Errol "Birdman" Markow
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Obituary
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Errol Markow, who was born on 06 June 1944 and passed away on 10 July 2026 in Durban, South Africa, at 82 years young.
Errol will be remembered for kindness, generosity, and his passion and care for all creatures and critters especially his many feathered friends and their parents. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, clients and customers all experienced the warmth and sincerity that made time spent with Errol meaningful.
Throughout life, Errol built lasting connections and touched many lives through simple acts of care, encouragement, and friendship. Conversations, shared moments, and everyday gestures created memories that will remain with those who had the privilege of knowing Errol.
Family meant a great deal to Errol, and relationships were always nurtured with patience and devotion. Friends valued loyalty and sincerity, while colleagues, clients and customers appreciated dedication and a thoughtful, caring approach, saving lives, changing lives for the better and always making you feel so much better after a chat or visit with him. He had a great sense of humour and ability to share fun, humourous stories, a wealth of information on any topic and experience through his many journeys and adventures. He had a deep relationship with Jesus, his Lord and Saviour and his strong faith leaves a bright light and a good example for us to remember and to follow.
The passing of Errol leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know Errol.
Errol will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Timeline
1944
June 7th
Errol was born in Johannesburg, South Africa
The younger son of Lionel and Mims Markow, brother to Barry Markow
Johannesburg, South Africa
1947
The Bush
Errol's father used to work as a mechanic for the ranger fleet and an honourary game ranger for the Kruger National Park, so Errol grew up and spent many years roaming around the bushlands where his passion for the bush, its wildlife and birds was ignited. School holidays was spent hiking around SA's Wilderness with his closest friends having many wild adventures.
1950
January
Started School at Jeppe Boys School
1957
Iceskating
An avid ice hocky player, Errol took up figure skating to improve his skills on the ice
1960
Reg Parks' Gym
Errol started training at Reg Parks' Gym, he also got into karate (qualified 3rd Dan) and judo (qualified 4th Dan), he also won his first body building title, MR SA Amateur Junior Championships
1962
November
Matriculated from Jeppe Boys High School
Johannesburg, South Africa
1963
Studied Chemical Science
Errol studied and qualified as a chemical scientist, worked in Modderfontein dynamite factory lab in product development. Then went into forensics studies.
1967
Heart Transplant machine
Through the company that he was working for, Errol had the opportunity to assist with the machine that was brought in for the first heart transplant in SA.
1970
Rex Health Studios
Errol followed his passion in the Health industry and started his own gym
1972
The Air
Errol's passion for the birds took him into the air, he tried hang-gliding, para-gliding and went on to get his pilot's license for light fixed wing, but of course he took it further to aerobatic flying, which led to fighter planes and almost became a career in commercial flying. His dream was to pilot a Boeing 747.
1974
Mr South Africa Senior Amateur Body Building Championship
Won Senior SA Champ
1976
September 9th
Birth of Errol's daughter
Natasha Maria Markow, his only child.
Mother's Hospital, Greyville, Durban, KZN, SA
1977
Car Crash
Errol had a major car accident, he was rear-ended by a car travelling very fast around a blind corner in peak traffic. He suffered severe whiplash and could no longer fly aeroplanes or continue to lift weights.
1979
Sales Career
With his background in chemical science, Errol went to work for T&C Chemicals in product development, then sales, and very quickly climbed to management position. His quest for knowledge led him to doing courses in business economics, management and financial, but in 1985 Errol was retrenched when the company pulled out of South Africa.
1986
On the road again
Errol fell back on his sales experience and became a travelling saleman with various agencies that he took to his clients throughout South Africa. His daughter has fond memories of adventures in the VW Combi during school holidays travelling the highways and byways meeting tons of interesting people and making new friends.
1992
Estate Agent
Errol decided to find something a bit closer to home and qualified as a Residential Estate Agent, starting with JH Isaac Property group, then it became Wakefields, then eventually he moved across to ProProp Pinetown.
1998
April 24th
Birth of Errol's only grandson
Birth of James Keanan Whittaker
Pinetown, KZN, SA
2000
The Birdman
His whole life he was always rescuing birds and animals, saving lives, handraising and releasing etc. and then Errol began consulting with a few clients feathered babies, doing bird manicuring, clipping wings, trimming beaks and nails as well as advising on nutrition, diet requirments and behavioural correction. This grew into his new career, that kept him active and travelling all over KZN and even saving birds over the phone from many locations around the world.
