What a life Harry had It was an honour and a privilege to be in York Minster on Monday for the funeral of the late, great Harry Gration. The service, lasting nearly two hours, was so fitting for my friend and ex-school mate Harry.

What a life he had, doing so much good, rarely saying ‘no’, always with a cheeky smile, caring and so positive.

The atmosphere in the Minster was so intense, much sadness and tears, but also so much shared love and respect for a true ‘professional’ in every sense. My wife and I were so moved by all the tributes, the songs, the words, the gathering of so many friends, all with a common thread of admiration for all that Harry was.

It was so good to be able to talk with Amy Garcia, Keeley Donovan, Paul Hudson, Christa Ackroyd and others who knew Harry, and especially to his wife Helen and talk about Pandas Hockey Club and St Peter’s School and our memories of Harry.

I still find it very hard to believe that Harry has left us. In these grim times it is so wonderful to know that there are still people around like Harry.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York