Mark Pilgrim

Mark Pilgrim. Image via Instagram @markpilgrimza

‘We pay tribute to him: Friends and colleagues on Mark Pilgrim

Close industry friends and colleagues took their time to share their fondest memories with the late media giant.

Mark Pilgrim

Mark Pilgrim. Image via Instagram @markpilgrimza

The devastating news that veteran radio personality Mark Pilgrim passed on broke on Sunday, 5 March, and he was said to have passed on peacefully at his home after a distressing fight with stage four lung cancer; he reportedly passed surrounded by his fiancé Adrienne and loved ones, several industry friends have since paid tribute to him on their socials.

RIP MARK PILGRIM: INDUSTRY FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEDIA GIANT

The world has gained another angel. Pigrim is gone but not forgotten.

Pilgrim will be remembered for many things, one of which is that he was a fighter. He was initially diagnosed with cancer in 1998. He went on to win several awards. Even when he was sick and in hospital, Pilgrim was still winning.

According to IOL. In November last year, Pilgrim was nominated 13 times in the 2020 SA Radio Awards and reportedly bagged two wins for the Best Weekend Show award and another win as his health improved. He was moved from the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to a general ward.

His legacy will live on as several industry friends shared their fondest memories with him.

Mark Pilgrim
Close friends and industry friends of Mark Pilgrim shared their fondest memories with the late media giant. Image via Instagram @markpilgrimza

PILGRIM’S LAST EMPLOYER HOT102.7FM STATION

On 6 March, HOT102.7FM station paid tribute to Pilgrim and said,

“Words cannot express the tremendous grief that the HOT 102.7FM family is experiencing over the passing of our dear friend, Mark Pilgrim. We pay tribute to him & celebrate a life that was well lived, for his many accomplishments, his kindness & for the privilege of knowing him.”

ALSO READ: Mark Pilgrim in pics: From cheeky teen to brave, bald hero [photos]

Kids-Can Foundation paid tribute to Mark on Facebook and wrote,

 “🤍🕊Rest in Eternal Peace Mark Pilgrim 🕊🤍You fought stage 4 lung cancer for so long and hard…

“Your legacy, your laughter, amazing heart, all will be spoken about for generations.”

GARRETH CLIFF

Iconic radio personality Garreth Cliff was one of the first people to break the news to Pigrim’s fans online and wrote,

“Very sad news of the passing of legendary broadcaster Mark Pilgrim. He fought a tough fight and inspired many in the process…and during his many years on radio.”

ALSO READ: Live and love: Who is Mark Pilgrim’s first wife Nicole? [photos]

BAILEY GEORGIADES

Radio presenter Bailey Georgiades took to her Instagram and wrote,

“I’ve been sitting here trying to comprehend the news of @markpilgrimza passing away. 💔It’s pouring with rain, and it feels fitting as the feelings and memories flood in.

My heart is shattered. 💔

“Mark was not only my work husband for years when we presented the Afternoon Drive show on 947 – The Baldy and Bailz Show, but a great friend. I LOVED our time together, so many laughs, the planks all over the place (what a weird trend that was), the advice and mentoring!” she added.

ALSO READ: His legacy lives on: CANSA pays tribute to ‘warrior’ Mark Pilgrim

SASHA MARTINENGO

Former Sports presenter Sasha Martinengo, who worked with Pilgrim for over a decade penned,

“You have many colleagues and associates but very few friends. It is just the nature of the beast.

Mark and I worked together at 5FM for ten years, and again we worked together at Hot for a few more,” Martinengo said.

“Mark was a broadcaster, not just a DJ. Whether it was TV or Radio, he was reliable, dependable and always prepared,” he added.

KYLE CASSIM

Pilgrim’s former colleague, Kyle Cassim also paid his respect by sharing his fondest moment with Pilgrim. He said,

“In 2002, I met Mark Pilgrim at a fun day in Jhb; my dad told him that I too wanted to be a DJ and a 5fm presenter. He gave me a hug, let me stand in the DJ box with him, and then took a pen and signed my shirt. I cherished that shirt and still have it today.”

ALSO READ: RIP: Mark Pilgrim was originally given three months to live