Book of condolence: Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke (From The Argus)

Helen Winterson, Blandford Camp says...
7:29pm Thu 8 Feb 07

I served with Jon in Bosnia in 2002. Jon was the kindest, politest, friendliest bloke I have ever met. I have spent the last two days looking fondly through my photos from that time and remembering his cheeky smile. My love goes to all the family. He was a lad anyone would be proud to know x

Report this post »

andy rice, Brighton says...
8:01pm Thu 8 Feb 07

My heart goes out to the family left behind , one day this war will end, but those who lost there lives must not be forgotten.

Report this post »

Yodi, Brighton says...
9:30pm Thu 8 Feb 07

John was a well liked character, whenever we met with friends for drinks it was constant laughter, never a dull moment. He'll be sorely missed, condolences to the family

Report this post »

Alisdair MacGilp, Yate says...
10:23pm Thu 8 Feb 07

I also served with Jon in Bosnia. Jon was a lovely bloke, always making me laugh when I needed it the most, one of the best. I'm happy that he got to live his dream and am glad to have been a friend.

Report this post »

John Wells, Brighton says...
10:31pm Thu 8 Feb 07

I went to both Cottesmore St. Marys Primary School and Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School and Sixth-Form College at the same time as Jonathan. I'll always remember him as being cheerful, funny and friendly. In our Business Studies lessons, he'd always be smiling, laughing and cracking jokes. This always had the effect of cheering the rest of us up, no matter how hard the work. My most fondest memory of Jon is from our end-of-college Prom. He saw that I was sitting at a table most of the night and so he came over to talk to me, bought me a drink and even got me up dancing later on. I only wish I'd both taken photos of the evening and kept in touch with him after college.
My sincerest condolences to his family. Your son will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Report this post »

antony, warrington says...
12:23am Fri 9 Feb 07

to the family and friends of jon my sincere condolences my close friend kingsman alex green was from the same regiment my thoughts are with you.

antony

Report this post »

Paul Beazer, Fallujah, IRAQ says...
4:54am Fri 9 Feb 07

I am a civilian working in Iraq and have been for almost 3 years. We only ever hear and see the bad in this country but they are the same as everywhere else. The good people outnumber the bad. we and they are paying for a wrong decision made some years ago. That is the true tragedy.

Report this post »

Lisa Putman, Brighton says...
9:49am Fri 9 Feb 07

I went to cardinal newman school. My thoughts are with the family. so sorry for your sad loss.

Report this post »

Jemma, Brighton says...
9:49am Fri 9 Feb 07

I spent time as a teenager with Jon, growing up and getting into mischief as you do. His loss brings great sadness to a lot of people who shared the same fun I did with him and whom lost contact as years passed by. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, sincere condolences to the family and his fiancée. His memory will live on in our hearts.

Report this post »

Richard, 117-180 says...
10:49am Fri 9 Feb 07

No matter what your opinions are of the war, we must never forget the bravery and sacrifice that men like John have given.He is a credit to both his family and his country and i feel proud to have known him

Report this post »

Chris Ransley, Brighton says...
11:04am Fri 9 Feb 07

I attended Cardinal Newman School with Johnny and became close friends through college whilst on the same course but sadly lost contact after we left.

I will remember him as a good honest person who always had time for his friends and took his friendships very seriously. He was a natural talker, striking up conversations easily with the shyest of people and he was also an attentive listener. He had a fantastic sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He held a strong set of morals and would go out of his way to help people which is a credit to his parents who are two of the nicest and hospitable people I have ever had the privilege to have known.

My thoughts are with his family, fiancée and friends.

Report this post »

Patricia Maggs, Southwick says...
1:08pm Fri 9 Feb 07

Wishing the family & friends of Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke
our sincere condolences.
Patricia & David Maggs

Report this post »

Steve Figg, Patcham says...
3:25pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I only knew Jonathan for a short time but whenever I had the pleasure of being in his company he always made me feel at ease. A real gentleman x

Report this post »

Nick, brighton says...
3:50pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I knew Jonathan at Cardinal Newman and only have fond memories I never got to congratulate Jonathan in passing out from Sandhurst a massive achievement. I am sure he will be missed by the men he commanded and all his friends and family.

