Big John Jones 36

SNash · 13-05-2007, 13:29

My sincere condolences to Rose & her family at this sad time. Was a privilage to have known John. He will be sadly missed by all.

Sonya Nash

**Ken Barrow** · 15-05-2007, 07:47

So very sorry to hear about John it was a privilage to have served with him when he was in the Drums i have lots of fond memorys of Hong Kong & Ireland lots of funny moments. My condolences to Rose & Family from the Barrow family in Canada.

Ken Barrow.

ritchie39 · 17-05-2007, 22:23

I served with big John 36 for many years he was one great man its with great sadness to hear of his passing our condolences go out to Rose and the familly.
rest in peace John.

Ritchie39

**ap1** · 20-05-2007, 19:35

Sorry for the delay in posting, I've been away.

I was privileged to attend Johns funeral at Wrexham on Thursday. The huge turnout was testimony to the respect and esteem that John and Rose are held. There was a broad range of members from the regiment present, and the Wrexham Branch Standard was also in attendence.

During the day many stories were swapped about John. Although a painfully sad day, there was a lot of laughter as people remembered tales from days gone by of a larger than life character.

I had a chance to talk with Johns children, Mary, Laura and David. For those of you who remember the family. Mary is married to an RAF servicemen, Laura is serving in the Royal Artillery and of course David is serving with our own 1st Bn. All 3 of them emphasised to me, how much members messages of support, via the forum had meant to Rose and the family. If i'm honest, I hadn't really understood the impact the messages have, now I do. Mary told me that they had all been printed off, and will be kept as a reminder within the family.

Thanks

**Bob Lloyd** · 21-05-2007, 17:02

I too have been away and only just read that 36 has passed away. How sad. He was a great character who epitomised much of what was wonderful about the RWF. A very talented drum and 432 instructor, always with a glint in his eye and a smile on his face, terrific for morale. 'Mild and bitter' springs to mind, and in Lemgo he was a mean fly fisher.albeit using a thunderflash as a fly! He will be sadly missed and my heartfelt condolences go to his family.

'There are many kind of sorrows,
In this world of love and hate.
But there is no sterner sorrow,
Than a soldier's for his mate'.

**anitacorbett** · 22-05-2007, 20:07

What a lovely quote. Whats it from?
Anita x

**Bob Lloyd** · 23-05-2007, 10:33

The Rev Geoffrey Kennedy MC, an Army Padre serving in WW1. Known as 'Woodbine Willy' because of the fags (Woodbines - but I'm sure you are too young to remember them Anita!) he handed out to the Tommies in the trenches.

**laurajones349** · 25-05-2007, 18:48

myself and my mother rose would like to thank everyone who turned up to pay there last respects to my dad. it was a sad but an amazing day i could not have wished for a better send off for an amazing man, it was also an enjoyment to meet so many of his mates and i heard some good stories too. so many of you came from all over the uk now thats what i call true friendship he would have been proud of you all, thanks once again laura