Longtime Murfreesboro resident and world leader Harry Horne died quietly Sunday night with his wife Betty, family and friends around his bed.
Longtime friend George Huddleston, Jr. notes that Harry was a fun character up to his death. In fact, a few hours before passing, the Salem Road resident pulled Huddleston closer and and mumbled a funny southern phrase that would make a lady blush. Huddleston noted, "He was a great gentleman and will be missed by many."
He celebrated his 96th birthday a few weeks ago on October 8th.
Lived By Rotary's 4-Way Test
Horne had been active in Rotary International for 45-years, in fact he was president of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club from July, 1986 through June, 1987. He was a former secretary and a Paul Harris Fellow.
Harry lived his life by Rotary's 4-Way Test: "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And, will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
Retire Diplomat with Canadian Foreign Service
He served in the Canadian Medical Corp during World War II. Following service in France, the Netherlands and Germany, Harry Horne returned to Canada. He enrolled first at the University of British Columbia and then at the University of Toronto where he gained an MBA. In 1947 he joined the Trade Commissioner Service, the commercial part of Canada’s diplomatic service. For the next forty years he served his country in Oslo, Stockholm, Lima, Karachi, Chicago and Bonn.
In 1967 he was named Consul General for Canada in Sydney, Australia and subsequently was Canada’s Consul General in Atlanta and San Francisco.
Horne spent over 30 years abroad and was renowned for his ability to train and develop young diplomats, many of who went on to very senior roles in government and industry. He passed up a number of requests to fill positions in Ottawa. He was lovingly called “Trader Horne” by a generation of Canadian diplomats.
His influence spread outside the government community and he was highly regarded by many leaders in the Canadian business community with whom he was in close contact through frequent trips back to Canada.
Harry Horne was the senior Canadian Government representative to six western states including Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Northern California and Hawaii. His responsibilities included the administration of the Canadian Consulate General’s five divisions: industry, trade and commerce, manpower and immigration, tourism, consular affairs and public affairs.
Great Sense of Humor
Horne's sense of humor popped-out on a regular basis. In fact, during an interview about education several years ago, when asked about his educational background, the Murfreesboro resident said, "I have a couple of degrees. I earned both, none were given to me--I had to work hard to pay for them."
Indeed he did, Horne received his undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Toronto.
Loved MTSU
He loved MTSU. In fact, Horne taught political science here from 1983 to 1990. He and his wife Betty established the Horne Scholarship many years ago. To be eligible, students must be a graduate from a Tennessee high school and major in international relations and/or global studies at MTSU with a 3-point grade average or score at least a 25 on the ACT test.
Family and Arrangements
Mr. Horne was a native of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was a son of the late Bernard J. and Rose Burke Horne. He was also preceded in death by a son, Bernard Thomas Horne.
Visitation will be 1:00 until 3:00pm Wednesday (11/14/2012) at Woodfin Memorial Chapel followed by a 3:00pm funeral service with Rev. Don Herron officiating.
Mr. Horne is survived by his wife, Betty Lewter Horne; son, Christopher A. Horne of Adelaide, Australia; daughter, Lisa Coyle of Tampa, FL and one granddaughter, Laura Hargrove of Atlanta, GA.
Memorials may be made to the Noon Rotary Club or the Harry Horne Scholarship Fund at MTSU in memory of Mr. Horne.
