WILLIAM VERNON HARCOURT

WILLIAM VERNON HARCOURT On Sunday
WILLIAM VERNON HARCOURT On Sunday, August 7, 2005 after a short illness, at home, surrounded by his loving family. A beloved husband, adored father and treasured friend, Bill was an extraordinary gentleman of great generosity, wit and charm. A lifelong journalist, he began his distinguished career with a summer job on the Kitchener Waterloo Record, then went on to work for Canadian Press in Toronto, Vancouver and New York, where he covered the United Nations. In the 1950's he left New York for Reuters in London, England where he spent several years on the North American Desk.
In 1960, Bill returned to Canada and began his long career at CBC Television, serving as executive producer of news specials with foreign assignments that sent him to Vietnam, Russia, Europe and South Africa. Over the years he executive produced a variety of documentaries and current affairs programming including Ombudsman and Marketplace. His last assignment was CBC's The Journal, where he had the great pleasure of working with an outstanding group of Canadian journalists.
Bill will be deeply missed by his dear brother Capt. John Harcourt, his sister in law Joan, an extended family of nieces and nephews and many cherished life long friends.
Nada, Shelagh and Mark would like to thank Dr. Abraham Hirsz and CCAC for their excellent care. Special thanks also to Catherine McHugh for her constant, loving support.
Friends may call at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W. (two light west of Yonge) on Tuesday, August 9th from 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Basil's Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill's memory to Medecins Sans Frontiers - Doctors Without Borders Canada, www.msf.ca, 1-800-982-7903.