Farewell to our Great Friend Harry

Harry J Gration MBE DL (1950 – 2022)

All at St Peter’s were devastated to hear about the sudden death of Harry Gration on Friday 24 June 2022. Those who knew Harry have fond memories of a kind, generous and thoughtful man who was devoted to his family and still found time for everyone he met. It was a great joy and privilege for all at St Peter’s that he maintained a lifelong connection with the school.

Harry was born on 22 October 1950, in Bradford. He joined St Peter’s from Leeds Grammar School in 1965, joining Queen’s House, and left St Peter’s in 1969. In his final year at school Harry was the Queen’s House Monitor, and the Queen’s Chapel Monitor, as well as Secretary of the Theological Society.

The Peterite magazines between 1967 and 1969 acknowledge Harry’s efforts in rugby for the Under 16 Colts team, and 1967 is the first mention of him playing for the 2nd XI at cricket. In May 1968 he was awarded his Colours for hockey. Harry also took part in badminton and football, but his favourite sport was most notably cricket, being made Captain of the school first XI in 1969.

Harry was always immensely proud that as former cricket captain, his son Harvey would also go on to captain the first XI, the second father and son duo to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of David and Richard Kirby. Both of Harry’s sons Harrison and Harvey were educated at St Peter’s, leaving the Upper Sixth in 2021, and he was so proud of all they achieved. Harrison’s involvement in the Music Department, his performances and involvement in concerts and productions at school, including the Barbershop, before progressing to the Royal Academy of Music were a particular highlight.

Fellow Old Peterite Chris Leake (Temple and Dronfield 1964-1969) remembers his time with Harry at school. “Harry had a steady bat and a typically dry Yorkshire humour. On the day ‘Monty’ (Viscount Montgomery of Alamein) visited school, Harry suffered a cut ear on a concrete window lintel after we playfully nudged each other. I apologised. Typically, Harry said: ‘Forget it, mate. I’ve got another one!’ We both ended up as journalists,

Harry on BBC Look North and myself on The Daily Telegraph and The Mail on Sunday. RIP Harry.”

Harry began his career as a history teacher, but it was his television career with the BBC, from 1978, which made him a household name, not least as a longstanding presenter of BBC Look North from 1982. He also commentated for BBC Sport, covered the Olympic Games and presented Grandstand. Harry retired from the BBC after over 40 years of broadcasting in October 2020. During his career, he won two Royal Television Society (RTS) awards for sports documentaries, and he won the RTS Best Presenter award twice. His style of presenting has often been remarked upon and complimented for the fact that the audience felt as though they knew him, and he was speaking to friends. His charitable work was vast, as patron of many charities, including more recently the York Carers Centre. Tributes to Harry all recognise and celebrate the work he did personally to raise transformational sums of money for charity, including Sports Relief and Comic Relief.

Harry joined the Old Peterite Committee Club in 2019, taking the role of Old Peterite President from September 2020. Harry welcomed each Old Peterite personally to every event, particularly enjoying the London drinks. He recognised that Old Peterites have a life-long affinity and connection to the school, and he often commented on how special the St Peter’s community was, remarking on many an occasion: “Once a Peterite, always a Peterite.”

Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s, said: “We miss our inspirational friend so very much but we have also enjoyed sharing many happy memories of a wonderful, talented, kind, and true gentleman. Harry stands as a fine example of a life well lived and an inspiration to all connected to our school. Rest in peace Harry: Old Peterite, Peterite Parent, President of the Old Peterite Club, and legend.”

If you would like to share any tributes or memories with the school and Harry’s family, please email alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk