Joe Whittaker

Add your memories or messages

Add
26.06.2008 : c pearson wrote Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe. Our son met Joe on training at Gibralter and has kept in touch with him ever since. He tells us that Joe was always ready to have a go at anything put his way and loved what he was doing in the army. We can't imagine how his family are feeling at this time but hope that they know how many thoughts are with them.
Rest well Joe.
27.06.2008 : Michael Dolan wrote I would like to offer my condolences to the Whittaker family. I know Joe as he was one of our recruits and I'm a 4 Para lad serving with him in Afghanistan. Joe was bright and full of life, he loved being a Paratrooper and will be fondly remembered by all of us. Rest in peace Joe, we will never forget you mate
L/Cpl Mick Dolan 12 Coy 4 Para
27.06.2008 : Peter Havers wrote My thoughts are with Joe's family and friends, my sincere condolenses to you all. When I heard the news I was devastated, it wasn't long ago that I'd bumped into Joe in Stratford. He'd been shopping, spotted me and came running over to say hello. We chatted about how his training was going and stuff. I only knew him because of hockey at Stratford Hockey Club, I'd played a few games with Joe but mainly it was because Joe and my son, Tom, had played together from the juniors and into the senior ranks. An excellent hockey player and a delightful young man, a little cheeky at times (like when he blagged a tenner off me after the hockey club black tie ball in 2007 - he paid me back, well gave the tenner to Tom so I never saw it) but I liked his attitude and that was part of his charm. He never failed to come over for a chat when he saw me, Tom and I will miss him. Rest in peace, Joe, our lives are richer for knowing you.
27.06.2008 : Inna Petrenko wrote My deepest, the most sincere condolences to Joe’s family and friends. I met Joe only once, before the School Leavers ball 2008, where he was helping the girls to set the hall up with balloons. It was nearly exactly a month before he died. He was a very handsome young man and it is exceptionally hard to think that he is gone so soon after that day, that ball. My thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace Joe.
27.06.2008 : John Naish wrote The news this week about Joe was devastating to all who knew him. I have known Joe for most of his 20 short years. As a youngster he was always fun to have around. His humour and quickwittedness were just a couple of the qualities that endeared him to everyone. As not only his friend, but also more recently, as his driving instructor, I am proud to have shared time with Joe - time that I will value for ever. We will miss you mate - God bless till we meet again.

