John BRIERLEY

Reading yet another of John’s truly wonderful Camino guide books as we completed the Camino Ingles in June, we learnt of his illness. I did not realise until today that John had died. Thank you for the wonderful adventures laid out so beautifully in your Camino guides. You paved the way for novices such as myself to begin our Camino journeys. May you rest in peace.

John, you guided me on a section
of the Camino Frances every year since 2011. My heart is filled with gratitude. Buen Camino as you journey on connected to the Source. My most sincere sympathy to your beloved wife and family.

Always a pleasure to spend time with Jonnie. We had so much fun on the tennis court at Dunstaffage, his enthusiam to win the next point brought out the best. A generous and wonderful gentleman, my heart goes out to your wonderful wife Jill, and to Ben, Georgina and Gemma.

I may never have made it if not for Johns wonderful guide book!
May you rest in peace now, always dreaming of your beloved Camino.
My thoughts are with Johns family.
Buen Camino from Australia!

May your good soul rest in peace

John was an extraordinary man who achieved the truly remarkable-he enriched this world and the lives of many.Through his books,he was a companion along the Camino,informative,amusing and inspiring .We are forever in debt to him.
Deepest sympathy
May he rest in peace

RIP John
You completed your last walk to heaven

Sincere condolences to all the family.
Will remember him for his great guide books which helped me during my past Caminos.
God grant him eternal rest🌹

Many thanks John . May you walk the Lord's Way

I was lucky to know Johnny B for over 25 years, my life is richer for knowing such a compassionate, wise and interested individual whose lust for life was infectious. My thoughts are with Jill, Benjamin, Georgina, Gemma and his adored grandchildren.

Sincere sympathies to John's family. A wonderful man who is of course enjoying his latest Camino in his next chapter on his spiritual journey...

Great memories of unexpectedly meeting John a number of times on the Caminos Finisterre and Portugués. He was always welcoming, kind, generous (he bought us beers!) and interested in people. What really made an impression was that he asked us if we had found any errors in his guidebooks, was genuinely interested in our response and wrote them down on a notepad he produced. Condolences to John's family.

I had the privilege of interviewing John when I was in college about his book. Even though I felt so inexperienced, he was so kind and generous with his words of encouragement and with his time. A true gentlemen, and I speak about that experience often any time anyone mentions the Camino, even though it was over 10 years ago. He will be missed fiercely.

I met John at the AGM of Camino Society Ireland some years ago. He signed my tatty old dog eared guide book. Said he preferred that to bright new shiny ones. He was a true pilgrim and had plenty of time for me and my son. A gentleman. I look forward to his guide book on Heaven. Enjoy meeting St James in person. Buen Camino and RIP dear friend of all pilgrims, your family must be so proud of you

Thank you John for your wonderful guide books which have helped so many peregrinos over the years. And thank you for always being available to answer Camino-related questions through email.
Who will take your place?
Condolences to all your family, who must be so proud of all you have achieved.

Thank you for the insights your books brought to the camino. You made it less daunting and accessible to so many of us. You made a difference condolences to your family.

Safe home John, I didn’t know you yet I knew you. Thank you for guiding me along my Camino and my deepest condolences to all your family.

Deepest sympathy to John’s family. Didn’t know him personally but enjoyed his books on the Caminos . R.I.P. John.

A great guide a man for all seasons. Enjoy your final Camino.

Deepest sympathy to the Brierley family. I met John a few time while on his many visits to Dublin. He always made time to chat. Ultreia Suseia!

John clearly saw a Camino “need” and he over filled it with his talents and comprehensive Guide Books. I saw his Guides on many Tables in many Tapas Bars and Albergues! Testament to John’s Spirit and how he lived!

Thank you. ❤️
Thank you. ❤️

For leading me safely.

Thank you, John

North Carolina, USA

Buen Camino. Thank you for guiding the way. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Johnny was a terrific guy and an enthusiastic participant and supporter of so many things. His enthusiasm affected everyone and lifted all our spirits. As far as he was concerned everything was “marvelous “ and he lived life with that as his mantra and maxim
A leading founder and past president of the 15 Club he will be sadly missed by all who came across him
Simon McCormick, surviving President , The 15 Club

Johnny was such a larger than life character in every sense of the word. Gracious, gregarious and a guru with lots of wisdom that he shared with all and particularly those walking the Camino. Johnny is also proof that enthusiasm is more contagious than covid and Johnny had it in spades helping so many people to find themselves in an often stressful world. Our hearts go out to Jill who was his soul mate and partner in their alternative journey and to Ben, Georgina and Gemma. We will miss him greatly and will plant a few native trees up here along St Kevin’s Way to remember him by. All my love Zef.

I never met John but wrote to him last year after walking the Camino for the first time. I got a lovely reply. His guide books are an essential read for any Camino enthusiast.
Everything I heard about John, from those who knew him, was that he was a beautiful person. Thanks John, may you rest in peace🙏

Buen Camino . Muchimas gracias .
From a grateful peregrina.

Heartfelt condolences to Jill, Benjamin, Georgina and Gemma on the passing of Johnny. He always brightened up the room. May he rest in peace.

I was so terribly sorry to hear that Johnny died. Always a huge presence, kind, funny, generous and wonderful to be around. A very bright light has gone out. Sending sympathy to Jill, Ben, George & Gemma. Xxxx

Ultreia, John. Here's to the next stage in your journey.

I am so very sorry to hear of the death of John Brierley. I did not know him personally but his guide books on The Camino Francais were so inspirational for both myself, my husband and my son. We all walked the Camino separately, at different times, lengths and speeds over a number of years. His guides were just wonderful. Food for the foot, body and soul. I have recommended his books to just about everyone who intended to walk the Camino. He will be painfully missed but never forgotten. Deepest condolences to all his family. I hope that you realize how much he was loved and respected by the walking community. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.

I carried you with me as an ‘essential’ in my 8kg pack.
Buen Camino on your last journey. Your legacy will live on.

Your guide book proved invaluable on my Camino travels. Your words of wisdom were inspirational. My deepest condolences to your family , and close friends.

Buen Camino John on your last great journey.
You were my guide and companion on my Camino fron StJean to Santiago in 2018. I could not have managed without your wisdom.
I hope someday that my grandchildren will take up the challenge and my "Brierley" is tucked away in my Camino drawer awaiting them.
Muchos gracias for your life John, I'm glad you passed my way.
Deepest sympathies to your family.
Miguel Brophy
Dublin

The peace of heaven to John Brierley. I am currently walking the Camino Portuguese with his guidebook in my backpack. His name is legend to so many he has helped to guide along the Camino Frances as I did two times. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his friends and family.

Our deepest sympathy. a wonderful human being, larger than life, enthusiastic loving, energetic and fun. Such an enormous loss to you Jill, Benjamin, Georgina Gemma

Darling Johnny, what a wonderful brother you were, much loved by your sisters Tish, Cally and Cherry.