2008
Gave his life to the Lord
Errol had a beautiful Jesus encounter that transformed his life, he found a peace in his heart that he had been searching for. Errol got baptised and became a man on fire for God, sharing his love and peace with anyone and everyone he came in to contact with. Errol always had such a good sense of humour and genuine concern for people especially to help them feel better than he found them.
2009
September 10th
Widowed
The passing of Errol's wife, Patricia Elizabeth Markow
Hillcrest, KZN, SA
2011
Gym for the Retirement Village
Errol had an opportunity with a very dear friend to run gym classes for a retirement village, and really enjoyed being able to make a difference in their lives.
2012
May 2nd
Hillary
One evening driving back from seeing some customers, Errol tunred onto the Edwin Swales Highway, at the busy intersection, he found a tiny ball of fur sitting on the white line. He stopped the traffic to pick up the tiny, little stray kitten. Who grew up to be a beautiful cat, Hillary, (named after the area he found her), she became his life companion and bird whisperer, who used to sit up with him through the night with the sick birds, sometimes sleeping in their cage to keep them warm.
2024
May 29th
Moved to SoulHouse
Moved to Durban to stay with Tash and Jacques at SoulHouse
Morningside, Durban KZN, SA
2025
January
Back to Gym
Errol's Grandson James asked his Gampie to work out a gym routine for him, which inspired, his daughter Tash and her boyfriend Jacques to also join in, and together with Errol they all went back to gym again. He very quickly started to tone up and get his form back, great muscle memory.
2026
June 7th
Errol's 82 Birthday and operation day
Errol had a 10 hour operation on his 82nd birthday, to remove a tumour from the base of his brain and spinal column that had been slowly causing paralysis and extreme pain. The tumour was stage four and very aggressive. The operation went well and the recovery was going well, but he got pnemonia and wasn't strong enough to start the oncology treatment.
Neurology Ward, Entabeni Hospital, Durban, KZN, SA
2026
July 10th
Errol Markow passed away
Errol passed away peacefully in his sleep, at around 11h00 on Friday, 10 July'26
Coopers ICU, Enthabeni Hospital, Durban, KZN, SA
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
September 10, 2026
Errol was one of the most special people that came into my life. I first met him when I was a pharmaceutical rep. He was representing an eye care company and when we crossed paths in the waiting rooms we would often chat. I had no idea then of who the real Errol was.
He came into my life again a few years later when I rescued 3 baby Barbets from a tree that had been cut down in my garden. He was recommended by Tina Caldenberg. I called him and when he arrived at my front door I was so surprised as I had not known about his passion for birds.
He guided me and I raised the Barbets …and with his help I became a bird mother. It was one the most otherworldly experiences I had in my life. They were featherless and day by day they grew bigger and stronger. Just about every day I would update Errol and he would guide me.
They were ultimately able to fend for themselves and gradually released, coming back only in the evenings to the safety of their cage that was hung from a tree.
They finally flew off ….only one stayed behind for a little longer and she would fly from the trees to sit on my shoulder or cling for comfort to the front of my tee shirt cupped by my hand, till finally she said goodbye and flew away with a wild Barbet. I felt so lonely when she finally flew the nest. It was as though I had lived a dream with mystical beings that I was so bonded to ….and suddenly it was just me again. I had been left behind.
Thank you Errol for empowering me to have this amazing experience
With Love
Nina Favelin.
He came into my life again a few years later when I rescued 3 baby Barbets from a tree that had been cut down in my garden. He was recommended by Tina Caldenberg. I called him and when he arrived at my front door I was so surprised as I had not known about his passion for birds.
He guided me and I raised the Barbets …and with his help I became a bird mother. It was one the most otherworldly experiences I had in my life. They were featherless and day by day they grew bigger and stronger. Just about every day I would update Errol and he would guide me.
They were ultimately able to fend for themselves and gradually released, coming back only in the evenings to the safety of their cage that was hung from a tree.