John Naish
28.06.2008 : Clodagh Mallison wrote I did not know Joe particularly well, but from my friendship with his mother I know that he was a son to be truly proud of. Whatever he turned his skills to he excelled, whether on the sports field, within his military career and much more. He was such a caring and loving son and brother, with a zest for life, and his passing will leave a huge gap in their lives as well as a much wider community - but he has left a legacy of many happy memories.
I cannot begin to comprehend the utter pain and grief that his family are going through, but my heart is full of loving support.
28.06.2008 : erika mackie wrote I have two sons serving in the forces, one in Afghan and one in Iraq. Every single day of my life i dread what you have been through. One is home and one is away at the moment, but they have to go back to that hell we call liberation. my heart goes out to you all. God bless them in their endeavour to bring peace. I cant sleep at night knowing our boys and girls are out there under such awful conditions, which could be eased by the powers above. we need to speak for them . xx
29.06.2008 : Matthew Riddell wrote My condolences to Joe's family. Joe was a member of CVRT Troop on Op Herrick 8, he will be sadly missed.
I only new Joe for a short time as we are in different Regiments, but having had that honour I can say he was a good mate and a soldier who could be relyed on.
Joe you will be missed by the Troop, and our thoughts are with your family.
LCpl Matt Riddell
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
29.06.2008 : David Dunnett wrote My thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s Mum and Sister at this time, whose grief we cannot start to comprehend. I knew Joe through the hockey club having played in a number of games within over the last few years and he was always “a glass half full” kind of guy; a real pleasure to be around. I can remember how proud and pleased he was when he became a paratrooper. Before a game earlier this year he spoke with such enthusiasm at the prospect of his posting to Afghanistan, it was the measure of him that he stepped up to the greatest of challenges and having done so never wavered in his pursuit to be the best he could be. The hockey festival this September will be missing a real star both on and off the field. He will be sadly missed by all at the club who knew him.
29.06.2008 : Becky Saveker wrote I met Joe at Sandhurst for an early look into army officer life and it was instantly obvious just how full of life and energy he was. We stayed good friends right up until the end and I miss him so much. I doubt a day will go by when I'm not reminded of him by some small thing!
I guess you could say that Joe was a guy who did his very best to achieve his aims. He would volunteer himself for any task and put 110% into everything whether it be in work or just in day-to-day life tasks.
He would talk so much about wanting to join the Parachute Regiment and I remember just how bloomin' proud he was when he finally got to wear that maroon beret!
The army really was his life, and he left us doing a job he loved.
I'm so proud of him. Joe was one of the good guys, the best of the best, and I am so glad to be able to say that I knew him and that I was part of his life, and him mine :-)
Rest easy now Joe.
Love always
Becky xxx
29.06.2008 : Danny Farrell wrote R.I.P Joe
Your the last person this tragedy should of happened to, such a nice bloke.
I send all my condolances to Naomi and Kate.
Danny Farrell
03.07.2008 : David Foster wrote I was Joe's section commander when he did his CMS(R) TA in Donnington, he was by far the best recruit in the Section and Platoon and had bags of potental to be a first class soldier. He was very fit and very enthusiastic and loved the military environment. I can remember during a training exercise taking a seat and letting him take the fieldcraft lesson which he did to an excellent standard without a problem. And also the skitz night where his sence of humour came to the fore. I can remember talking to his mother after the pass off parade and my thoughts go to her and his sister.

Sgt Foster
04.07.2008 : Paddy Burns wrote I was on exercise when I found out a lad from 4 PARA had been killed. It was only two days ago that I found out it was Joe.

Rest In Peace mate, you were my best friend in "Crow St" when I was there.

Condolences to Joe's family and friends.
08.07.2008 : Steve Kirk wrote <p>Dead Letters:</p>

<p>
What cruel joke is this?<br/>
A living letter from my dead soldier<br/>
Words of hope and reassurance<br/>
Written by a now still hand
</p>
<p>
The voice I thought was silent<br/>
Speaks to me from an A4 page<br/>
The face I thought was pale and cold<br/>
Smiles at me from scribbled lines<br/>
</p>
<p>
My tears blur your spidery hand<br/>
Sweat stained, the smell of sand<br/>
Stories of friendship made in the desert<br/>
The banter of boredom, the secrets unsaid
</p>
<p>
If only I could stroke your hair<br/>
Wrap my arms around your chest<br/>
Hold your hand when you feel scared<br/>
Share your joy, your love, your life
</p>
<p>
But this is a dead letter<br/>
Full of deception and false hope<br/>
It's words, intended to touch my heart<br/>
Instead conspire to break it apart
</p>
10.07.2008 : Andrew Barker wrote Joe i first met you as dorm leader at Gaines and we spoke alot about the Army and how we both wanted to end up in it. I got your e-mail on May 22nd and was really looking forward to gettting you back to my barrack and having a good chin wag. You can not believe how i felt when i heard the news, and still am not willing to really accpet it was you.

John 15 vs 13
" the greatest love a person can have for his friend is to give his life for them"

My friend where ever i end up or go i will always remeber your life ended so other can live. Rest easy solider and know that ever day someone will always remember you. I am proud to call you a friend. Joe a friend, a brother in green and a national hero
11.07.2008 : Gary T Billington wrote Well Joe, sorry I can't be at your funeral today lad but I am there in spirit all the way. I didn't know you Joe but I'm ex4Para and like all Paras will feel the pain today with your passing.

