Terrible News: A Legend Dies

[Roy Hersh]

It is very sad to report this news:

http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/5327/Henr ... ra-J.ehtml

28 Feb 2008

Henriques & Henriques Madeira John Cossart dies

John Cossart, chairman of Henriques & Henriques Madeira, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Cossart died on the island of Madeira, which had been his home since he returned to the Henriques & Henriques Madeira business after the death of his father.

Andrew Hawes, managing director of Mentzendorff, the UK agents for Henriques & Henriques Madeira, said: "all those who know John, and that is a great number in the wine trade, will remember him fondly as one of the great characters in our business.

"His stories of his own life and insights into the development of the international wine trade were fascinating, but more than that he was a lovely man, and we will all miss him greatly," Hawes added.

Cossart's funeral will be held on February 29.

[Reidar Andersen]

So sad, so sad ! Such a wonderful guy ! He really did a fantastic job in Madeira !

[Jason Brandt Lewis]

A dear, sweet, wonderful man from whom I not only learned a great deal, but someone I was privileged to call "my friend."

Joanna Delaforce phoned me last night with the news, having just returned to the UK from Madeira and spending the weekend with the family.

He surprised me about a month ago by calling me on my cell phone from his home in Madeira, to ask me about Madeira sales in the U.S. and some marketing ideas he had. We were going to discuss them in person next month when he was due to fly to California.

[Roy Hersh]

Jason,

It is a true loss for Madeira and mankind and certainly for his family. Thanks for adding your personal experience as his friend!

It has been a long while since we've seen you back here. You have been missed. I hope all is well with you and the family as I have not seen you on the other BB either.

Be well my friend!