ObituaryFormer local news anchor Harry E. Horn passed away on August 22, 2005 after a courageous encounter with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and spent the past 18 months being an involved and passionate activist for the disease.He was born April 3, 1944 in Queens, New York to Harry and Linda Horn. His parents were both Estonians and came to America through Ellis Island. Harry and his brother Ralph, who survives him, were always very proud of their Estonian heritage. The Horns moved to Miami in 1948 and for Harry it was love at first sight. Though he would move away several times, he always returned to Florida, the state he loved. He graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1962 and joined the Air Force in 1966. A true Gator, he graduated from the University of Florida in 1972 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. You would always find him celebrating wildly in blue and orange during Florida football season.Harry loved the news. He loved to tell the stories about world events; sports, weather and daily life, but what he probably loved the most was the stories about people. If you ever had the privilege to meet him you would have been touched by his insight, intelligence, generosity and wonderful humor. Harry could really make you laugh. He would do it through his wry observations about people, things and life. He had a way of seeing the world through a slightly tilted lens that made things seem better, brighter, bigger and more beautiful. Harry could make you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. He was a mentor to many of the young news people with whom he worked and always found the best in people. He helped many discover the best about themselves. His ability to touch people was especially evident since his diagnosis as he made new friends and contacts within the ALS community in his desire to get the word out about the disease and the need for research. In addition, Harry and his wife Toni have been loved, supported and sustained by all of the friends that have given so selflessly of their time, contributions and most importantly their love. Harry is survived by his wife, Toni Matison, his brother Ralph E. Horn of Orlando, his step-daughter Alisa M. Barria, her husband Eric Barria and grandson, Alexander of Tempe, Arizona. In addition, he leaves behind his cousin John Kurro and family of Maine, the Beaver family of Massachusetts and friends all over the world who will deeply miss his caring, vitality and love. The family would like to thank Hope Hospice North House and the ALS Association of Florida. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 2:30 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Harry's name be made to The ALS Association, 8359 Beacon Blvd., Suite 301, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907 or to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy, Cape Coral, Florida 33909. These donations will be used to help other patients and families living with ALS in Southwest Florida.Harry always loved to go out and get the story. He loved it so much he named his boat "On Assignment." That is how he would like you to remember him.... Simply that he has left on another assignment.