I've nicked this from the Red Arrows website, but I'm sure they won't mind sharing their info on Matt.
Flight Lieutenant Matt Jarvis.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death on Sunday 20th March 2005 of Flight Lieutenant Matt 'Jarvo' Jarvis (30), who trained as Red 2 for 2004. As many of you will already be aware, Jarvo was diagnosed with cancer just before the start of the 2004 display season. Our thoughts are with Jarvo's family and his wife Jeanette at this terrible time.
Jarvo was born in Reading and grew up in Cornwall. He was educated at Callington College, near Plymouth and joined 2312 (Tavistock) Air Training Corps as soon as he was old enough. Jarvo was awarded a Royal Air Force Sixth Form Scholarship and Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship, enabling him to gain his Private Pilot's License by the age of 17.
Jarvo joined the Royal Air Force in 1992, and after completing flying training was posted to IV(AC) Squadron at Royal Air Force Laarbruch in Germany to fly the Harrier GR7. During his tour he flew operational missions over the Balkans and took part in exercises in North America, the Middle East and Europe. Jarvo then became a Qualified Weapons Instructor and was posted to 1(F) Squadron at Royal Air Force Cottesmore, flying operational missions over Iraq in 2003. Jarvo joined The Red Arrows at the age of 29, making him the youngest member of the Team.
Jarvo's last week was spent in the Sue Ryder Care Home at Thorpe Hall near Peterborough. His family would like to express their appreciation to the staff there for the wonderful peace and quality of care which eased his final days. In recognition of this, they have requested that no flowers be sent, but that any that any donations in lieu should be sent to 'Thorpe Hall, Thorpe Rd, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 6LW'. Cheques should be made out to 'Sue Ryder Care (Thorpe Hall)'. The Red Arrows' Macmillan Cancer Relief Appeal will also continue.
Jarvo's bravery, optimism and cheerfulness have been an inspiration to everyone, both before and during his illness.
We will all miss him so very much.
21 March 2005
courtesy of
www.raf.mod.uk/reds/news.htmlBen will also appreciate your thoughts and I will pass them on to him.
