Lorry driver Malcolm Harrison killed in port silo tragedy (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Funeral to be held at Christ Church, Skipton

8:00am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Alistair Shand

A grieving widow paid tribute to her lorry driver husband who suffocated under an eight-tonne pile of animal feed after it accidentally poured on top of him.

Grandfather Malcolm Harrison, 64, of Steeton , near Keighley , was working inside a giant silo at the Port of Liverpool, Merseyside, when the tragedy happened.

Witnesses say he was trying to open the back of his wagon when a stockpile of soyabean meal collapsed on him.

Colleagues managed to free Mr Harrison, who had suffocated, and he was resuscitated at the scene, but he died shortly afterwards in hospital.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now investigating the tragedy.

Mr Harrison’s widow, Claudine, of Summerhill Drive, yesterday described her husband as a “loving and devoted” family man.

Mrs Harrison, a 56-year-old school cook, said: “He was such a sociable man and very well known, but also modest.

“We did everything together and travelled a lot to countries including America and Australia. We shared a wonderful life.

“He loved animals and music and another of his passions was steam trains and stock cars. He worked as a fireman on a steam engine after leaving school and as a driver for a stock car team. He worked hard all his life.”

The couple had been together since 1982 and married for 26 years.

“I’m thankful for the years we have had – we’ve had great times,” said Mrs Harrison.

“I am also very thankful for all the messages of support and cards I’ve received over the past few days. People have said such wonderful things about him and it has really helped me through it.”

Mr Harrison was born in Skipton and educated at Water Street and Aireville schools in the town before becoming a lorry driver in his early 20s.

He worked for WG Taylor in Skipton but for the past 24 years had driven for Reid Atkinson, a haulage firm based in Kelbrook, Lancashire.

The company’s managing director Paul Schofield said: “Malcolm was a lovely man, well liked by everyone and a loyal servant to the company. We are deeply shocked by what has happened.”

The HSE confirmed that it is investigating the circumstances of Mr Harrision’s death, which happened last Thursday.

An inquest will be held.

Mr Harrison leaves four children, Michelle, Matthew, Stephanie and Caroline, and seven grandchildren, a brother, John, and sister Mandy.

His funeral service will take place at Christ Church, Skipton, on Friday, September 21, at 12.30pm, followed by cremation.

Donations will be received for the Bradford-based charity Fulfil the Wish, which provides activity and sightseeing holidays for children and young people with disabilities and complex health needs.