John Harcourt (26th April 1928 - 21st February 2026)

John Harcourt

John Harcourt, late of Balmoral Avenue and recently of Cadogan Park, has passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness.

John was a stalwart of many things. He was a member of Royal York LOL 145 for 80 years, the Masonic for 68 years, the Railway Preservation Society from its foundation and the Unionist Party for most of his life.

He served the Ward of St. Anne’s from 1951 to 1973 as a member of Belfast Corporation. He resigned in protest of the dilution of powers by the Westminster Government after Local Government reform.

Amongst his achievements he led on the establishment of the Belfast Zoo and the Museum at Cultra.

His late father (also John) was a member of Belfast Corporation and served as Lord Mayor. When appointed he resigned his Stormont seat of Woodvale to take up his seat in the Senate.

John Junior’s family owned F. E. Harcourt and Company coal merchants, providing coal to the City Hospital amongst other many customers.

John at a recent Lodge Meeting recalled hearing Lord Craigavon speak at a Belfast Twelfth in Finaghy when he was five where he uttered the famous slogan “Not an inch”.

John was an Honorary Member of his Orange Lodge and served as Worshipful Master in 1986. He was also Honorary President of the South Belfast Association of the Unionist Party until his death. He was an active member and former President of the Railway Preservation Society and opposed the closure of lines in the 1960’s.

John was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and was to go and work for a shipping company in South Africa until a seat in Belfast Corporation became vacant. The rest they say is history.

John is survived by his brother Peter and will be fondly remembered by his Brethren in Royal York LOL 145 and his Masonic Lodge County 381 (Hollywood).

ADC