Report this post »

emmie allen, brighton says...
4:44pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I went to school with jonathan's sister lucy and only really remember him as a boy, but heard through his mother about what he had achieved she was so very proud. I can only express my deepest condolences to lucy and her family and let them know you are in my thoughts and prays.
Emmie and family.

Report this post »

tony bingham, peacehaven says...
4:45pm Fri 9 Feb 07

unlike the many who have sent such moving tributes to Jonathans family & friends, we did not know Johnathan but we would like to pass on our heartfelt sympathy to you all at this tragically sad time, no words can compensate for the grief we know, but many will be thinking of you with pride & respect for the ultimate sacrifice our brave young men & women are called upon to be prepared to make on our behalf.

Report this post »

Chris O'Sullivan, Hove says...
5:34pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I was in the Army for 6 years and besides knowing Jonny from primary school, secondary school and VI form college i knew that he served in the TA Royal Signals. I was with 216 Parachute Signals, when back home on a weekend, i bumped into him in a nightclub, and he told me that he was going to Sandhurst to be an Officer. Despite having not seen him for a number of years prior to this chance meeting, we got on tremendously and it is a night i have run over in my head since i heard about his passing. I have lost several friends from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan but none of their deaths have affected me as much as Jonny's. I will always remember you Jonny and i pray for your family and fiancée. Hasta Siempre

Report this post »

Phill Steeples, Sompting-Worthing says...
5:53pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I never knew John,that was my loss.I take each day in England for granted and like most of us I forget the reason I am able to have the freedom I have.That freedom is there because of people like John who do their job with pride and often forget the majority of people are with them in their thoughts a lot of the time.We are guilty of being complacent and it isnt until we hear of the sacrifice people like John and many others make that we realise what these people are prepared to risk to allow us the life we so often take for granted.
To Johns family we can offer our sympathy and cannot imagine their feeling of loss;but I hope we are allowed to share in their feeling of pride.
To Johns family,never let anyones political views cloud the memory of what your son died for;for John,there are no clouds.
God bless.

Report this post »

Julian Lazarus, Sussex says...
7:52pm Fri 9 Feb 07

I was John's team manager when he worked for LloydsTSB before he joined the army. He was a charming, highly principled young man and we had many chats about the danger of extremist Islam and how best to deal with it. His loss is tragic but i will always remember him for being such a thoroughly decent human being. All my love and best wishes to the family and his fiancee

Report this post »

Mike Freeman, Charlwood says...
11:41am Sat 10 Feb 07

Our sympathy goes out to Jonathan's family. He lost his life doing his duty and in that is an example to the rest of us. I hope Jonathan Snr. Patty and Lucy can draw a little comfort from that.

In sympathy Mike, Esperanza, Marcus, Sylvia & Rebecca

Report this post »

Stuart McHenery, York says...
2:48pm Sat 10 Feb 07

As a former military collegue, still serving, my thoughts are with BC's family and friends. He would have been doing what he thought right for his men and himself, and of that we should be proud.
This is a tragic loss for his family and the armed services. He was a fine soldier and a good person.

Report this post »

Tyson Pickett, says...
3:36pm Sat 10 Feb 07

I new Jonathon through serving with 884 troop and it was with great saddness that I heard of his death.
I will remember Jonathan for the good times we had whilst on exercise and the laughs we had late at night when going out of our minds through lack of sleep.
Jonathan, i will mourn your passing but remember you with a smile and a beer Cheers Mate for the good times.

Report this post »

Matt Cox, Alton, Hants says...
3:55pm Sat 10 Feb 07

As a friend and comrade of Jon's whilst he was in the TA. I'll always remember him as someone who worked hard and played harder. My thoughs are of him and for his family during these tough times. Coxy

Report this post »

Stuart Ridgwell, Brighon - Hove says...
5:37pm Sat 10 Feb 07

I remember Jon as a young lad at the age of 17 when he joined 884 Troop in Brighton, he always was a keen enthusiastic Royal Signals soldier, that always did well. There never seemed to be much that got him down. After hearing the tragic news, Ive just been remembering all the good times we had with him in 884 troop and the times out socialising.

