Today, as we all pause to reflect on the past year and remember those who have lost their lives to Covid, it seems only right that at Remembering the Past we turn our thoughts to a great friend Harry Mercer.
Harry lost his life to Covid in April last year, at the age of 97. He had lived a long and happy life and it was our privilege to have been among the large group of friends he had amassed over those years. In a blog post from 2019 our manager Kath recalls that, in North Shields, “More people would know him as ‘The Hoover Man’ from his time running a successful business from his shop in West Percy Street.” You can read the full article here Harry Mercer, a long time friend of Remembering the Past – Remembering the Past.
Harry also contributed many memories including his memories of a day at the beach when he was a child, recalling, “The ice cream man used to come on a tricycle; it was a halfpenny to buy an ice cream and it was a luxury. “ You can read an extract of this memory here. Harry’s Day at the Beach – Remembering the Past.
Harry’s time with us was the tip of the iceberg as he volunteered for many good causes over 70 years of his life culminating in a national award as Britain’s Most Amazing Pensioner. This tribute in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle tells a fuller story of his many achievements and experiences Tributes to North Shields 97-year-old former bomber pilot who lost his final battle with coronavirus – Chronicle Live
Rest in peace Harry. Your passing has not diminished the light you brought into so many peoples’ lives nor the affection with which they remember you.
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