They finally flew off ….only one stayed behind for a little longer and she would fly from the trees to sit on my shoulder or cling for comfort to the front of my tee shirt cupped by my hand, till finally she said goodbye and flew away with a wild Barbet. I felt so lonely when she finally flew the nest. It was as though I had lived a dream with mystical beings that I was so bonded to ….and suddenly it was just me again. I had been left behind.
Thank you Errol for empowering me to have this amazing experience
With Love
Nina Favelin.
September 6, 2026
me, Errol was the essence of what made a true gentleman. He treated every person with the same deep respect, regardless of who they were or what they could do for him. His quiet strength enabled him to face life’s storms with a steady hand, a calm voice, and a reassuring presence.
But, way above and beyond anything else was Errol's generosity of Spirit. He listened more than he spoke, offering his time, wisdom, and patience without ever asking for praise in return. I think he understood that true character is shown in the small, unrecorded moments of everyday life. Whether it was a firm handshake, a warm smile, or a helping hand offered right when it was needed most, he made the world feel safer and kinder, which is what he did for me from the very first day that we met.
My life will be indelibly marked by our short acquaintance and I will be forever richer for having him as a friend.
But, way above and beyond anything else was Errol's generosity of Spirit. He listened more than he spoke, offering his time, wisdom, and patience without ever asking for praise in return. I think he understood that true character is shown in the small, unrecorded moments of everyday life. Whether it was a firm handshake, a warm smile, or a helping hand offered right when it was needed most, he made the world feel safer and kinder, which is what he did for me from the very first day that we met.
My life will be indelibly marked by our short acquaintance and I will be forever richer for having him as a friend.
September 5, 2026
I cannot recall how I got to know about Errol, a genuinely kind and humble man but he looked after my little budgie when he was ill and also took in my Indian ring neck BK when I immigrated to Australia in 2015.
I've thought about Errol so often over the years and really admired his kind nature and loving personality.
Fly high Errol!
I've thought about Errol so often over the years and really admired his kind nature and loving personality.
Fly high Errol!
August 13, 2026
Errol was a true gentleman. Soft, kind & skilled with animals. He spoke gently, offered good advice & was always calm. He visited my home to groom my African Grey, Errol loved that I named my pet Talon. Even though Talon created a fuss when he saw Errol, I only allowed him to groom Talon. I trusted him, he's handling of birds & his confidence. Whenever I offered him anything to drink or eat, he refused however I blessed with him a little take away to snack as a token of my appreciation for driving all the way. Sometimes he will arrive with his daughter & mention she is busy in the car with her laptop. Absolute humble gem:Errol. You did justice for Gods creation & its time for your rest. May your soul rest in eternal peace Sir.
August 11, 2026
I met Errol in Hillcrest after word of mouth advice about who to contact with an injured bird. His warmth and calm demeanour was just lovely! I subsequently have been living in Zimbabwe for the last four years , in a very remote region, and Errol helped me raise, heal, and finally release more than 10 birds that landed up on my doorstep for one reason or another. If I was panicking, I would message him at night and he would always answer. When I lost a bird, he was soooo kind he made it easier to bear. What a man! What a stunning human being. A rare privilege to know him 🥹
August 11, 2026
Errol was such a loving and caring person. I moved from Cape Town 2021. I needed someone to groom my little boy, Captain. I got his number from a local petshop in Malvern. What a joy to have met him. He came to our house in Queensburgh. He once said :it is the first parrot to ever swear at him 🫣. I felt ashame, but he just laughed it off. So every time he came, he knew what was waiting. So much advice and care for my parrot. Will surely miss him alot xxx
August 10, 2026
Uncle Errol was a kind and loving person... I was introduced by a friend to uncle Errol when ever I messaged he was ever ready to come home to groom Zoe...always passionate about his job...the most humble and loving person
Till we meet again
Fly high uncle Errol
Till we meet again
Fly high uncle Errol
August 10, 2026
It gives me immense pleasure to speak about Errol. Errol had admirable qualities with such a pleasant disposition. His passion for birds speaks volumes. Errol had a lot of patience which so many of us lack. He maintained an excellent rapport with whom ever he came into contact with. Errol would travel such a long distance to come to us to groom our African Grey. Not a day was he ever in a bad mood. It is very difficult to find people of this calibre in our society. Hats off to a real gentleman...Errol.
