Yahoo News 'Proud' Huyton grandad who made 'rare achievement' dies age 87
Tributes have been paid to an inspiring Navy Commander and loved grandad who never forgot his roots. Henry George Harley, known as Harry, was born in Huyton and spent 37 years in the Royal Navy.
As a teenager, he joined as a junior assistant cook in 1954 and spent almost half of the 1960s in the Far East. Throughout his career, Harry served on 11 ships, eight shore establishments, three Command Headquarters, two colleges and one hospital.
He retired in 1991, rising to the rank of Commander - a rare achievement for someone coming from "lower decks." In his retirement, Harry was committed to supporting the Royal Navy through numerous roles, with many younger generations also remembering him for being president of Huyton Sea Cadets.
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In his personal life, Harry had two daughters, Alison and Sue, and two grandchildren, Max and Ruby. He married wife Joan, 78, after the pair met while working in Liverpool Cathedral in the 1990s.
Last October, Harry was diagnosed with a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and died on October 28, 2024, at the age of 87. Paying tribute, Harry's wife Joan, originally from Kirkdale, told the ECHO: "He went to the secondary modern school not far from where he lived and went to work in the Express newspaper in Liverpool.
"He had to wait six months to go and join the Navy properly because of his age. He was a cook but he was the only one that was walking around with a little typewriter.
"He would be writing constantly about what was happening and he got noticed, the officers saw his potential and started pushing him. He used to go to typing lessons which his mother and father had sent him to and so that gave him a good start."
Continuing to excel in his different roles, Harry was regularly promoted and in the 1980s passed the RN Staff Course, subsequently being promoted to Commander. At this rank, he served on the staff of Flag Officer Submarines, Sea Training, and Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command, as well as holding senior positions in NATO in Naples and Rome.
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In retirement, Harry continued to support the Royal Navy and held positions as president with the Royal Naval Association, Liverpool branch, president of the Royal Naval Association Northwest Area (58 branches), president of the Liverpool Naval Officers Club (HMS Eaglet, Sea Urchins) and president of Huyton Sea Cadets – Iron Duke.
As president of Huyton Sea Cadets, Harry steered the Unit to win the Prestigious Canada Trophy in 2012 for best Sea Cadet unit in the UK. He also led a team in raising £480,000 to rebuild the unit headquarters.
Joan said: "He was asked to join the Royal Navy Association of the north west and he became president of that organisation. Only a few years ago he stood down, but he loved every minute of it and so did I.
"I accompanied him to all the different branches across the country and we loved every minute of it. He was also president of the Huyton Sea Cadet unit and it was such a thrill for him to put back into where he comes from.
"With the young ones, he was absolutely fabulous and always encouraging them. He would just say to them look what happened to me, I worked hard and I come from Huyton and I went to the secondary modern school and look where I've ended up.
"He just loved telling them where he came from, this is what can happen if you work hard. He loved Huyton - he loved coming from Huyton.
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In his life, Harry also loved his childhood friendship group, known as "the golden boys," as well as books and football. He represented every Royal Navy ship and base he served on and as a skilled centre back, declined the the opportunity to sign with Queens Park Rangers to continue his naval career.
Joan said: "The golden boys, there were five of them and after they met up he would write all about it and he'd create a magazine then send it out. Each one of the golden boys got one of these magazines and to read them, they were fantastic.
"He loved reading books, he couldn't sit without a book in your hand or we'd be standing in a queue, next minute a book would come out and he'd give it to you. He was an athlete as well and he played football over the world."
Joan said Harry was always proud of his Huyton roots and was known for always helping others. She said: "He had a good sense of humour and he was a lover of people.
"When it was time to stand down from the Royal Navy Association, they wouldn't let him and he went on for a couple of more years, and then he tried to step down again, and they wouldn't let him. Him. But eventually they let him.
"Although we'd left the Royal Navy Association, they were still seeking his advice, which I found absolutely fabulous. He really looked after me.
"To be part of Harry's life was a privilege, a complete privilege. The family would also like to thank B Jenkins, Church Road North, for their care and support during this time."