My heart goes out to his family and his fiancée. He will be very sadly missed.

Ridgey

Report this post »

George Coombs, Hove says...
5:40pm Sat 10 Feb 07

Just to extend sympathy and good wishes to this fine young man's family at this time

Report this post »

Amanda Susini, Beckenham, Kent says...
6:40pm Sat 10 Feb 07

I served with Jon in 265 (KCLY) Signal Sqn, he was a grand chap. My thoughts go to his family and finacee.
This only goes to prove, bring them home before more are taken.

Report this post »

Andrew Keeler, Lydd, Kent says...
7:16pm Sat 10 Feb 07

I met john when he was only 17 as a new recruit at 884 troop Brighton, as I was at Bexleyheath It normally takes quite a while to get to know people from the Brighton troop. I found John to be instantly likable, I also had the honour of being Johns room mate in Bosnia for 6 months. There was never a dull moment around John and advice was always forth coming, we spoke in depth about his future military plans and I am proud to have known him, he did follow his dream of becoming an officer and carried out his duty as only John could. I pass my deepest sympathies to his family and fiancée, one of the finest and most honourable people I have ever met and one who will be missed deeply, but never forgotten. Rest in peace dear friend.

Report this post »

Bede Wingfield, Littlehampton says...
7:56pm Sat 10 Feb 07

Having served with BC at 884 Troop Brighton, i will always remember his mature attitude and approach to any situation, a natural leader and a loyal friend to all. my deepest sympathies to the Bracho-cooke family

Report this post »

Steve Turner, Ashford, Kent says...
10:15pm Sat 10 Feb 07

What more can be said to back up the comments already made. This young man was a shining role model for any person in the UK and abroad. He overcame much to succeed and succeed he did. I am proud to be have known him (and his humour) from 265 Sqn Royal Signals and can only add that his departure from this world is a devasting loss for the world. He was truly one of the good guys. God bless you Jon and your family. Take note phoney Tony perhaps your son might like to take his place in this sham....not the right calibre I suspect.

Report this post »

Sean Reeve, Brighton says...
10:20pm Sat 10 Feb 07

John was a fantastic guy and a great friend. Always smiling and being positive through any situation - we could all learn a lot from him and his approach to life.

Report this post »

Filip B, brighton says...
12:03am Sun 11 Feb 07

I was in the same class as johnny through some of secondary school and although we were never close friends i remember him as a very kind friendly person who always had a smile on his face. My sypathies go out to all his family and anyone else was close to him. RIP

Report this post »

Kenny Green, Crawley says...
1:17am Sun 11 Feb 07

I knew Jon whilst serving at 884 Troop, Brighton. As a newby to the troop, Jon was one of the first to make me feel welcome. It was this ability and empaphay he showed to all who met him that will make Jon last in my memory and I am sure in the memories of all who also had the priviledge of knowing him.

Report this post »

Anna Moroney, Hove says...
1:24am Sun 11 Feb 07

I work with Tim, Jonathon's uncle. My husband and I were very saddened to hear the terrible news. Our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family.

Report this post »

Mark Butler, Greenford ,Middx says...
8:55am Sun 11 Feb 07

I knew BC from his service in the TA I remember him as a popular member of his squadron and regiment. please accept my condolences. It was a priviledge to know him and serve with him.

Report this post »

Elliot, Brighton says...
9:58am Sun 11 Feb 07

I am a good friend of Laura's and this is how I came to gain John as a friend, although anybody who knew him through Laura called him Johnny. I have only known him a couple of years, many memories are of sharing pizza takeaway and of drinking large amounts of beer and I shall never forget these times. I will miss him greatly and my sympathy goes to Laura, Patty, Jonathon, Lucy.x

Report this post »

Laura Tapson, Brighton says...
12:09pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I Knew Jon as a Teenager, we were from different school's but hung around together after school and at weekend's- with other friends aswell. We had lots of fun and i remember him as a lovely, funny guy. I was shocked to hear the sad news earlier in the week and my heart goes out to his family and fiance.We will always remember him and be very proud of him.

