With fondest memories of my kind and clever cousin and his wonderful chuckle x

We greatly enjoyed our many e-mails over the years also seeing you and Polly, on family occasions. She and the family remain in our thoughts and prayers and happy memories.
Affectionately,

I have many fond memories of my dear friend Jack, who I knew for almost 50 years (we shared a room in our A-level year at Bryanston). A one-off, a good hearted soul and a very funny man. He will be very much missed and I send you all my sincerest condolencies. He was very proud of his family and clearly devoted.

I was at school with Jack; we sat next to each other a lot in German, French and Latin classes; we took the same train to Germany for two exchanges in the late 1970s. His magnetism was his huge intelligence and witty observations, his anarchic take on things, his love of gossip and his cheerfulness when he/we got into scrapes. He also possessed rare empathy in the rough world of boarding school. I envied his elegant hand writing. The only thing dividing us was cricket for which I am no enthusuiast. Jack was always trying to talk me round, and, even though I was not for turning, his knowledge amazed me. I’ll say one good thing about cricket: it makes me think of Jack.

I am sure that the guests at his funeral, which I cannot attend, will prove weightily how much he was loved and admired, and I trust that a memorable occasion will be a victorious tribute to take away from an evilly premature loss. Surely, there is nothing greater than the proof of a life well lived. His was. Even at a distance I have heard enough over the years to be convinced of this, and everything I can recall from our shared youth only reinforces what I can imagaine.

I wish you, Polly, his chidren, relatives and friends, all possible strength on the day of Jack’s funeral and in the future, and know that you have my deepest sympathy.

We feel very fortunate to be able to count ourselves among those who knew Jonathan, and we will remember him with affection. We always admired the intelligent, questioning, quick thinking interest he took in everything and everyone, and the kindness he showed. You could always be sure that if you brought up a subject or mentioned a place, Jonathan’s immediate reaction would be to research it! We also liked his affinity with words, the tools of his trade, and his upholding of correct English usage. Finally there was no doubt he was a wonderful father, deeply proud and unreservedly supportive of Jamie, Jem and Tati (understandably so!), and Lawrence and I send all our love and sympathy to them, and of course to my beloved sister Polly, and Tony wants to be part of that too.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Polly, Jamie, Jem and Tati.
Jack was one in a million. We will miss that special smile, sharp intelligence, his quick wit and kindness. There will be a big space left in our hearts, missing an even bigger personality.