 Posted 01 July 2008
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I know many of you will be upset to learn that M. Jean Blondel, the famous mayor of Longueval, and owner of 'Cafe Calypso', died today.
Many of you will have enjoyed Jean's hospitality over the years... so it is the end of an era.
Jean was a big hearted man, and few know how much time he put into ensuring that the generation who fought on the Somme should not be forgotten. The Somme is poorer for his passing, that is for sure.
Rest In Peace, Jean - and our thoughts go out to his family at this time.
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Posted 02 July 2008
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Sad news indeed, I had the pleasure of meeting Jean on several
leger tours, he was a true gent.
Rest in Peace.
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Posted 03 July 2008
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| We were very sorry to hear the news about Jean. We were are on the All quiet on the Western Front tour last year and he made us very welcome in his cafe. He really was a lovely man. We are currently on the same tour again and would have visited Cafe calypso today. Given the suddenness of Jean's passing, we would like to congratulate Leger on making such good alternative arrangements for our lunch. They organised a good packed lunch at very short notice and arranged for us to eat it in the grounds of the Ulster Tower overlooking the Thiepval battlefield. We thought of Jean and his family and wished them all well. Rest in Peace Jean
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Posted 04 July 2008
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Thanks for your kind comments, they are much appreciated. I also am happy to read your liked the alternative arrangements we made.
I attended Jean's funeral today with my family, and while it was a very sad occasion, it was pleasing to see so many people there, including representatives from several Commonwealth nations plus numerous 'Somme locals'. The church was packed, with several hundred present.
Jean was a kind hearted and generous man, and helped many thousands of battlefield visitors over the years. His involvement in battlefield preservation and the key role he played in the New Zealand Unknown Warrior are not widely known. He will be greatly missed.
I know his family will appreciate your comments.
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Posted 17 July 2008
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| Just returned from a holiday abroad and learned of the sad news of Jean leaving this life, many happy memories of him,may he rest in peace. Fusilier
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