Report this post »

James Barlow, Bristol says...
12:13pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I served with John in Bosnia in 2002. We joined the Territorial Army (Royal Corp of Signals) at about the same time, and we were both on the same Recruits Course at Blandford Camp in Dorset. He was a great soldier, and good friend. I remember his sense of humour, his determination to suceed and the support he gave to me and other soldiers.

In particular, I recall our last fitness test at RTMC Chillwell in Nottingham before beginning deploying to Bosnia (in my case, via Wiltshire). John was my partner for the final strength assessment and gave me the benefit of the doubt on the last few rather strained press-ups to get me over the required standard. And on our last run, John and I raced each other in a rather foolish 100 yard sprint at the end of a mile and a half run. He beat me by 10 yards, but to be fair I was on the verge of throwing up.

My condolences to John's family and fiance. I am very sorry for your loss.

Report this post »

Ray Algar, Brighton says...
12:25pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I was saddened to read of Jonathan's death at such a young age.His determination to enter the army and pride in serving his country shone through it what I have read.

Report this post »

p, says...
6:24pm Sun 11 Feb 07

See also Book of Condolence - tributes or light a candle in www.gonetoosoon.co.uk

http://jonathan-carlos-bracho-cooke.gonetoosoon.co.uk/my_index.php

Report this post »

John S, Brighton says...
6:37pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I only knew Jonny from secondary school and college. He was easily one of the funniest people i have ever known. There was a lengthy gap between leaving college and bumping into him on a night out. It was like no time had past at all. He was as entertaining and as approachable as i had remembered. He was so excited about sandringham and full of stories. I remember thinking how totally unsuprised i was about how well he was doing. The determination he expressed at school was still strong. An amazing person truly.
Sadly missed.

Report this post »

enzo, says...
8:28pm Sun 11 Feb 07

John,
You will always be your parent's proud! Rest in peace.
Enzo y Patricia
Westdene, Brighton

Report this post »

Sean Tanner, Southwick says...
9:39pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I knew BC from 884 tp a good lad with the courage and bravery to serve his country in times of war.
It feels me with great sadness that the finest men and women pay the highest price for the failings of our government

my sypathies for his family and fiance for their great loss.

Report this post »

Ian Liscoe, Kent says...
10:31pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I have been a numbed since I heard the news on Tuesday. I was lucky enough to serve with Jon, both in 265 Sqn and 97 Sqn. He was so well liked by us all, and now we all have that gap in our lives where he has gone. It only seems like yesterday we were all getting those medals, who can ever guess what is to come.

Goodbye old buddy.

Report this post »

Daz Lane, Tonbridge Kent says...
11:27pm Sun 11 Feb 07

I was lucky to have known BC for a few years through the TA and he was one of the soundest guys i've ever met. And will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Report this post »

Trudie, Brighton says...
1:12am Mon 12 Feb 07

My sincere condolences to family and fiancee of BC - an asset to 884 Singal Troop

Report this post »

Stephen Gagola, Hove says...
3:17am Mon 12 Feb 07

Jon was a very genuine person, which is really rare these days. I remember a lads holiday to newquay some years ago, he never stopped laughing or joking and really made it an amazing trip. The first to make a joke and the last to put anyone down.
I know he will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him.

Report this post »

Adrian Keeble, Alton, Hants says...
7:55am Mon 12 Feb 07

Jon was a very special person. He acheived so much in a life so tragically cut short. I was privileged enough to serve with him in the TA and in Bosnia. He was such a lovely person. He always had time and a smile for people. He would go out of his way to help his friends and never had a bad word to say. He didn't have a bad bone in his body. He was a shining example to us all. Farewell my friend. You will be very sadly missed.

Report this post »

Kenny Foxwell, Afghanistan says...
7:56am Mon 12 Feb 07

I have known B-C since he joined the TA at 17. It is plain to see from all the other comments what effect he had on all our lives. He was a truly professional soldier and a genuinely good person, doing what he loved and believed in. It is a privilege to have known him and worked with him. My heart goes out to his family and Fiancée.

