SIR Harry Secombe led a long and varied life, running from the slapstick and buffoonery of The Goon Show to presenting Songs Of Praise and Highway.

He was treasured as a comic genius, while also possessing a classical tenor voice that could move people to tears.

With his death yesterday at the age of 79, he is Goon but not forgotten.

As Michael Parkinson said of the man known for his falsetto giggles, Sir Harry escaped all gossip and nastiness in a long show business career.

And it's not often you can say that.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, April 12, 2001