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Brian Jacques Obituary
The Liverpool Echo newspaper said Tuesday that Jacques died Saturday in a hospital where he was being treated for an aneurism on his aorta.
Jacques was a milk delivery man when he wrote the first Redwall story for children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, one of the stops on his route. The book's hero was a timid mouse named Matthias who found the courage to protect his home, Redwall Abbey.
"I wanted to write something visual that I could read to the children," Jacques said in an interview published on the website of publisher Random House.
"This was when I created the idea of Redwall Abbey in my imagination. As I wrote, the idea grew, and the manuscript along with it."
After his former English teacher, Alan Durband, showed the story to a publisher, the first of the 21 Redwall books appeared in 1986.
He said he chose animals as his characters because they were more popular with his target audience, kids aged 9 to 15. His inspirations included the books he read as a child, such as Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows," H. Rider Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines" and the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey."
"A dirty rat, a sly fox, a slippery snake, an heroic mouse, a homely mouse, a friendly badger ... these are all prevalent in the folk tales of Europe and they suit the medieval setting well," Jacques said.
Born in Liverpool, Jacques left school at 15 to become a merchant seaman. Later he became a locomotive fireman, longshoreman, police officer, standup comedian, postmaster, and bus and truck driver. He also sang in a folk group, The Liverpool Fishermen, with his two brothers, and was a broadcaster for BBC's Radio Merseyside.
Jacques is survived by his wife Maureen and their two sons. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
62 Entries
Susan Sionni (Stearns)
December 18, 2015
Don, Sharon and Jeff: So very, very sorry for your loss; no words can express how sad I feel for your family. He is resting with Matt now, peacefully. God Bless...Susan Sionni (Stearns)
John-Henry Amelinckx
April 5, 2015
I, like many whom he has touched with his brilliant works, will never forget the man who introduced me to the world of literature with a single book- Salamandastron, a tale of good and evil, bravery and cowardice, friendship and enemies. As his tales have changed readers, he has changed my life in more ways than I could ever possibly describe, with each book that passed through my hands. At one point I actually ended up reading five or six books within a year when previously I rarely dedicated much time to such fulfilling pursuits. My children shall read these books, and will theirs.
Rest in peace, Brian Jacques, Recorder of Redwall. May we meet in some sunny glade, near a gurgling stream.
February 15, 2012
Brian Jacques was my favorite author. I did not discover Redwall until I was in my 20's and now I cannot imagine life without those stories. One more war cry for our dear author, EULALIAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ONCE A REDWALLER, ALWAYS A REDWALLER!
A. Smith
Irvine, CA
How you can show support
Zach Kangas
November 9, 2011
Brian Jacques will always live on in our hearts. He was one of the greatest of all time and he will be greatly missed by all.
S Smith
August 14, 2011
You will be missed, Mr. Jacques. You were my favorite author! GOD BLESS!
anna wollam
May 11, 2011
may 11,2011
i will pray for you in this trial of y'alls life. mr.jacques was my top favorite writer of all. even though i am 17 almost 18 i still read his books and always will. God bless you and you're family. i will pray for you always.
Patricia S Janney
March 31, 2011
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Brian Jacques. He was a wonderful writer and will be greatly missed. When I read the Redwall books, I am transported to the grounds of Redwall Abbey or the middle of the battle field with Martin the Warrior. I really enjoy reading his work.
To his family, may God bless and keep you in his hands.
Daniel Isaac
March 16, 2011
He was and still is my favorite author since I was 9 (I'm 13 now)and I want to keep all of his books and show to my kids when I become a dad. His family is in my prayers as they grieve. Eulaiaaaaaa! Long live Redwaaaaaaaal!!!!
Patrick Tuccillo
March 7, 2011
When I heard of his death I actually cried he was my favorite writer and always will be. I am very sorry for your loss.
Patrick Tuccillo
March 7, 2011
I am sorry to hear he has died I am only a kid but have read most of his books and have always had the dream of meeting him. I will always remember him and he will always be my favorite writer.
