Gordon Harrison

13.06.1924 - 29.11.2011      

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Gordon Harrison has died peacefully at home after a short illness.

It is just over 14 years since I met Gordon and his wife, Peggy, who had just been diagnosed with MND. I visited them several times during the course of Peggy's illness and they both became involved with the newly relaunched South Yorkshire Branch of the MND Association.

Following Peggy's death, Gordon stayed in touch with the Branch and was soon involving his beloved Sickleholme Golf Club in raising money for the MND Association. Over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for the MND Association in Peggy's memory.

As the Branch developed Gordon was happy to become involved in the organisation of the Branch, eventually becoming chairman. Under his calm, wise, sociable leadership the Branch has gone from strength to strength, becoming an extremely successful Branch, well known across the region for the excellent support it gives to people affected by MND.

As well as chairing the Branch, Gordon was always involved in the numerous fund raising events undertaken by the Branch and its supporters. His huge circle of family and friends were regularly involved in volunteering and helping out, particularly with the Sheffield half marathon and "Gordon's Garden Parties". Something Gordon particularly enjoyed was being invited along to the various fundraising golf days across the region & only in mid September he was at such a day in Rotherham.

Many of you will have met Gordon at Branch meetings and Branch events. Others of you will have enjoyed his lovely company as an Association Visitor. Others of you will have enjoyed reading his cheery "Chairman's Reports" in the newsletter, some of you will have received his handwritten thankyou letters and letters of condolence.

Whatever your contact has been with Gordon you will have known him as a true gentleman - wise, friendly, humorous, genuine, kind and caring. To many of us he was a great friend.

The last time I saw Gordon he knew the seriousness of his illness but he said that he'd had a good life, he had no regrets and that all good things must come to an end.

He will be greatly missed.

Jane Evans, Regional Care Development Adviser