Report this post »

Brett Harries, Bexleyheath says...
9:17am Mon 12 Feb 07

Words really can't describe how I felt when I first heard the news to how I'm feeling now. It really hasn't sunk in that Jon is no longer with us. I'm writing this message from work where a picture of Jon and I stand on exercise, and that seems like yesterday.

The last two days I have spent time and time again remembering all the good times I spent with Jon whilst in 265 Signal Squadron, like our R & R day down Canterbury which saw Jon and myself lost and drunk in Canterbury after missing the bus back to camp only to have a rigorous sports day the next day..

Though, no longer with us my memories of Jon will be with me forever

I for one am honoured and proud to have known Jon and to class him as a good friend, he shall be missed.

I would also like to pay my respects to both Jon's Parents, family and fiancée...

Rest in peace Jon.

Report this post »

Sam Alderson, Hove says...
9:53am Mon 12 Feb 07

I met Jonathan through my older brother Ashley, who was good friends Johnathan. I always remember the days when Jonathan and all the other lads came round our house to play cards and drink, and have BBQ's. Although i was younger than Jonathan he always invited me to join in what ever they were doing, and always made time to have chats with me. I was proud to have known Johnathan, he is a truely special guy, and will always have a place close to my heart. Thinking of the family through this most awful time.

Report this post »

Martyn Feather, Lancing says...
9:57am Mon 12 Feb 07

It was with deep sadness that I heard of the news of Jon's death.

Like many others who have left messages here, I also served with him in the Territorial Army. As a soldier he was always professional, as a person always genuine, and would always work hard and play hard.

My deepest sympathies go out to his family and his fiancee.

Farewell Jon, it was an honour to have known you.

Report this post »

Dave PRyke, Kent says...
12:56pm Mon 12 Feb 07

John Bracho-Cooke was a fine young man, a true soldier, a good man and a role modal to every young man in this country.

I am truly thankful to have known John ever since a young recruit of 17 joined 265 Signal Squadron, he was highly liked and popular.

My thoughts and prays to his family and Fiancée.

May he rest in piece, God bless his soul now and forever.

Report this post »

Hazel Fernandez, says...
1:27pm Mon 12 Feb 07

My whole family was deeply upset to hear the news of Jonathan's tragic death in Iraq. My children, Lisa & Steven attended both Cottesmore St Mary's and Cardinal Newman schools and knew Jonathan through school and through his mother, Patty and sister Lucy. He was a super lad and grew into fine young man of whom they are justly proud. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jonathan snr, Patty and Lucy from Hazel, Carlos, Lisa & Steven Fernandez, Brighton

Report this post »

Mrs Julie Taylor, Cheshire says...
1:31pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for the loss of this beautiful life.
My son is in Jonathan's Battalion, he called to tell us the awful news on the Monday night. My heart breaks for the family, fiancee, friends and colleagues of Jonathan - but reading some of these tributes, you must be so proud of the love, high regard and respect that so many had for him.
May he rest in peace, and may God be your comfort and strength always.
Love
Julie
X X X

Report this post »

Suzy Knight, London says...
2:25pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I had the honour of serving with Jon in Bosnia with 97 Sqn as well as being in the same Regiment at home while he was in the TA. He will be sorely missed and remembered fondly as one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. As someone who also had a husband out in Iraq it was my greatest fear that he wouldn't come home either before or after the wedding; I can't imagine the pain of losing Jon as a fiance. My thoughts are with his family and fiancee. May he rest in peace.
Suzy Knight (nee Vere-Hodge)

Report this post »

Malcolm Cooper, Stourbridge says...
2:55pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I had the privilege and honour of serving with Jon in Bosnia I am deeply saddened by his passing and would like to pass my deepest sympathies to his family.This light has been extinguished and he will be sorely missed by all that knew him, but his memory will burn brightly in everyones heart.

