Very Sad News

[Stefani]

It is with much sadness and tears that I tell the Borden family here that our dear friend, Harry Widdows, has passed away. I know many of you were fond of Harry and would want to know. This is a huge loss to us all as Harry was not only a fine man, a true gentleman, but a scholar and historian who will be remembered for generations, thanks to his work on this case.

It was Harry who originally transcribed both the Trial and the Preliminary Hearing and put it into a word document, that was then shared with others on another forum and here as well. He typed both documents BY HAND! It is thanks to the the work of Harry that we now can share these documents, that they are published more widely in book form, and that you and I can use these primary sources to aid us in understanding this most enigmatic of murder mysteries.

I wrote a memorial to Harry that you might like to read.

Again, sorry to be the bearer of such sad news.

http://lizzieandrewborden.com/MondoLizz ... th-sorrow/

Stefani

[irina]

I so much enjoyed reading what he posted here. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

[Curryong]

Indeed. Harry was a regular on this forum and a fount of information. He would hunt up quite obscure and enjoyable newspaper articles and post them, with relevant dates.

[twinsrwe]

Thank you Stefani, for submitting a post regarding Harry's passing.

Words cannot express the deep sadness I feel. Although I had not met Harry in person, I know from his postings on this Forum that he was always a true gentleman and more than willing to share the knowledge he had obtained throughout his years of studying the Borden Case. He was a true-blue 'forum friend', who was loved and respected by all of the forum members. I will always cherish the friendship that was formed between us on this forum. I knew he was having health problems and hadn’t posted anything on the forum since Oct 24, 2013. I missed his insightfulness, beliefs and wit, but now when I read through the things he has posted, it will be with a heavy heart full of great sadness. I feel truly blessed having had him as a 'forum friend'. He truly was an impressive human being. May he rest in peace.

Here is a link to Harry’s online obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sparta ... =171770155

[Aamartin]

The world lost a great man. A great man who was also simply a good person.

His contributions here are too numerous to mention. But they will remain, year after year for people to read, learn from and use in furthering their interest in Lizzie Borden.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to those who knew him in person, and also to the rest of us-- who knew him only here.

Harry always treated Lizzie like a lady when talking about her and the case-- something I am sure she appreciated. I imagine Harry has already looked Lizzie up and 'stayed for tea'.

Godspeed dear Harry.

[MysteryReader]

I just found out about Harry's passing. I'm very sorry. I enjoyed reading his insights on past threads. He will be missed, greatly.

[Constantine]

Just learned about Harry from my fellow Mutton Eaters at our weekend. I can't tell you how sad I am. I always enjoyed his posts. He was one of the people I most wanted to meet. Alas! It was not to be.