Lots of love - ROSH REDDY
Lots of love - ROSH REDDY
August 10, 2026
Errol was referred to us a few years ago as someone to clip our parrots wings and nails.
This bloomed nto a relationship that saw Errol her almost every second month as we would go away on weekend getaways a lot.
Errols visit to pick up and drop off the bird always started off with a chat about his younger days and his love for birds and his lovely yard in hillcrest (before being asked by his daughter to come and stay in Morningside ) t
The number of birds he had rescued.
He alwayshad timefor a chat. He loved his .BMW and always spoke about the repairman who tried to "hit him down " and how long repairs were taking and the hassle for parts and his health.
He was very proud of his work and spoke fondly of "his daughter".
Showed us pics of the accommodation they had running.
Reading his timeline brought back memories of all those conversations.
He touched so many hearts with his calm demeanor.
Rest in peace. Always in our memories
This bloomed nto a relationship that saw Errol her almost every second month as we would go away on weekend getaways a lot.
Errols visit to pick up and drop off the bird always started off with a chat about his younger days and his love for birds and his lovely yard in hillcrest (before being asked by his daughter to come and stay in Morningside ) t
The number of birds he had rescued.
He alwayshad timefor a chat. He loved his .BMW and always spoke about the repairman who tried to "hit him down " and how long repairs were taking and the hassle for parts and his health.
He was very proud of his work and spoke fondly of "his daughter".
Showed us pics of the accommodation they had running.
Reading his timeline brought back memories of all those conversations.
He touched so many hearts with his calm demeanor.
Rest in peace. Always in our memories
August 10, 2026
Errol came to assist with a baby bird in the nest after its mother never returned. He took the little one in and cared for it till it was ready to be set free. It is only a beautiful heart that can endeavour to be a conduit for such blessed care of the creatures of the sky. Errol also remained an advisor for anytime my daughter rescued a bird and we needed his expertise. Surely he has not only left an imprint in our hearts but has painted the sky with his. May the wings of all those you touched carry you home Dear Errol.
August 10, 2026
Thank you so much for the time line posted by his family. I only got to meet him about 11yrs ago when he taught me how to feed a baby hadeda. A memory always cherished. He always had wealth of knowledge to share.
August 10, 2026
Uncle Errol was an amazing person and he cared so much for birds . Our bird loved hm. He would come over to clip his wings every fee months and he would sit and tell us stories.
August 10, 2026
I wanted to add to the wonderful tributes on our dear Errol's wall. I got to know this wonderful soft spoken man through the birds ! On my phone he is simply Errol the bird man. I am a vet (in Durban North and Kloof)and often worked with him on rescues and referring new owners to him for advice. I moved to the Cape in 2017 and sadly lost touch. He will live on in the memories of the many people's hearts he touched. I was amazed to read all the stories....would never have pictured him as a body builder as I met him much later. My heart rejoices that he found God and is now in His glorious presence.
August 10, 2026
1
Wow what can I say...this online tribute to you Errol is super amazing. Thank you Tash.
I have so many treasured memories of you Errol. So many funny ones to. We always had a good chat and giggles. You were truly an inspiration to me. All your stories and adventures. You really did enjoy life to the fullest. I am honored to have met you and just like my feathers you crawled right into my heart. I couldn't wait for you to come over to manicure my birds just so we can visit and chat. There was always a nice tight hugs hello and another hug when you left to visit another bird client. You always spoke about Tash and James with such pride. Then I finally got to meet Tash. Her heart is definitely as big as yours. I always told you that you are lucky to have such an amazing daughter. Mhhh.. then came the milk tart story and I just want to giggle how much you loved the old fashion days milk tart. I am so sorry I could not come to visit you in hospital. I am still sad about that as I landed up sick. That is one thing I can not get over. I started going to church more often and now I am the media lady and a deacon in church. You would have been so proud of me because you always said the man upstairs is with you all the time.
Well Errol I have so much I could write on your memory wall but I just want to say...thank you for the love you shared specially with my birds. Thank you for everything you have done for me...your kind heart, your words of wisdom and so much more. You were such kind man with such a big heart.
