Dear Mark
 
On behalf of the Committee and members of our club, could I ask you to extend our sincerest condolences to Steven’s family on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with them in this very difficult time.
 
Regards/Groete
Philip Calinikos
Chairperson/Voorsitter BirdLife Northern Gauteng

From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it On Behalf Of Mark Anderson
Sent: 16 March 2009 08:48 AM
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Subject: [sabirdclubforum] Steven Piper
 
Dear friends
 
Many of you may have already heard the sad news. Steven Piper, a great friend to South Africa's birders and ornithologists, passed away yesterday (apparently from acute pancreatitis).
 
On behalf of BirdLife South Africa's council, staff, volunteers, and members, I would like to extend sincere condolences to Steven's wife, Andy,  their children, Tanya and Laurence, and their families.
 
I am not yet sure what the funeral arrangements are, but I will let you know as soon as they are made available. I am sure that there are many birders and ornithologists, especially those who are based in KwaZulu-Natal, who will attend his memorial service/funeral.
 
Steven was my friend, one of my mentors and my PhD supervisor, and we spent much time together, both in South Africa and overseas. My wife, Tania, and our children, Ryan and Stephanie, who have also spent a lot of  time with Steven over the past 18 years, and who regarded him as friend, a father and as a grandfather, were devasted by the news.
 
Steven's passing is a great loss to ornithology in South Africa.
 
Regards,
Mark
-------------------------
Mark D. Anderson
Executive Director
BirdLife South Africa
Website: www.birdlife.org.za