Book of Condolence
In Memory Of Frank Harris
Frank Harris, B.E.M., a vice-president of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (as well as an IGKT founder-member), died in his sleep on Saturday, 20th December 2003. He was 88 years old, and had become increasingly frail, but his loss will be deeply felt by those close to him - especially his 3 sons, 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren, to whom we send our sympathy.
Frank was the stalwart Guild secretary who, among many other initiatives, dreamed up and was the driving force behind both the Knotting Extravaganza of 1986 and Knot Year '90.
He was a friendly and sociable man with an abiding interest in the Scout movement, junior rugby football, county cricket, trees and knotting (especially Turks' heads).
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, 7th January, at 11:30 at the Tunbridge Wells Crematorium in Kent.
Written tributes are invited from those who knew Frank Harris, so that the Editor of Knotting Matters may consider a selection of them for possible publication as a memorial in due course.
Frank Harris was one of the original members of the Guild, and was at the inaugral meeting in 1982. He was the Secretary when I joined in 1990, and we first met at the Farnham AGM that same year. We often met at the Essex Branch meetings at Pitsea. His help and encouragement over the years to myself and other knottyers will always be greatly appreciated. I for one will miss him; the IGKT has lost a very good Vice-President and Guild member. Fare-ye-well, old friend.
Jeff Wyatt (President IGKT)
The Dutch Branch members, that knew Frank well, are sad to hear of his passing-away. We would like to express our condolences in this way. Since 1984 he has been for me more then a friend, who guided me through the period of birth of the Dutch Branch. corrected my pronounciation and was very hospitable in putting me up in his flat, the Eldorado of every knottyer, where we had endless discussions over ropework and the use of them. I always admired his quick brains and solutions. In the following years we travelled together to nearly all the AGM's in the country taken there by Charley in his van. Also he has aquainted me with most of the older members. I was responsible to bring him out the first time to the continent, to Rotterdam Museum in 1986 for a week of knots. Since then we spent a lot of time together on various meetings in England. I will always have happy memories of him, the kind man that I consider the FIGURE-HEAD of the Guild,and a real loss for me.
REST IN PEACE FRANK
J. Hoefnagel
Never met Frank [but read a lot about him in Knotting Matters]... that's my loss. Condolences to his family.
Nick Hill
Heel veel sterkte en liefde voor hen die achter blijven. Condolences from us
Leo en Fredy from Holland
I've known Frank since 1982 when we met aboard the Discovery as founder members of the IGKT. He also attended the Essex Branch meeting from its inauguration until poor health intervened often running one of our workshops. Apart from knotting we occasionally met socially to attend our local barn-dance, Frank staying overnight with my wife and I at my home. He will be sadly missed by both of us.
Don Woods (Essex Branch)
Then the signal was given for the grand fleet to anchor,
And all in the Downs that night for to lie,
let go your shank painter, likewise your cat stopper,
haul up your clew garnets, let tacks and sheets fly.
Jim Bartlett
It is with deep sadness that I hear of the passing of dear Frank. I will always remember him as a faithful and thorough individual who was willing to help with any issue, no matter how small. His wit and knowledge will be sorely missed, but the world will feel a bit warmer knowing he is now looking out for all of us with renewed and inexhaustible vigor from his perch with the Almighty.
David Bowie
Every knot tyer will miss Frank. Those who had the pleasure of spending time in his company will miss his wonderful openness and enthusiasm that lifted your spirits. Those who did not meet him will miss his deep commitment to the IGKT. All knot tyers must be a little mad; Frank's madness rose to genius when he decided we should "do the Ashley book in its entirety". It is one of my cherished memories, spending a small amount of time assisting Frank in the splendid chaos of preparing a few of the knots and boards that made up the Extravaganza displays. He made things happen and for that will always have my sincerest respect.
John Smith
I'm very sad about this bad news. Could you accept my condolences.
Patrick Lefour
Shortly after joining the Guild in 1990 I received a telephone call from Frank asking for help with the Knot Year 90 event in Bradford. I had never met a Guild member, never attended a meeting and I don't think I had even received my first copy of Knotting Matters but, such was the ability of Frank that, by the end of the call I had agreed to accommodate 4 members at my home, a further three in a local campsite and spend nearly a week at the event in Bradford!
I owe Frank a great debt. His powers of persuasion introduced me to a wonderful group of people and many hours of pleasure. From meeting him at Huddersfield station, with instructions to identify him by the black hat and a piece of rope, through a hilarious evening at my local pub in the company of Frank, Charlie Smith, Bernard Cutbush and Jan Hoefnagel, followed by time at Bradford Cathedral learning all sorts of new skills, this first encounter went on to many more happy times.
Thank you.
Graham Smith
West Yorkshire
I have read so many inspirational messages that I feel as though I had already known him for years! I never had the chance to meet Frank, but I do want to pass to his family our condolences in the loss of their loved one so revered and treasured. Our loss is Heaven's gain. May he rest in peace.
Lindsey Philpott, IGKTPAB and all US Members.
Frank was a lovely friend - he gave me a bed for the night when I turned up in business suit with briefcase when my hotel booking went awry. His trips in support of the Midlands Branch in 1985 and thereabouts were much appreciated by me and the rest of the gang hereabouts.
Take care old pal.
Robert Jackson
Frank was treasurer of Essex Branch after he retired from office with IGKT. His enthusiasm gave the branch meetings a warmth and welcome which made us enjoy them all the more
Europa Chang Dawson