For Tristan - Father, Son, Husband, Soldier, DJ

Hi, My name is Jon, Tristan’s best friend. I have been granted permission to conduct this fundraiser on behalf of Tristan’s family. I hope what I say within this story connects with you and at very least brings some smiles.

I met Tristan around 15 years ago at a work function. We were both Hgv drivers. We sat on the same pub garden table and the sun was very bright. I remember his scrunched up face as he was trying to keep the sun out of his eyes. I was quite new to the company and never had any friends yet, so I made a bee line to talk to the interesting screw face fella. It was the best decision of my life. We clicked instantly, discovering we shared so much in common. At that time he was an ex army sapper in the Engineers. I was an ex Signaller. We had loads of army banter insulting each other from the off, it was perfect ice breaker material. I knew this odd ball was my cup of tea. Then we moved on to discover we also shared a deep rooted passion for underground dance music. We shared dj stories and clubbing stories… At this point I was hooked. He was now stuck with me for life… Well that’s just it…. And now his life has passed. My best mate, gone! So suddenly.

Soon after our friendship began we called each other almost every day at work for a giggle and a slagging match. We fast developed a great friendship and social life together. It was during these times I met lots of his friends including his close friend Nick who Tristan loved dearly also.

We became closer and closer over time, so close I invited him to my wedding. It was then when I met his girlfriend, the adorable Lisa.

Lisa is a very special lady, my wife instantly hit it off with her and Tristan absolutely adored her to bits. One thing I quickly learnt was just how loyal and dedicated he was to the people he loved! I guess that includes me.

A couple of days after my wedding Tristan banged on my flat front door, BANG BANG BANG!!!

“Jon, your wedding was amazing, I know now that I want to marry Lisa” he said. We laughed and cried together and Lisa had no idea she was about to be his wife. He then took my Pioneer dj set up home with him and tortured Lisa with repetitive beats for what I suspect felt like forever .

Jumping forward a little bit. We shared many successes together. We ran some amazing club nights, a successful record label, and a host of incredible memories and adventures. It was especially great fun to be his best man at his wedding and to witness his life changing stag do at Fabric in London. There are countless stories I can tell. But I won’t on here. The point is this! Every moment you spend with Tristan is a moment you won’t forget. I think that’s why this is so painful for me and no doubt all his friends and family. I’m truly devastated. I can’t imagine how his family must feel.

Tristan eventually left my local town to rejoin the army. He was army mad and I loved hearing about his new adventures and how the army has changed since the first time round. He forged new exciting friendships and memories and the impact on his new friends will have been as memorable as mine, I’ve no doubt about it. Unfortunately this led to me not seeing him as much, but we always kept in touch every day, sending funny drawing of comedy penises, which has always been one of our favourite things to do.

I was lucky enough to see him last week when he came to visit. We mixed some amazing music on the decks, told nostalgic stories together and he told me how much he loved his wife and daughter with all his heart. Telling me Isla has transformed to a wonderful young lady over night as she turned 13. It was heartwarming and we forged, yet again, another incredible memory.

I hope this story gives an insight to this man’s authentic character and dedication to all his loved ones and friends.

If you would like to make a donation to help his family give this incredible man the send off he deserves then please continue with this go fund me.

Tristan my best friend, the brave soldier, the great dad, the wonderful husband.

I will miss him dearly and never for a second forget our time together.

All my love Jon Hemming 

X x x