February 22, 2011
To Brian Jacques family:
My sincere condolences on your loss. I first started reading his books when my kids had to do an assignment on him in school. I was the one who got hooked reading Salamandastron. Brian quickly became my favorite author. I will truly miss him.
Mike Skobrak, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Wesley Bare
February 15, 2011
To the people in Brian Jacques' life...
I will be praying for you and may God bring peace to you.
I loved his stories and I could never put them down. I thank him for his message to:
"Defend the weak, protect both young and old, never desert your friends. Give justice to all, be fearless in battle and always ready to defend the right" -Lord Brocktree
May he be enjoying the greatest story of all.
Chris Haggerty
February 14, 2011
May God Bless you all in this time of sorrow!
I did not find these wonderfull books till I was a lot older and I am still reading the last ones today! Brian Jacques was a gifted individual that I will always cherish! God Bless
Tanner with Brian...2002
Keith Johnson
February 12, 2011
Brian was a great influence on my son Tanner who is a Junior Linguistics Major at the University of Wisconsin. Tanner was able to meet Brian in 2002 in the Chicago area. Thank You for the positive influence.
February 10, 2011
To the Jacques Family and Friends,
Deeply sorry for the loss of such a creative and talented person like Brian. In this time of sorrow please find comfort from the many wonderful memories he must have shared through the years.
Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
T. H.
February 10, 2011
Redwall stories were one of the great parts of childhood - right up there with family vacations, Calvin & Hobbes, and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
At 22, it's easier to appreciate what a unique and wonderful thing Brian gave us. Thank you.
Takeo Kushi
February 10, 2011
I avidly read the Redwall series as a kid growing up. I took to reading at a very early age, in kindgarten, when much of my class was still running around. I can credit the Redwall series as being a very big part of that early development. Any mother here can tell you, to deliver a rich, superbly crafted and written, swashbuckling story of adventure, battle, mysticism, and character can thrill a young boy into reading for hours and across several books (and judging from this guestbook many girls as well). Thank you, Brian. I feel compelled to break out and reread Redwall, Mossflower, and Mattimeo to do a proper tribute!
Tyler Pritchett
February 10, 2011
Although Mr.Jacques passed away on the 5th of this month, his legacy and books will live on longer than anyone can imagine, I'm sure of it. I am currently in the process of writng a novel myself and I was originally inspired by Mr Jacques when I was at least 7. I am now 16, and still find myself loving his books. Since he has inspired me so much, I have decided to Dedicate my book in his name. May the greatest author this world has ever seen rest in peace. Eulaliaaaa!!! Tyler Pritchett.
s w
February 10, 2011
My son grew up reading the Redwall series and although he is now 24 and has discarded many of his childhood books, but he has kept all of his beloved Redwall.
Y.A.
February 9, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
James Driscoll
February 9, 2011
The Redwall series was the first real series that I read. I've read every single one and enjoyed them thoroughly. They were extremely fun to read. Mr. Jacques, you will be missed.
Terri Bobo
February 9, 2011
I was very saddened to read of Mr. Jacques passing. I have read all of the "Redwall" books and hope to pass them along to my nieces for their reading enjoyment. He never failed to make me laugh out loud and cry on occasion. My sincere condolences to his wife and sons.
Julia Burch
February 9, 2011
Brain Jacques's books encouraged my son to read. After reading "Redwall" my son was enthusiastic to read the subsequent adventures of the creatures of Redwall Abbey. What a day it was for him when Mr Jacques came to a local St Louis, Mo bookstore to discuss the books! My son still treasures these books and hopes to pass them on when his son, Seamus, becomes old enough to read.
Holly Cline
February 9, 2011
I remember the thrill I had as a child when reading the Redwall series. It gave me a sense of pure adventure,and inspired me to also write. God bless.
T.K. Wilson
February 9, 2011
Children' literature has lost on of it's last, best friends. We'll miss you Mr. Jaques.
Morgan McGrath
February 9, 2011
I remember being so inspired by all of the Redwall books when I was young. They're exciting and can make a young child feel like anything is possible. Even now I have every book still for the younger generations in my family to pick up and read, and for me to revisit the stories as well. Mr. Jacques' stories were a huge impact on me as a child and helped shape me into the person I am today. He will be missed.
