Sad news - John Pilbeam

[Mike P]

It is with great sadness that I have to report that John Pilbeam has passed away after a very short illness.
I’m sure that there will be many out there who knew John and were impressed by his great knowledge and experience of succulent plants of all kinds and he will be sorely missed in the Cactus community.

[Paul in Essex]

Gosh. Kind of thought John was going to live forever. RIP.

[Diane]

Such very sad news, Mike. John was a superb grower and author, his books will always be a source of inspiration and reliable information, and he will be much missed in the C &S fraternity.

I knew him quite well, and always enjoyed his company and talks he gave.

Alas, a great loss.

[Tony R]

This is indeed very sad news. RIP John.
John was my mentor and friend from the early 1980s and taught me so much about 'all things Mammillarias' and many other succulent plants.
His knowledge and sage advice will be sorely missed but will live on through his numerous literary contributions.

I will remenber him most from my early contacts with him and the way he inspired me and fostered my interest in succulent plants, so this photo for me will sum up those interactions and memories:

[juster]

This is very sad news indeed, and a tremendous loss to the hobby. As Diane says, his books are full of reliable information, all presented in a way that is easy to read and with plenty of humorous anecdotes. I've known John for many years as he regularly attended our branch meetings and gave fascinating talks. One of the very best, RIP John.

[habanerocat]

I met him sometime around 2000 I think when he came over here to Ireland to give a talk.
I still have some of his plants and happy to say most of his books on cacti.

RIP John.

[topsy]

So sorry to learn of John's passing, the last of the three musketeers, Bill Weightman, Derek Bowdery and John. The many travels they took together in the USA and Mexico were the basis for John's books on Cacti. I spoke to him about two weeks ago and he was remarking on his age.

A sad loss, condolences to his children and grandchildren

Suzanne & Tony

[Al Laius]

Very sad news indeed. John was a good friend and his contributions to the journal were many, both as author, advisor and proofreader. I shall never forget the nights we shared a room together at ELK some years ago where we both accused each other of snoring the loudest - such fun.

RIP dear John.

Al

[Geoff Lovell]

A sad loss indeed, I have known John for a long time and will miss him.
My condolences to his family.

[Herts Mike]

That is indeed sad. Visited him many times.

Love his books.