I will definitely miss you forever. Thank you God for sending Errol to me. As I always told him. Our paths crossed for a reason.
You fly high up there in heaven and rest easy in the palm of God loving hand.
Miss you!!
You were always so proud of your car 🚗
I have so many treasured memories of you Errol. So many funny ones to. We always had a good chat and giggles. You were truly an inspiration to me. All your stories and adventures. You really did enjoy life to the fullest. I am honored to have met you and just like my feathers you crawled right into my heart. I couldn't wait for you to come over to manicure my birds just so we can visit and chat. There was always a nice tight hugs hello and another hug when you left to visit another bird client. You always spoke about Tash and James with such pride. Then I finally got to meet Tash. Her heart is definitely as big as yours. I always told you that you are lucky to have such an amazing daughter. Mhhh.. then came the milk tart story and I just want to giggle how much you loved the old fashion days milk tart. I am so sorry I could not come to visit you in hospital. I am still sad about that as I landed up sick. That is one thing I can not get over. I started going to church more often and now I am the media lady and a deacon in church. You would have been so proud of me because you always said the man upstairs is with you all the time.
Well Errol I have so much I could write on your memory wall but I just want to say...thank you for the love you shared specially with my birds. Thank you for everything you have done for me...your kind heart, your words of wisdom and so much more. You were such kind man with such a big heart.
I will definitely miss you forever. Thank you God for sending Errol to me. As I always told him. Our paths crossed for a reason.
You fly high up there in heaven and rest easy in the palm of God loving hand.
Miss you!!
You were always so proud of your car 🚗
August 10, 2026
1
Living with Errol and getting to know him well was such a blessing, full of inspirational stories and his sense of humour was infectious, good with birds is an understatement, and to give you a clue to the man , in two years of living with him we never had even one argument.
Errol loved Jesus and he is with him , nothing else matters.
You will be dearly missed
Errol loved Jesus and he is with him , nothing else matters.
You will be dearly missed
August 10, 2026
One of the best guys I met threw a friend sharing the same passion for birds . Errol has always offered me birds . Will truly be missed by many that knew him. Truly humble 🙏
August 10, 2026
Rest well precious Soul 🙏😪 thank you for all the love and care you showed to my parrots, and.. to all birds, 🙏... the kindness of your heart meant alot.... 🙏... You will be sorely missed 😪... No matter after how long you visited, my parrot never forgot you 😪.. Within our hearts you'll always live,... 🙏🙏😪
August 10, 2026
We are very saddened to hear of Uncle Errol’s passing. For many years he’s clipped our parrots nails and trimmed her beak every 2 months. It was always such a great visit when he came. The advice he gave was phenomenal. We will most certainly miss Uncle Errol. Rest in peace Uncle Errol. Our condolences to all his family and friends.
Family tree
Other family members
Craig Markow
Nephew
Tony Markow
Nephew
Gary Markow
Nephew
Lionel Markow
Mimi Markow
Patricia Markow
Barry Markow
Natasha Whittaker nee Markow
Children
James Whittaker
Barry Markow
Patricia Markow
Natasha Whittaker nee Markow
James Whittaker
Errol Markow
Favorites
Errol loved spending time in the bush, exploring caves, mountains, rivers and finding all sorts of creatures, catching falcons, other birds, and snakes and having adventures in the wild.
Every evening when Errol got home from his day out visiting his clients, he would always bring home cooldrinks to have with dinner. His favourite thing was to try find new ones that we hadn't had yet.
Errol really liked iced coffees, so we could always bribe him to come for a walk with us by telling him we'd get iced coffees afterwards.
Errol was a really good cook. He enjoyed steak, eggs, chips with a salad, he made his maranade and would make his own dressing. He also loved a good braai, even in the rain with his headlamp.
If we went out to eat, Errol would order a classic cheese burger with onions and chips. Occassionally a nice piece of hake would do. But definately no Calamari, he was allergic to it.
Errol enjoyed the rock'n roll era, he'd clap to the music on his own beat and sway off time to the music. Errol loved the King, especially Elvis's version of How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace.
He also love Neil Diamond, Sarah Brightman and Jackie Evancho, was mezmerised by her vocals. The last song Errol requested was High Hopes from Frank Sinatra.
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