Farewell to journalist Paddy Harper

Tributes flowed at the packed Stellawood Chapel in Umbilo, Durban as family and friends gathered for the funeral service of veteran journalist William “Paddy Harper.

Harper, who worked in several newsrooms, including the Sunday Tribune, was the Political Editor of the Mail & Guardian when he died last Saturday.

He was 59 - years-old.

At his funeral on Saturday were former mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede, Provincial Secretary of the ANC Bheki Mtolo and the Head of Department for International and Governance Relations at the eThekwini Municipality Eric Apelgren.

Thomas Wagner one of Harper’s son, said he was consoled by the fact that his father was at ease.

"It is a sad day for all of us but at the same time I am happy because he's in a better place and I know he would have wanted me to be happy.

"One of the real reasons I am actually happy and what warms my soul is that the last three years have been the best memories that a father and son could ever have together," he said.

Wagner said his father was always just a phone call away whenever he needed him.

"I will miss his ability to make a good sense of humor out of everything, whether it was a good or bad situation. When I was in tears, there was no way that the conversation would end without a good laugh" he said.

Harper's friend and former colleague, author Fred Khumalo said he had only good memories of him.

"His contribution to journalism is immense. Not only was he a good journalist, but he was also a good writer. Some people can be good journalists but cannot write, but, he could write and follow a good story properly. He was an absolutely good friend who enjoyed a good laugh and was anti-racist," said Khumalo.

Kumi Naidoo, former Secretary of Amnesty International, described Harper as a bundle of energy that was warm, passionate, generous and courageous.

"During the 1980's when we were fighting apartheid, often the one white face in the crowd with us, sometimes risking his life in the battles that were going on between different factions in KZN.

"He was courageous and I was inspired by his journalism. If we made a list of the top journalists in South Africa, Paddy would definitely be in that category of people," he said.

Harper leaves behind his wife and three sons.