THE "backbone" of Minster Lions, Gordon Harrison, has died at his home in Haxby, aged 73.

Mr Harrison was a stalwart of the club for more than 15 years of its 18-year-history and helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes during that time.

He collapsed and died at his home on Tuesday. His death has come as a huge shock to his family and friends.

Minster Lions president Pam Tanner said: "The news of Gordon's death has come as such a huge shock. He has been a stalwart member of this club for many years and became the very backbone of everything we do.

"He was particularly interested in helping any event with young people in the community, and became involved with Tacade - an anti-drugs programme in junior and secondary schools throughout the city."

For many years he has helped organise the club's mechanical fundraising reindeer Rocking Rudolph, going round supermarkets collecting in the run up to Christmas.

Gordon was born on May 25, 1932, in Finchley, London, where he grew up and went to school.

During the war, he moved to Hull where he began work as an electrical engineer.

He moved to York 18 years ago to start work as an electrical engineer for sweet manufacturer Craven's, and retired eight years ago.

His son John, 47, said Gordon was totally dedicated to the Lions.

He said: "Once he retired, he was busier than he'd ever been. He put so much effort into everything he did and he will be fondly remembered by a lot of people in York.

"Anyone who knew him, knew he was a larger than life character who didn't suffer fools gladly and liked everything done properly."

The family are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination before deciding when a funeral will be held.

Gordon leaves widow, Celia, 71, son, John, daughter, Karen, 45, and three grandchildren - Lorna, 19, Luke, 15, and Elysia, five.

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, December 01, 2005