If your from the Buffalo, NY area the name in the title of this post will be very familiar to you. You’ve probably been hearing it in the news from time to time. For those of you not from the area, Jonathan Cote was kidnapped in Iraq in November of 2006 by a group of rebels posing as police officers. Jonathan was part of a private security group who was escorting a convoy.
I met Jonathan when I started working for Algonquin Studios in July of 2001. He was only there for a short time after I started, because he was shipping off to join the military. I did not get to know him very well, but I did have the opportunity to converse with him. He was a very energetic and lively individual. I wish I could have had the opportunity to get to know him better.
A few days ago it was announced that the body of Jonathan Cote was found. This was very disappointing news, though not unexpected; weeks earlier they had found the bodies of his fellow contractors. Still, those who knew him held onto hope, myself included.
I may not have had the opportunity to know Jonathan well, and I can’t imagine what this is like for his family, but my heart goes out to those who will miss him.
May you rest in peace Jonathan.