Floods of tributes to much-loved tree surgeon and "big Jersey character"

Wednesday 22 May 2024

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “kind” tree surgeon and “big Jersey character” who was known for being “full of fun” and “living life to the fullest”.

Jonathan (Jono) Le Maistre’s friends and colleagues at Jonathan Le Maistre Tree Surgery paid tribute to their boss on social media after he passed away over the weekend.

"It is with the deepest sadness we would like to advise of Jono's tragic passing on Saturday 18 May," the post read.

Many tributes were paid to the tree surgeon in response to the company's social media post.

Joshua Williams said: "Such a great bloke, he will be missed in a big way."

Ben Blampied-Smyth said: "Rest in peace mate, going to miss you and your laugh."

Louisa Humphrey described the news as "tragic", recalling that Mr Le Maistre was "always up for a party and a laugh".

Mick Loughlin said "Jono was always full of fun and lived life to the fullest", while Archie Langlois said: "A true character of life and always having a laugh, you will be greatly missed by everyone."

"I'll miss you and your jokes – life's too short," he added.

Anthony Villagracia paid tribute to a "kindness", which he said "touched countless lives".

Owen Pryce echoed the sentiment, remembering Mr Le Maistre as "a true gent who always had time for anyone and everyone and was always happy to help! Nothing was ever too much bother."

Ronnie Le Monnier lauded Mr Le Maistre as "a real nice guy", who "always had time for a chat".

Alan Langlois said: "We lost a true friend and one of Jersey's true characters. Cannot believe you've been taken from us when you were so happy with your life. I will truly miss you my friend."

Steve Blampied said the world would be a "smaller place" without him, while Matt Vautier warmly joked: "You have left a big, tall, rude, bald hole in our lives!"

His company received national 'tree surgery' competence accreditation in January 2020 after being tested on all aspects of tree care business operation and management, becoming the only Channel Island tree management company to hold the accolade.

Pictured: Jonathan Le Maistre and Chris Neviani with a national tree surgery accolade. 

Mr Le Maistre's tree surgery company also played a crucial role both before and during the aftermath of Storm Ciarán, which devastated much of the island in November with gusts of more than 100mph.

The team took precautionary action by securing some trees beforehand, and afterwards helped to make areas affected by fallen and damaged trees safe again.

Pictured top: Jonathan Le Maistre captured by Rob Currie.