Kruger National Park guide Frank Watts DIES from cancer

The tourism fraternity is mourning the loss of Frank Watts, who worked as a guide for the Kruger National Park. Watts was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer earlier this year and started journaling his journey not long afterwards on Facebook.

A constant feature in his posts was his life partner Diane, whom he affectionately referred to as ‘Di’ and described as his soulmate.

“To every person who has joined me on this final safari, thank you for holding my hand each step of the way. I know that I am loved and know that you are too. Every story and every memory is a reminder of something we shared together. A reason to smile, to cry, to look up at the night sky and be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us,” he said in a lengthy Facebook post on the day he died.

In another post from June, Watts said he was informed by his doctor that he had as much as six months to live.

“I have a terminal illness called inoperable pancreatic cancer. In short, based on symptoms I am presenting, fortified by medical statistics, I had between 3 and 6 months to live when I was first diagnosed. That was just over 5 months ago. My doctor told me that I was going to die – relatively soon. Obviously, there are exceptions to everything, even the fact that we all believe the sky has always been and always will be blue. Scientists will gladly prove me wrong”

Frank Watts

WHO WAS FRANK WATTS?

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Frank Watts was nicknamed ‘The legend of the bush’ because of his nearly 30 years of experience in the wildlife sector. According to the Kruger National Park, he holds the highest guiding qualification possible and has guided in the Park on foot and in open safari vehicles.

He eventually decided to start his own business in the same sector by becoming a private safari guide in 2012.

Messages of condolences have been streaming in in response to Watts’ death with many posting tributes to him on his Facebook page.

“Frank, I only knew you for a little while, but you certainly made an impact. Your advice and encouragement will forever be remembered. Fly high on your new journey and enjoy the next chapter. Di and family, thank you for sharing Frank with us, and so sorry that you have to move forward without him. Sincere condolences to you all,” one person wrote.

Another said: “A legend amongst those guides around you and an symbol of courage and strength to those who never personally knew you. Your story allowed us to make peace with the inevitable and to be ever grateful for every beautiful moment we have daily”