Mourners say farewell to Harry

Scores of mourners turned out in force to pay their last respects to a "godfather" of the Black Country entertainment scene.

Family, friends and fellow performers arrived at Gornal Wood Crematorium to say goodbye to Harry Harrison, who died last week after a heart attack.

The crowd fell silent as the hearse pulled up, complete with Harry's trademark flat cap, before entering the chapel to the sound of his favourite tenor, Beniamino Gigli.

Around 200 people yesterday crammed into the chapel to listen to moving tributes from fellow performers, including a rendition of the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, which he urged the audience to join in with at his gigs.So many attended the service that people who could not find a seat had to stand against the walls to hear comedian Tommy Mundon, poet Marlene Watson and singer Maggie O'Hara each pay their own personal tribute to Harry, of Coseley.

The congregation sang Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer and All People that on Earth do Dwell and heard pastor, and Harry's long-time friend, Maurice Powell pay tribute to the "unique" man who "never spoke ill of anyone".

Fellow comic Tommy Mundon said a moving eulogy in memory of his "old mucker" during which he revealed Harry had a prodigious appetite - especially for faggots. Singer Maggie O'Hara, who sang All Things Bright and Beautiful during the service, said Harry was loved by everyone who knew him.

"I worked with him as recently as July and it came as a terrible shock to hear he had died. I just can't believe it," she said.

"I decided to sing the hymn because he used to sing it at gigs."

Alan Smith, better known as Aynuk, said he based his comedy creation around Harry. "He was the godfather of the Black Country comedy scene and I suppose the character of Aynuk is modelled around Harry in his humour, style and cloth cap," he said.

Harry is also survived by his wife of 65 years, Florence, daughter-in-law, Pamela, and his two grandchildren, Nick and Ruth.