Kathleen Gillis
February 9, 2011
My son loved his books. Rest in peace Mr. Jacques!
Maxine Edwards
February 9, 2011
My son didn't like to read much, but he loved all Brian Jacques' books. His name was Brian, also. He died in a car accident in 2008. He was 18. Whenever I hear the name, Brian Jacques, or see one of his books, it brings me happy memories of my son. I hope you will use your happy memories to help you cope with your loss. My deepest sympathy. Brian's mom.
Maryfaith Woods
February 9, 2011
I cannot believe that you are gone. I read your books out loud to my boys before bed every night for most of their growing up years. The last time they asked me to read your latest book out loud, they were 15 and 17. You had such a way with words - my sons were always begging me to cook the food that you talked about in your Redwall feasts! We will miss you - may your memory be eternal.
Maryfaith Woods
February 9, 2011
I cannot believe that you are gone and there will be no more Redwall books. My children were still asking me to read your latest book out loud when they were 15 and 17 years old. What a gift with words you had - my boys were always wanting me to cook the food that you talked about in the feasts of Redwall! We will miss you - may your memory be eternal.
Wendy Serbonich
February 9, 2011
I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Jacques' death; he is/was one of my favorite authors. And even tho I'm in my 50s, I have ALL the Redwall books & enjoy them. His passing leaves a hole in children's literature.
esposito family
February 9, 2011
oh, mr jacques, you have no idea the joy your books gave my son, he was a solitary young boy, and not very social and loved to read, when he left school to are amazement he joined to marines when they sent him to iraq the one thing he asked us to send him was mr jacques latest book, i do believe the redwall adventures helped shape our son into a wonderful person that he is today we salute you mr jacques
February 9, 2011
Eulalia!!!
Katherine Forester
February 9, 2011
Dear Jacques Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have read all the Redwall books through twice already, and I love them. They provide wonderful lessons for both children and adults in friendship, courage, and integrity. May God bless you as you go through this difficult time.
Bob Schatz
February 9, 2011
When I was a child I could hardly wait for the next installment of my favorite comic book to come out. It was the same way with Mr. Jacques's books. I could hardly wait for his next book to come out. He was and still is my favorite author.
E B
February 9, 2011
To the families and friends of Mr. Brian Jaques,
Sorry for your loss, writing children's tail is a very commendable thing to do, it give and gave children something to read. His writing will leave on. May you all throw your burden on our Heavenly Father and He will sustain you.He comfort us all in our tribulations.
Jessica Longnoore
February 9, 2011
Brian Jacques: Thank you for getting me into reading. I never enjoyed reading until I read "Mariel of Redwall" written by you in 1991. I loved how kind and hilarious you were about everything when I was able to meet you at this book signing and reading to promote your new book, Triss ("The sound of a sword being drawn"). The world won't be the same without your stories and I will miss you.
You were someone special and there will never someone like you again. My deepest condolences to the family.
R Golay
February 8, 2011
To the the family of Brian Jacques - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Brian will be missed by many.
amy hill
February 8, 2011
Thank you for writing books that were gentle and comforting to children. They inspired the best in us...courage, loyalty and friendship. Your work will remain although your earthly days are ended. May the Jacques family have peace knowing that you have changed the world for the better.
Jessica Wells
February 8, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Jacques's passing. I loved his books as a child and look forward to reading them to my own children. There were many nights when I could be find hiding a flashlight and a Redwall adventure under the covers to the wee hours.
Emily
February 8, 2011
I love Mr. Jacques's books. He is my favorite author, and Redwall is my favorite book series; no one could write like him. I want to give my regards to his family: God bless you and sustain you in this hard time. In Mr. Jacques books, whenever there were comrades who had passed on, they were always honored with a final shout. So here's to you, Mr. Jacques, thank you for all your wonderful books and we love you! Redwaaaaaaallllllll!
Patrice Calise
February 8, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Jacques for writing all the wonderful, adventurous tales. My family and I have loved reading them and will treasure your stories and characters forever. May you rest in peace--I hope heaven is for you like a Mossflower with no enemies.