Report this post »

Mactaggart family, hove says...
4:26pm Mon 12 Feb 07

our thoughts are with you at this time we have a family memeber who is currently serving in iraq

Report this post »

Graham Gaw, Kandahar says...
4:57pm Mon 12 Feb 07

When I saw his photo on the news I hoped it wasn't Jon, sadly it was. I had the honour of serving with him in Bosnia and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He was an extremely bright, enthusiastic and capable soldier - I'm not at all surprised that he went on to become a commissioned officer in the Regular Army, a job I'm sure he shone at. It only seems like yesterday that we were at Blandford getting our medals. A sad loss of someone who will be sorely missed.

Report this post »

heath wilcox, Blandford says...
6:11pm Mon 12 Feb 07

A exceptional individual with compassion and humility, hard to find in somebody so young. He will be greatly missed

Report this post »

Charlie Blair, Brighton says...
7:39pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I got to know John through school friends in year 9 or 10. Since then he became one of my best mates. John was the most genuine guy in the world and never had a harsh word to say about anyone despite the banter we gave him! As many people have said John was a hugely determined which was evident even when we were younger when he often got stuck in goal during our summer football games, still always putting in 110% Since being in the army seeing John was limited to the odd days here and there but he was still always the man to organise a trip to the pub even if he was late on every single occasion! I never agreed with John on the whole army thing but it was what he loved and through this terrible tragedy people who didn't even know him have found out what an awesome guy he was. My heart goes out to his parents, Lucy and Laura as well as everyone of us who new and loved him. He will be truly missed. love Tone.

Report this post »

Kathy Janio, Hangleton says...
7:39pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I did not know Jonathan as he joined 884 Signal Troop quite a few years after I left. However, I would like to send my sincere sympathies to his family, fiancee and friends. Kathy

Report this post »

sian, brighton says...
7:56pm Mon 12 Feb 07

My heart is out for the family, it shouldnt of happened to you. This war should have never of started

Report this post »

Andrew Fox, RMA Sandhurst says...
10:05pm Mon 12 Feb 07

I was in Normandy Company, CC052 with BC. He was a great bloke, a genuine nice guy. What more can I say? Rest in peace.

Report this post »

Joseph Parente, Hove says...
11:58pm Mon 12 Feb 07

When I heard of this loss I could not believe it. These last few days I been thinking of all the times I been with him in the TA wishing I could see him again but cant. I always remember him being the first to volunteer for any jobs good or bad. And when I went through some bad times he cared to ask how I was. He was always very keen and adventures person if he wasnt doing something TA-ing he would be back packing around the world. In the socials we had you could always have a pleasant conversation with him and he never had a bad word against anyone. He always lived his life to the full. I glad that for part of my life I knew him.

Report this post »

tony, says...
1:02am Tue 13 Feb 07

An everlasting tribute website and online book of condolence has been
created on GoneTooSoon.co.uk for Jonathan, You can add photos, music, leave a message or light a candle Please visit:

jonathan-carlos-bracho-cooke.gonetoosoon.co.uk

GoneTooSoon.co.uk is a not for profit organisation which allows grieving
relatives a place to set up their own free memorial page for lost loved
ones.

Report this post »

DRC, says...
4:48am Tue 13 Feb 07

Almost ten years have passed since I left CNS, and yet memories are still a powerful source of imagery. The news of Jonathan's death has brought many past episodes back into focus. I have lived and attended university courses in Bristol, Southampton, and now Kent, meeting countless individuals of all colours and persuausions. But I can honestly say there are few characters I have met for whom the epithet, thoroughly, unmistakably decent, would apply. Jon and I were only briefly acquainted but it speaks volumes for the man that my impression of his considerable virtues is a lasting one.

Report this post »

Andrew Hewland, Shoreham by Sea West Suusex says...
8:20am Tue 13 Feb 07

I first meet Jon when he joined 884 Signal Troop back in 1999, in the six years that I knew him before he went to Sandhurst, I got to know a very kind and generous man who would had a great sense of humour. It has been both mine and my familys pleasure to have known him and we will miss him greatly.

Jon, Via Con Dias

Andy Hewland

Report this post »

Paula, Brighton says...
10:28am Tue 13 Feb 07

Another loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Albion podcast

Your Argus

News RSS Feed