Warrant Officer Class 2
(Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor)
73 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers)
Royal Engineers
British Army

He was attached to the 3 Royal Anglian Group, serving in Cyprus on Operation TOSCA, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) based in Nicosia.

WO2 (QMSI) Bean died after taking ill, with a suspected heart attack, while taking part in an on-duty mountain biking activity.

Aged 54 from Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, he joined the Territorial Army (reserves) in May 1975 as a Sapper in 75 Engineer Regiment and subsequently transferred to 73 Engineer Regiment based in Nottingham. His natural style and flair led to swift promotion to Lance Corporal in just over a year and by 1996 he had achieved the rank of Warrant Officer. Employed in a wide range of posts and locations during a varied and challenging career, he filled a variety of roles including Squadron Sergeant Major of 272 Field Park Squadron and Troop Commander of Regimental Headquarters. In addition he served on operations in Bosnia and Iraq prior to deploying in March 2011 to Cyprus in the high profile post of VIP visit coordinator. He was remembered as a highly professional soldier. Colleagues described him as funny, charming, selfless and a gentle friend to all. In civilian life, he worked for pharmaceutical company Teva UK Ltd. until two years ago. He was a Mini enthusiast and was a leading member of Leeds Classic Mini Owners Club. Also, he was big fan of Bradford City FC which sent a floral tribute and three officials to his funeral.

WO2 (QMSI) Bean leaves behind his wife Michele and three children, David, Hazel and Nicola, along with other family and friends. His son David is currently preparing to deploy with the British Army in Afghanistan.

Funeral with full military honours was held on May 20, 2011 at St Luke's Church, Cleckheaton.