Marilyn
February 8, 2011
I throughly enjoyed Mr. Jacques' books - especially reading to my son, (at the time was 6 yrs old); he brought us to places using our imagination, he was very graphic in description: like you could be 'really' there eating the described meal of all kinds, or be in a battle, or soaring in the sky, etc.
I still got his books, even though my son is now grown up.
Very gifted writer, my condolences to his family
Marilyn
Stephanie Henrichs
February 8, 2011
The Redwall series were the first true full-length novels I read as a kid. Even at 21 they still have a special place on my bookshelf. Thank you for all you did Mr. Jacques, may you live on in the hearts of all the people you touched. <3
Clare Martin
February 8, 2011
I am so very sorry to learn that the real Recorder of Redwall's voice has been silenced. Mr. Jacques brought many wonderful hours of adventure and entertainment to me and my family. A good and peaceful journey, sir!
Anne Hodge
February 8, 2011
Goodbye Mr. Jacques. Thank you for writing Redwall. I loved your stories & so did my children. May you rest in peace.
Jeff Carlin-Bartel
February 8, 2011
What a wonderful and fulfilling life Brian led. And he started his writing as a simple gesture to the kids on his route. Children's, and adult's, literature is the richer for his willingness to share his inner world with all of us. We'll miss you and are sad that no new adventures will be forthcoming. We will, however, enjoy reliving the ones we have.
mary tomlinson
February 8, 2011
One of my happiest days was when my son had the opportunity to meet Mr. Jacques and hear the story of how he came to writing the Redwall series. Mr.s Jaques touched his life as well and many others. Thanks for the great time you gave!
Gemma Turnbull
February 8, 2011
I am so sad to hear of Mr Jacques' passing.
But, thank you so much Brian. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, your books gave me refuge from a difficult world, and helped transport me to Redwall, Mossflower and beyond. Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family that have been left behind. Gemma, 19.
February 8, 2011
Thank you Mr. Jacques for the hours of pleasure you gave to me and my daughter - she adored your characters and continues to read over and over your wonderful books. You gave a lot to so many, I am sure you are entertaining child in heaven now. Thank you again!
Kathy, Baltimore, Maryland
Patricia Whitney
February 8, 2011
A great loss to children's literature. I have been enchanted with the Redwall series and I have enjoyed all the other books he has written, that i have read. My sympathy to Maureen and sons.
a 76 year old fan
Pat Gorman
February 8, 2011
His light shines in all the children"s eyes who have read his books.
Virginia OBrien
February 8, 2011
Brian Jacques the man who could paint pictures with words, such a tragedy, my nephew Justin who has a terminal illness called Wegners wanted so much to talk to him one on one that was his wish for make a wish foundation, now what to do, it is all so sad. Mr. Jacques was his hero. He will be missed.
K Benzenhafer
February 8, 2011
I am sad, my kids grew up on these stories...he will be missed.These books, encouraged my two boys to read, and they inspired their love of reading....
BILLY MURPHY
February 8, 2011
HELLO RUTH, THIS IS BILLY MURPHY. I AM IN FLORDIA TIL MAY, RECOVERING FROM SHOULDER SURGERY. I WILL BE UP TO SEE YOU THEN. SEND LOVE TO THE KIDS. BILLY
Diana Behrens
February 8, 2011
MR. Jacques gave my son and me many hours of time together reading his books. We are forever grateful to him for our Redwall adventures!
Victoria&Andrew
February 8, 2011
For the Love of reading
for many children teaching
learning&understanding to
others and thier grandkids'
GodBless you~BRIAN~rip
Sarah Jacob
February 8, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Jacques, for sharing your wonderful imagination with us. I have enjoyed "living" at Redwall Abby for years. You will be greatly missed!
Christine Littrell
February 8, 2011
I love the Redwall books, and I am 67... Sad to hear of Mr Jacques passing, he will be missed.
Mary Lloyd
February 8, 2011
Dear Brian Jacques,
I am grieved of your passing. I hope you are dwelling walking across the peaceful fields and quiet streams. I hope you are with God now. I will be forever sad of your passing. May you live a peaceful life in heaven forever. Amen
-Mary age 15
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