Harry Edward died suddenly on 27 October 2019.

Rotorua has lost one of its most respected and colourful criminal defence counsel.

Harry was born in Rotorua on 14 September 1950. His family moved to Ashburton for a time before returning to Rotorua. Harry entered the law after working as a stock agent and a school teacher. He soon established a reputation for his humanity and willingness to take on criminal work at all levels.

Harry's skills as defence counsel led to him becoming known in the profession as Harry the Fox. He possessed unique powers of persuasion. Harry had a particular empathy with Rotorua juries. He secured many verdicts which seemed unlikely or improbable. He remained modest throughout.

The legal fraternity paid its respects to Harry at a gathering on Friday, 1 November 2019. Many practitioners and judges recounted stories of Harry's devotion to the law and his, at times, unconventional approach to legal problems. On Saturday, 2 November 2019 a very large funeral took place at Rotorua Boys' High School which Harry had attended.

Harry is survived by his wife Sue and their three children, Christopher, Julia and Jeremy. The profession extends its condolences to them and to Harry's wider whanau.