Hero of the Month: Cpl Dean John (1983 – 2009)
Cpl Dean John was a fun-loving, reliable and diligent father, husband and soldier in the REME.
Dean joined the Armed Forces in 2000 and served for nine years, completing tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as peacekeeping missions in Northern Ireland.
On the 15th of March 2009, Dean was killed after his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province. He was 25 years old. His three sons, Dylan, Harvey and Ethan, were aged just 7, 6 and 2.
Cpl Dean John
“Dean was so funny and a total joker,” says his wife, Wendy. “He was only 25 when he died, but he’d done a lot and was always up for trying everything thrown his way. He always wanted to be up and doing something, going out with the kids whenever he could. If he went into work on a Saturday, he always wanted to bring the boys with him. He was a real family man who never wanted to sit down. He was the same at work – if there was something that needed doing or a vehicle that needed fixing, he’d be there and wouldn’t leave until it was done. He was always happiest when he was up to his elbows in oil. I don’t there was anyone who disliked him.”
Dean with his wife, Wendy
Even though Dean died when his children were young, they’ve all taken after him in their own individual ways.
“Our youngest is a joker who loves to play to tricks, just like Dean, and our middle son has become the absolute image of him. Our eldest is a cheeky chappie who has definitely inherited his sense of humour. I see a lot of similarities in each of them.”
When not at work or spending time with Wendy and the children, Dean enjoyed riding his bikes and speeding through the countryside.
“He was a big motocross fan and owned three bikes at one point. He was even a member of the motocross club near where we lived. Getting on the bike was one of his favourite things to do whenever he was home.”
Dean with Wendy and his children, Dylan, Harvey and Ethan.
Dean was known for being a joker and bringing laughter wherever he went, but that never stopped him from taking his role in the REME seriously.
“He was very proud of being a soldier. Even though he always had fun, he still took his job very seriously and just loved being part of REME. He enjoyed getting out there and was always ready to help. He was very reliable in that way – whenever something needed doing, you could always call on him and he’d give you his time. The whole social side of it really appealed to him as well. It was just his perfect job."
Dean on duty
Every year, to mark the anniversary of Dean’s death and celebrate his life, Wendy and the boys take on the daffodil walk – starting in Pontrhydyfen and finishing in Cymmer – along with a group of close friends and family.
“On the first anniversary of Dean’s death, we wanted to do something to celebrate him. I asked the children what they wanted to do and we settled on the daffodil walk. Dean loved walking, he loved the countryside and we live in Wales, so it just made sense to take on the daffodil walk. It’s a ten mile walk each year, and five miles in we stop at a restaurant where I used to work when I was younger. We have a little rest and couple of drinks for Dean, then we walk the next five miles.”
Wendy and the boys taking part in the daffodil walk
The walk also holds special significance as, during Dean’s funeral, his friends and family threw daffodils in his honour – the national flower of Wales.
“Dean loved lorries since he used to work with his dad on one, so at his funeral, instead of a hearse, he was carried in a lorry, and being a proud Welshman, we threw daffodils. This is going to be our thirteenth year doing the daffodil walk in his memory and we absolutely love it. Now the boys are older, they always give a speech about their dad and thank everyone for coming. It’s a lovely day and it all started because we wanted Dean’s anniversary to be a celebration, rather than something sad.”
Dean's family and friends about to begin the daffodil walk
Every year, Wendy and her children choose a cause to support while taking on the daffodil walk. This year, they’ve chosen Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Dylan, Harvey and Ethan joined Scotty’s in 2013 and have been supported by the charity ever since, benefitting from Scotty Breaks, grants, Christmas parties and the option to access to one-to-one bereavement support, should they ever want it. Through these events, they have been able to meet lots of bereaved military children who can understand and relate to what they’ve been through.
Dean relaxing in the garden
“It’s unbelievable how many children have lost a parent in the Armed Forces, but it’s amazing that Scotty’s are there to support them. It’s wonderful for the children to have something that’s theirs and know that other people are remembering their mum or dad.”
Wendy continues: “We've had some brilliant opportunities and gone on some fantastic breaks thanks to Scotty’s. My sons even met Gareth Bale at a football match because of them! The Christmas parties are so much fun as well. Even though we’re supported by them, we also like to do what we can to support Scotty’s. It’s so close to our hearts and it’s just so special to see all those children smile again.”
Cpl Dean John
