Sunday, September 14, 2008

From John Whitfield


SAVE2493, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Buckles,
Don't know if anyone has emailed you regarding the death yesterday - 9/13/08 - of Mark David (Pilger).
As far as it has been reported, he was 48, and died of liver failure.
He performed the excellent single trap and was featured in the Swap Shop in Ft. Lauderdale for a long period.

John Whitfield

Posted by Buckles at 9/14/2008 08:04:00 PM

13 comments:

Pat Cashin said...

I worked with Mark David in '99. I'm very sorry to hear this.

A consummate professional and a very, very nice guy.

14 September, 2008 23:35
Anonymous said...

I am deeply saddened by this news. Mark David and I worked together on Louis Knie's show in Austria. We were friends.

Christmas Eve in Vienna 1997, Mark and I decided to take a stroll downtown to pass the time. The lamp posts were wound with evergreen boughs and red bows, vendors sold hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks off holiday carts in the street. A group of Mormons sung traditional Christmas carols in English. When it began to snow, we found a restaurant on a side street by Mozart's old apartment. It was the nicest Christmas I ever spent away from family.

He had the face of a haunted angel, and his single trap act was superb. Rest in peace, Mark.

I'm grateful I was able to get to the comments this time to pay my respects.

15 September, 2008 01:36
Anonymous said...

Does anyone have any details on Mark's final disposition? He was one of our "Baraboobians'", and several local people have expressed an interest in knowing how we can help with a memorial service, or whatever.
Please advise!
Pete, the Baraboobian!

15 September, 2008 19:07
Pam Marquie said...

I grew up just a few house away from Mark in Baraboo and as a young boy he used to hang from the tree branch from his knees and swing back and forth. Who knew it would lead to his career. The last time I saw Mark he was traveling with Ringling Bros. in NC. I asked to see him and introduced him to my children. He was warm and charming and delightful. May you find the peace in heaven you could not find here on earth.

15 September, 2008 21:51
Anonymous said...

Hello to all of Mark's family,freinds,and fans. I will follow up with this site for all of the developments for Mark David's memorial/life celebration service,within the next couple of days.
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments.
God bless.
Jay Pilger
(Marks'Brother)

17 September, 2008 14:48
Anonymous said...

I am so sad to hear about Marks passing. We were childhood friends, from East Elementary on. It's been years since we've talked, I am so sorry he's been sick for so long. I wish I had known...I am not able to be at the memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers are with you, Jay and all of his many fans and friends.
Kelly Kozel Goethel

25 September, 2008 08:39
Anonymous said...

I am so terribly sad to hear the news about Mark. We grew up together, from East Elem. on.
I tried to find him at diffferent circus' over the years with no luck. He invited my family to see him at the CWM when my boys were small. It was a very windy day and he wasn't sure he could do his finale (heels) but the show went on and he performed it without a hitch. Afterwords he talked to my boys and the only thing that they really thought was cool was the size of the elephant poop. Mark laughed! I am one of Marks biggest fans. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Kelly Kozel Goethel

25 September, 2008 08:48
Anonymous said...

Mark David Pilger
Baraboo News Republic 9-25-08

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — After a long-standing illness, Mark passed out of this life to be with his mother, Margaret; father, Lee; and grandparents, Jacqueline and Elmer Pilger, also Minda and David Lauver.

Mark was a trapeze aerialist with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus for two seasons and traveled the world performing his famous "Flying Heel Catch" with many other circuses. Although Mark loved traveling and entertaining throughout the world, he loved to come back home to his beloved Baraboo, and the Circus World Museum, where he got his start.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, in the Hippodrome building.

Family requests donations be made, in lieu of flowers to: "Friends of Mark David," 6388 Crossland Blvd., Gurnee, IL 60031.

25 September, 2008 13:40
Zanda said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Mark's passing,he was a sweetheart! I grew up in Baraboo,across from the Circus. I was in the "Circus School" with Mark also. May he rest in peace.

26 September, 2008 18:55
Anonymous said...

Very sadden to hear of Mark's passing. We grew up together on Carden-Johnson back in 78/79. I met him in Kalamazoo, Mich. He showed up with his mam and his uprights. We spent many a day traveling and sharing great circus moments together. We even managed to get together in Europe while I was on Krone and he on American Circus in Germany. I knew that Mark was not doing well last I talked to him, It is a sad day for the Circus world to lose such a talented man. Jay if you read this you will undoubtably remember who I am. If you could get ahold of me that would be awsome, otherwise i will be in contact threw the address given in Illinois. Mark, ole buddy, miss ya and love ya, always did

28 September, 2008 09:51
Anonymous said...

I worked with Mark at the Tommy Bartlett Show in Wisconsin Dells in the early 80's. He was a wonderful person. He had the best sense of humor and the most beautiful eyes. Mark, rest in peace.

03 October, 2008 21:34
stephmtl said...

I'm very so glad to learn this. I was writting many time by email and i bnever receive answer, now i know what :( it was a merveillous guy! I have somes pictures from Mark and I would like to returne to the family... do you know where? the adresse? Thanks, peace and God bless. lavoistephane@yahoo.fr

26 July, 2009 15:12
Anonymous said...

Mark was and will be forever the king of the air. great act, and great person.
TonyDuran@tonycircus.com

10 August, 2010 00:53

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