Harry Winsor, a Newfoudlander was one of the founders of the FAO’s Fisheries Department.
A son of a United Church minister he studied at St. John’s Memorial University College and Boston University, and from 1939 worked with Newfoundland Fisheries Board, then with the Newfoundland Department of Supply. In 1944, he was appointed a Secretary, Fishery Products Committee of the Combined Food Board – a World War 2 agency allocating food for allied forces. At the end of the war he joined FAO, thus embarking upon a distinguished career in international fisheries development that spanned almost four decades.
In 1953, Harry left FAO to work for a decade with the Newfoundland Fisheries Development Authority (NFDA), and the NF South Coast Commission. He then rejoined FAO to lead a fisheries development in the Caribbean, and since 1968, to head FAO’s Fisheries Operations. In 1974, he established, then directed the FAO's inter-regional Indian Ocean Fishery Survey and Development Program. He retired from FAO in 1979, but kept consulting in the world’s fisheries. A man of mission, his influence on the fisheries development community has been beyond his actual responsibilities.
He leaves behind his wife, Sylvia, married children and grandchildren.
I knew Harry and shall always remember him – a gentleman, a wise and honest man, a respected and loved leader of people, and the best possible friend.
Menakhem Ben-Yami
