British writer and activist Harry Leslie Smith dies in Belleville hospital
By Thomas Goyer
BELLEVILLE – Tributes from across the globe are marking the passing of writer, activist, political commentator and veteran Harry Leslie Smith in the Belleville hospital last night. He was 95.
His son John broke the news by tweeting from Smith’s account.
At 3:39 this morning, my dad Harry Leslie Smith died. I am an orphan. #istandwithharry
— Harry Leslie Smith (@Harryslaststand) November 28, 2018
Smith had been in the hospital since last week after falling in his home.
He is known for being a bestselling author, along with his activism around anti-poverty, universal healthcare and support for refugees.
Born in Barnsley England in 1923, Smith lived through the Great Depression and served seven years in the Royal Air Force through World War Two before beginning his social activism. He split his time living in both England and Canada.
The self-proclaimed “world’s oldest rebel” spent his last years touring refugee camps.
Many tributes have been pouring in online for Smith, including Jeremy Corbyn who is the leader of the British Labour Party.
“We will all miss Harry Leslie Smith – he was one of the giants whose shoulders we stand on,” he said.
More to come.
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