to hear the news. Goodnight, god bless, fly high. Mark H
Your tribute:Such very sad news of the passing if this lovely man. Heartfelt condolences to his family and wider TV family
Your tribute:A great journalist and a true gent away from the screens. I met him a couple of times and he was so lovely. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Harry really was one of lifes good guys. I was in shock when Amy announced his death and it must have been so hard for her to report this.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel