Ex-Ten crime reporter Harry Potter has died after a long battle with cancer. Credit:Jacky Ghossein Potter worked as a journalist for more than 50 years, joining Ten Eyewitness News in 1978. Last year, he became the first winner of the Kennedy life time achievement award, which recognises journalists who have "devoted their working life to fearlessly pursuing fact and the truth while upholding the highest of standards". Shaun Fewings, now a NSW Police media officer, was mentored by Potter as a young crime reporter. The pair worked together in Ten's newsroom for more than a decade and remained close after Fewings left. "He was always quick to assist the kids coming through," Fewings told Fairfax Media. "Understanding police procedure can be quite daunting for a young reporter. But Harry was always there to give you a leg-up." Fewings said walking down the street with Potter "would take three times as long as normal because all the punters recognised him. He'd say, 'G'day, pal!', which was his trademark, and stop and have a chat to everyone."

Potter's professionalism and reputation helped him get many exclusive interviews with victims, their families and even criminals, Fewings said. The case that haunted him most was the murder of schoolgirl Ebony Simpson in 1992. "The fate that befell her; it just always upset Harry," he said. But Fewings was inspired by Potter's enthusiasm. "He'd bounce into work like a young cadet reporter every day. He was always on the lookout for a story. You'd just think, 'Where the hell do you get all that energy from?'" Potter started his career in newspapers before switching to the Ten Network, where he met his wife, newsreader Katrina Lee.

"Every so often, he'd get some young producer who'd hack his copy to pieces and he'd rail to have it reinstated," Fewings said. "That was because of his newspaper background." Ten's former Melbourne newsreader Mal Walden described Potter as "an institution in the industry". "He was a great storyteller, an old-fashioned crime-buster and a wonderful mentor," Walden told Fairfax Media. "He's the kind of guy I would have gone to for advice when I was starting out. "But even though he took his work seriously, he could still laugh at himself. One of my favourite stories was a wonderful colour piece he did during the Harry Potter wizard phenomenon; it was just such a great storytelling feat." Indeed, Potter volunteered to cover the launch of a new Harry Potter title - only to be mobbed by screaming children demanding he autograph their books.

Ten CEO Hamish McLennan said Potter "defined crime reporting for a generation ... [he] was a giant of Australian journalism." Sydney newsreader Sandra Sully said staff are "incredibly sad, yet humbled to have known him ... he will remain a towering figure to all of us and we are grieving his loss." Potter is such a legendary figure among Ten journalists that the network's 'journalist of the year' award has been dubbed the "Harry Potter award". Senior Ten journalist Daniel Sutton tweeted: "Heart sinking. The heart and soul of our newsroom, Harry Potter, has slipped away. We love you H. Thank you for everything." Ten's entertainment reporter Angela Bishop described Potter on Twitter as "friend, mentor, colleague, legend".

Potter retired at the end of 2010. But when staff searched for footage of his most famous blooper - "the headless body was found lying face-down" - they discovered the newsreel had disappeared from Ten's archives. Potter became the prime suspect but refused to comment. Alas, the snippet did not make the "Harry-isms" video that was screened at his farewell party. Ten's news and current affairs boss Peter Meakin said: "Harry’s unique style, impeccable police contacts and genuine care for victims of crime led to decades of exclusive stories and lasting friendships. "He was held in the highest regard not only by his family at Ten, but by the many police, families, journalists and cameramen he has worked with over the years." Potter is survived by Lee and his children Tim, Nick, Elisa and Jack. His family thanked his friends, colleagues, doctors, nurses and hospital support staff for their "incredible skill, care and dedication".

"Harry inspired us all with his tremendous fighting spirit, love of life and dedication to his family, friends and colleagues," Potter's family said. "Harry is the definition of a larger-than-life character and he will be with us forever." mlallo@fairfaxmedia.com.au