WO2 (QMSI) Graham Bean tragically died while serving in Cyprus on Operation TOSCA, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) based in Nicosia, after taking part in a mountain biking activity during which he was taken ill.

Employed in the high profile post of VIP visit coordinator, WO2 Bean was known by many and his sudden passing has been deeply felt across the UNFICYP.

WO2 (QMSI) Graham Bean

WO2 Bean, aged 54 from Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, joined the Territorial Army in May 1975 as a Sapper in 75 Engineer Regiment and subsequently transferred to 73 Engineer Regiment based in Nottingham. His natural style and flair led to swift promotion to Lance Corporal in just over a year and by 1996 he had achieved Warrant Officer rank.

Employed in a wide range of posts and locations during a varied and challenging career, WO2 Bean filled a variety of roles including Squadron Sergeant Major of 272 Field Park Squadron and Troop Commander of Regimental Headquarters. In addition, he served on operations in Bosnia and Iraq prior to deploying to Cyprus on Operation TOSCA in March of this year.

A highly professional and able soldier, it was WO2 Bean’s personal qualities that really set him apart; loyal, diligent and with a real zest for life, he provided an outstanding example of everything a soldier should be – his ability to walk into a room and lift everyone’s spirits is something that he will be truly remembered for. As a practical example of his selflessness, WO2 Bean raised over 1,000 Euros for the Army Benevolent Fund in his first month in Nicosia.

WO2 Bean died doing something he cared passionately about, in the service of peace and of his country. He leaves behind his three children David, 28, Hazel, 26, and Nicola, 17, with David currently preparing to deploy with the British Army to Afghanistan.

The family of WO2 Bean said:

“It has been such a shock to lose a loving father and husband who brought so much laughter and so many smiles to all who knew him. We will miss you Dad xx.”

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (Cyprus Mission), Ms Lisa M Buttenheim, said:

“Graham’s passing will be deeply felt by all of us within the United Nations family here in Cyprus. I am sure you – members of the British contingent – are profoundly moved by this tragic and untimely loss. Many of you have known Graham for a long time. I am sure you would all agree that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

“Yesterday, at a meeting of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Mr Demetris Christofias expressed his deep condolences on the loss of Warrant Officer Bean, and asked that these sentiments be conveyed to his family, to the British contingent and to UNFICYP.

“Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the United Nations family in Cyprus to the men and women of Sector Two and to the family of Warrant Officer Graham Bean.”

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Lyne, Commanding Officer, 3 Royal Anglian Group, said:

“WO2 (QMSI) Graham Bean was a proud family man, a trusted friend, a selfless team player and total professional who had the respect and admiration of every one of us. A Royal Engineer for some 36 years, he died doing the job he so enjoyed in the service of peace and of his country – our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.

“While we will mourn his passing and he will not be forgotten, we will also remember the difference he made in so many ways and how, for us his comrades and mates, he helped make us and 3 Royal Anglian Group better every day.

“WO2 (QMSI) Graham Bean will be dearly missed by all whom have had the privilege of working with him over the years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Major Steve Salt RE, Training Major, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“WO2 Graham Bean, ‘Beany’, was one of the most charismatic, hardworking and professional TA soldiers I have worked with; he kept himself fit and was exceptionally good company and an established and popular member of the regiment whose dry wit could always be relied on to lift morale.

“He was a genuinely positive, well-balanced and nice person who never had a bad word for anyone. He will be sadly missed by all of those whom came into contact with him.”

Major Chris Wright, 3 Royal Anglian Group, said:

“From the moment the Group formed up and I met Graham (Big G), I knew instantly he had a real charm and charisma; as I got to know him both personally and professionally my respect grew and daily he brightened my life with his banter on the Company ‘O groups’ every day.

“I can only sum this up when early one morning during a company PT [physical training] session and we were stretching off after we had finished. The PTI [Physical Training Instructor] was ‘gobbing off’ at Mr B to increase his stretch and touch his toes, which clearly was never going to happen!!! Big G’s response just summed him up when he replied ‘let’s talk about this later’. Don’t mention the cakes!!!”

Captain Matt Lindow, Regimental Signal Officer, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“Graham was one of the funniest blokes I’ve ever met. I worked with him both in the UK and Cyprus, such a loss to everyone – he was a kind and generous man who would always have time for anyone.”

WO1 Andy Dove, Senior Military Instructor, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“Graham’s loss has been an enormous blow to his many friends in the Royal Engineers [RE] and those that remember him from both 73 Engineer Regiment and 106 Field Squadron RE. But we are all very conscious that our loss is nothing compared to the one being felt by his family, wife, son and daughters. Our hearts go out to them at this extremely distressing time.

“Graham was charming, unselfish, friendly and a genuine soldier. Beany as we all knew him was an extremely likeable and engaging man. His laid back attitude and tremendous sense of humour made him a hugely valued and highly thought of member of 73 Engineer Regiment. Rest in Peace brother, you will forever be missed.”

WO1 Glen Lishman, Regimental Sergeant Major, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“Graham was one of the most likeable people I’ve had the pleasure to meet, his zest for life was always plain to see and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was a fine example to everyone around him including the soldiers who worked for him and his peers he worked alongside. Gentlemanly, professional and a role model to all, he’ll be missed by everyone who had the privilege to have met him.”

WO2 Lee Shaw, Plant QMSI, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“‘My name is Mister Bean and yes I do drive a Mini’ – because he always said that.”

WO2 Mark Starie, Company Sergeant Major, Operations Company, 3 Royal Anglian Group, said:

“I remember him as Waldorf and Statler – because of the inseparable friendship and what a lovely, happy, cheerful, polite person he was. I took over from him in Banja Luka where I was SQMS for the Multinational Task Force and it was his first operational tour in 2006. I was going round introducing him to people; by the time he had finished introducing himself we had already walked off to the next office. A smashing bloke!!!”

WO2 Nigel Adams, RAOWO, 3 Royal Anglian Group, said:

“‘Raindrops keep falling on your head’ – a song that Graham just kept singing. It captured the moment, the sun was shining and we were having a good time.”

WO2 Jack Hawkins, Regimental Signals Warrant Officer, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“A genuinely nice helpful person in everything he has ever done, nothing was too much of a problem for him. He has always looked after my lads, he has always been there for them. He deserves the two warrants that he has. An excellent friend, father and soldier.”

WO2 Julie Mitchell, SSM, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“He was a legend; I’ve known him for 23 years. Kept me on my right path – he really was a legend of a man.”

Sergeant Andy Kirk, Troop Sergeant, 350 Field Squadron, 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said

“A real great friend, a fantastic colleague, I don’t really know what to say as there is so much – it was a real privilege to know him.”

Sergeant ‘PJ’ Lucia, Jersey Field Squadron, Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), said:

“I can’t really remember when I first met Graham, I feel I’ve always known him. I hadn’t seen him for several years but when I knew he was on this tour I was over the moon. I was really looking forward to spending some time with him on this tour.”

Brent Dale, previously a WO2 with 73 Engineer Regiment (V), said:

“After leaving the TA I remember meeting up with Graham and he just started singing ‘Long haired lover from Liverpool’. He always looked on the bright side of life on everything and I’ve never seen him lose his temper or get in a bad mood; he is just a good guy who just loves Minis and I hate them with a passion!!”

Secretary of Secretary for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said:

“It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of WO2 (QMSI) Graham Bean. He had a long and successful career, over 35 years in the British Army. By all accounts WO2 Bean was the embodiment of the values of the Armed Forces. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this tragic time.”