A HERO – that’s how 25-year-old Lance Bombardier Wayne Cosentino, who has died in an off-duty road accident in Canada, will always be remembered.
The caring and dedicated soldier, from Totternhoe, had been on a well-deserved night out away from his base after completing a six-week training course in the Alberta area.
Parents Rosalyn and Michael, of Church Road, were told that he was on foot at the time of the accident in the Medicine Hat area, which involved a civilian truck.
The early-morning crash happened on Saturday, July 28, and his parents were informed in person by Army representatives.
Now the couple, who have praised the “fantastic” continuing support from the Army, are waiting to hear when their son will be flown home to RAF Brize Norton.
A military funeral will then be held in this area but no date had yet been set as we went to press.
The popular soldier had been serving with Z Battery, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.
Wayne had attended Dunstable’s Brewers Hill Middle School and Northfields Upper School, Dunstable College and Coventry University.
And he also worked at Argos in Dunstable for about a year.
He fulfilled a dream when he joined the Army at 21, and his service included a six-month tour in Afghanistan.
Rosalyn said he was “very patriotic” and proud to serve his country.
She said: “His grandad was in the Army. Wayne just loved anything to do with the Army, he had it in him.
“He was very brave – he was a hero.”
Wayne was the couple’s only child and they have been touched by countless messages of support.
Michael said: “It has been a massive help to us.” He spoke of his son’s determination and loyalty.
And he added: “He had a big heart, and he absolutely adored children.”
Rosalyn reflected: “Wayne had a really warm heart. He was really good fun, and he had a lot of friends who loved him.
“He lived life to the full. He made a lot of people happy. He was generous, and he would give you anything and do anything for anyone. He put everyone before himself. He sounds too good to be true – but it is true.”
Wayne, based at Catterick in the UK, had told her he liked Canada.
Rosalyn said: “He was really enjoying himself, he sounded really happy – that’s one good thing.”
Sheffield-born Wayne was a Sheffield United fan and his interests also included using his computer, watching Grand Prix racing and fishing.
Heartfelt Facebook tributes to his memory include these extracts.
> “What a hero u were to many, u will be missed by many and loved by many. RIP.”
> “The battery will make you proud, Tino. Love you brother.”
> “What a great guy. Proud to have known you.”
> “Too young to go. Such a brave man, you will be missed.”
> “I worked with him for a year or so back in the day and I can safely say he was one of the nicest guys I’d ever met. RIP.”
A Facebook post from Rosalyn and Michael says they will pass on more information when they receive it.
They wrote: “All we do know, from Mother and Father to the most lovely caring son, is that he was the happi est we have ever known him. We will hold on to that thought forever.”
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