Victorian pool fixer and Block regular Jon Jon Bradey passes away
The Victorian industry, together with the Block’s TV audience, are in mourning following the passing of young shotcrete and steel fixer, John Jeremy Bradey – better known as Jon Jon.
Only 42 years of age, Jon Jon left behind his loving wife Candice, and much loved children Anileese (17), Kobe (15) and Amelia (15).
Jon Jon was born in Hamilton, New Zealand. After moving to Australia he started A Plus Enterprises, which he has been operating for 10 years, specialising in shotcreting and steelfixing for the pool and basement industries.
He and his team have been instrumental in the past two seasons of The Block, along with Australia’s first dedicated TV show for the industry, Best Pools, which has just finished its first 10-week run on 9Life with a second season in production.
His wife Candice remembers him as a true artist, skilful in his trade and meticulous in his workmanship, and proud of every job he completed. He shared his skill and was a great mentor and friend to many. Often referred to as a true gentleman of the industry, Jon Jon was a family man with a passion for the outdoors – basketball, gym, surfing – and he loved his pet birds (namely Tiki).
Tributes from Victorian pool builders
“The pool industry has lost an icon. As humble as Jon Jon was, his eye for detail also earnt him another nickname, Mr One Per Cent. He was always making sure that every spray was finished to the highest degree. Anything could be achieved when he was at the helm, which I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand. A true legacy the great man has left behind, one the A Plus Enterprises team will no doubt uphold, and they have the full support and trust of everyone behind them.
“To have the opportunity to work with someone so reliable, trustworthy and a leader to his team always gave me the confidence of knowing that the end result will be delivered. When spray day was upon us, not only the excitement from the client that the spray boys were there, and the pool was about to take shape, for me, knowing a day of witty banter and watching the team in their element delivering the task at hand was a joy to watch. Jon Jon, a man of integrity, you will be dearly missed by more than you’ll ever know, I always admired your work ethic and ‘haters gonna hate’ attitude.
“To a peer and friend, rest in peace brother, you’ll never be matched or forgotten.”
Reece Daniltchenko, Franklin Pools
“An exceptional man who always greeted each task as a happy challenge with a big grin. No matter how busy life got over the last couple of covid lockdown crazy years, we could always have a laugh through the stress.
“Johnny Boy, the pipes the pipes are piping Johnny Boy – the pipes are piping Dan; never did I ever think that I wouldn’t be able to greet you again with the song and hear you answer in an Irish accent.
“You have left a significant mark and hole in our lives and we are all still in shock at your sudden passing. The pool industry is at a loss for words.”
Daniel Cutugno, Horizon Pools
Main image: Jon Jeremy Bradey on a Horizon Pools job, under police presence during covid