However, you can't kill a Para as they go to heaven and re-org. See you in the final big re-org in the sky Joe but not just yet.

Sleep easy.

Gary, ex4Para A Coy (Liverpool)
18.07.2008 : richard print wrote Joe was a great mate from the first time i met him at stratford college. we were both in the same history group for the 2 years of our a-levels. joe made our history lessons what they were, he was so full of life and had an awesome sense of humour and a huge enthusiasm to help anyone in anyway. he was always around college being a friend to anyone who needed him. we spent a lot of time together during our college years (and after), hanging around playing football at shottery fields or going to the driving range. it was only a couple of months ago we were at the range together and he some how managed to clear the back net (some 300yards) he insisted it wasn't a fluke. whenever i was with him we were always laughing and i have never felt such loss than the day i heard of his death. joe your were a best mate and i will never forget you, rest in peace my friend. my deepest condolences to joe's family + friends, i can't begin to imagine how his family feal but be assured joe will be missed by many.
16.08.2008 : Allison Bailey wrote May I offer my deepest condolences to all your family and friends. RIP. Gone but never forgotten - a true hero,who paid the ultimate price !!
I never knew you,but feel deeply for your family and friends,my brother is a Colour Sergeant with 16 yrs service and my partner was a Sgt and did 15 yrs in the British Army
08.09.2008 : jay watt wrote I FIRST MET JOE WHEN WE STARTED OUR BEAT-UP TRAINING FOR AFGHAN, IT TURNED OUT THAN WE ENDED UP IN THE SAME SECTION.ALL I CAN SAY THAT IN THE SHORT TIME I KNEW JOE WE GOT ON GREAT, HE WAS KEEN AS MUSTARD AND ALWAYS WANTED TO GET STUCK IN. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. NEVER FORGET," AIRBORNE". LCPL JAY WATT 15COY 4 PARA
12.09.2008 : Lina Campbell nee" Gough wrote I didn't know Joe, which considering he was my second cousin is quite shameful. I can only guess that he must have been a fantastic person bearing in mind the close family he was brought up in, who thankfully I know well.
I heard lots about his funeral, and his popularity was obvious especially when I heard of the amount of friends and family that attended and paid tribute.
My condolences go out especially to Naomi who has must be missing him so much. Draw comfort knowing that he was doing something he loved and he will be with you always.
It's a cruel world when someone so young is taken from the one's who loved him most.
Lina
28.09.2008 : Alicia Dalrymple wrote You were one of the funniest people i know in what you did and what you said. although we had petty debates about stuff that would get too heated i know you would always look out for me or even give me anything if i asked for it. you were one of the reasons that made the first year of college the best. i still think of you and sometimes wonder what youd say in a certain situation. or what mad thaing you'd do! like hitting your head off a sign post jumping out at people! you fool! and knowing that you went for something you believed in make me fel a bit better and lets me know your ok. but that doesnt mean i miss you any less. you were the most sure person i know and knowing that i will make me go for what i want. i live with someone now and he reminds me SO much of you from cooking to gettin involoved! even doin early morning jogs before class!!!! i love you so much joe. and ur impression on me will stay. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
30.10.2008 : Tia Hemming wrote Im just so shocked, i did communication studies with Joe at Stratford College. He was so funny!! I have somewhere a photo of me in his army helmet from one of the times he walked into class carrying the heaviest bag i have ever felt (i cudnt even lift it of the ground at all) to do a weekend training thing!! He was always taking about the army and it being what he wanted to do, so I am glad he achieved his dream, it is such a shame he was taken from us. my deepest sympathy goes to his family. Rest in peace Joe
Luv
xtiax
26.11.2008 : Ian Piper wrote I didn't know you Joe, and I never had the honour of shaking your hand. You will never be forgotten. And to Joe's family we offer you our sincerest condolences.

Ian Piper
605 (County of Warwick) Squadron
Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Private Joe Whittaker

Gifts

CandleAdded by Sharon Ross PoppyAdded by Becky Saveker