Renowned local cartoonist Hawley Harris was yesterday laid to rest at Le Repentir Cemetery following a touching service at the Merriman’s Funeral Home. He was 77 years old.
At the service, relatives and friends remembered him as an accomplished cartoonist who remained humble in spite of his many achievements.
Harris was the recipient of the Arrow of Achievement, the country’s fourth highest national award, and the Guyana Press Association Award for the Best cartoonist of the year in 1993.
Some of his grandchildren paid homage to their late granddad as they recounted some of their fondest memories of him. His granddaughter Jasmin Harris recalled the way he loved being touched by his grandchildren and his fondness for the television series National Geographic.
Instead of having the traditional eulogy, Harris’ children decided to do individual tributes instead. His eldest son, Mark, described him as a public figure “who was an introvert”, since he was a very private person who enjoyed being by himself.
His son, Paul, who has followed in the footsteps of his father in being a cartoonist, said his father was “a hero with many accomplishments”. He described his father as one of the greatest teachers he had ever had. Not only did his father teach him about art but also about life, Paul added.
Meanwhile, Doreen de Caires, the former managing director of Stabroek News, saluted Harris for the sterling contribution he made to the newspaper. Harris had worked as the editorial cartoonist at Stabroek News from its first year until 2001, when he retired due to failing health. She said that there was no doubt that he was the premier local cartoonist of his time.
He was hailed as a “true social scientist” who used his strong powers of observation to great effect by one member of the audience. This individual also said that Harris, as a cartoonist, “stood above politics”- since he did not allow the political climate to negatively interfere with his work.
Several others paid tribute to Harris including Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, former Chancellor of the Judiciary Professor Aubrey Bishop, and Curator of Guyana’s National Art Gallery, Elfrieda Bissember.
Harris died on Thursday due to complications from diabetes. He was a professional cartoonist for most of his life and apart from the Stabroek News he also contributed to the Mirror, New Nation and the Guyana Chronicle newspapers during his distinguished career.
