I am so desperately sad to hear of Jonathan’s untimely death. Such a lovely man and supportive colleague. Many condolences to all of his family.

Jonathan was an inspiration to so many young people, his skill and enthusiasm as a teacher was clear whenever I worked with him from the response he achieved.
A huge loss to the University, and many of the communities that he contributed so much to. He will be deeply missed.
Many condolences to his wife and family for the loss of a life lived with enthusiasm and determination.

Jonathan will be greatly missed. May peace be with you...

Dear Marion and boys,
We wish you peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead. Jonathan will always be remembered due to his kindness and compassion that made a big difference in everyone's life. We wish loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Our deepest condolences.
Elizabeth and Rodrigo

Heartfelt condolences to all the family.

Jonathan will be greatly missed. He was an inspiration to so many. Always enthusiastic, always ready to listen, always up for a discussion.

I was so saddened to hear about Jonathan. My deepest sympathies and thoughts to his family.

Although I only knew him for a short time, he struck me as a person of great humour, passion and kindness. I had the pleasure of spending time with him in India and was struck by his warmth, interest in other people and honesty. It was a really special time that I will never forget.

Following the trip, he always had time to chat whenever I bumped into him around campus. Although I only spent a short time with him he left a big impression on me and I know he will be deeply missed at Sussex.

So sad to hear of Jonathan's death. As a student he was a welcoming face in the department who always had time to listen to our problems and tried his best to solve them. Im certain many students could thank him for feeling supported enough to complete their studies, myself included. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

So sad to hear of Jonathan's death, he will be greatly missed. He made me feel so welcome when arriving at Sussex, always had time for a chat and he listened. His enthusiasm for sailing, cars and anything biological was infectious. He was always supportive and kind, even when meeting him during hikes on Kingston Ridge.
My thoughts are with Marion and his family at thish time.

It is such a sad loss for all who knew Jonathan. His verve and enthusiasm li up the lives of so many. Jonathan was my very first research student and he was an inspiration. He was constantly questioning and searching and was soon immersed in a field in which he had not previously been involved. His studentship had only two years of funding remaining when he came to me, yet he managed to produce an excellent PhD thesis in those two years. His cheery optimism and “can do” attitude was uplifting and he took the necessary hard work in his stride. Another of his skills (so valuable in his future career) was the knack of making people like him and co-operate with him. He was acutely aware of the sensitivities and foibles of others, even if he chose to ignore them. His attitude was often irreverent, which could be attractive.
It was, of course, improbable that a lowly PhD student would be permitted to park a car in the inner sanctum of the UMIST campus, yet it was effortless for Jonathan. He had a very low slung Lotus kit car, which typically he had built himself, and he realised that he could drive under the red and white pole barrier at the entrance to UMIST’s inner campus without it needing to be raised by the attendant officials. He would drive under it at speed, while giving the security staff a cheery wave. He divined that security guards were reluctant to leave their cosy booth and were unlikely to patrol the campus to check on illegal parking.
We carried on collaborating long after his doctorate, both when he was in Germany and later in his research group at Sussex.
There is a story from his time in Bavaria, which speaks to his character. Historically, Bavarians are very sensitive to suggestions of mental incapacity. One day, Jonathan was driving a venerable BMW, when he was overtaken on a blind corner. He shook his head and tapped it with a forefinger, an unforgivable insult to a Bavarian. Unfortunately, the driver was an off-duty policeman and noticed the gesture in his mirror. Some days later, Jonathan was summoned to be reprimanded by a very senior police officer for impugning the driver’s mental capabilities. Jonathan meekly took the dressing down and was relieved to escape prosecution. As he was leaving, however, he turned from the door and said that he still thought it was a dangerous and stupid place to overtake.

Anecdotes apart, Jonathan had a rare combination of intellectual rigour, endless curiosity and excellent communication skills, together with an ability to carry others with him. Not only did that enhance everyday life, but also was an invaluable asset to the University.

Jonathan was such a wonderful person, you have my deepest sympathies.

Professor Bacon is one of the best teachers who inspires students at university . He made the lectures interesting, we can laugh, enjoy but still learning about science, biology. His personality, funny, positive influenced me and I want to be a good teacher just like him. RIP , my heart with you and your family.

I feel very sorry and sad to hear your loss. I always cherish the few opportunities to work with Jonathan and has the great admiration for your leadership.

Sincere sympathies to all the family at this difficult time. Jonathan was a wonderful colleague - a kind and generous person. He will be sadly missed but will not be forgotten.

Jonathan was one of the most kind and caring people that I have been lucky enough to have met. He always had time to stop and listen.
He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.

In memory of Jonathan Bacon

It is hard to learn of the passing of someone who had such a positive impact on your life.

I first met Jonathan in 1985 as a final year Undergraduate when he came to Sussex University as a New Blood Lecturer. His excitement with developmental neurobiology was so infectious, I had to learn more, and became his first PhD student the following year and then his post-doc 4 years later.

We worked, learned and had fun together for nine years.

I send all my love and condolences to Marion, Ollie, Simon and Nicky at such a sad time.

The only way to progress after the loss of someone so special is to reflect on all the good times at work and at play.

So here’s to fascinations with ‘many species of grasshoppers’, to locusts who ‘only pee in the dark’ (or so those in Bordeaux would insist), to rare species of centipede ‘found under dubious circumstances on Brighton beach at 1:00am’, and to ‘Space Invaders’ discovered in a seething tank of cockroaches and smuggled through US Customs to Caribbean colleagues.

To weekends spent fixing the BMW and Citroen 2CVs, to mackerel fresh-caught from kayaks in bright summer sun off Brighton beach, to swimming, cycling and running around Lewes (the first of many triathlons for me) and to dinghy sailing at Weirwood – who knew that would lead to life aboard boats for both of us!!

To seeing Marion and Jonathan’s family grow with the births of Simon and Nicky, and for their support after the birth of my first daughter too. Finally to Christmas parties shared with our families and colleagues, eating Christmas pud stirred in the ever-present nappy bucket - sterilised beforehand of course!!

Dear Jonathan – long may you be remembered for the joy you brought to all the people who knew you.

Jonathan was a great inspiration, mentor and support to me in my 10 years at Sussex (1996 to 2005). Many thanks to him, and my thoughts are with his family and colleagues today. Dek

A family friend for 37 years. Jonathan was always full of life and great fun. Always happy to help and join in everything. Always enthusiastic and positive. He was so proud of his lovely wife and family and will be sadly missed.

Remembering Jonathan's neighbourly good will and humour , as well as his outstanding academic achievements