It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Prendergast, Honorary Life Member of the Geological Society of Zimbabwe. Martin died peacefully in Dundee, Scotland, on 18 November 2025, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He was 76.   His wife, Susan and his daughters, Miranda and Catriona were with him.

Martin was granted Honorary Life Membership of the Society after delivering the 2016 A.M. Macgregor Memorial Lecture, titled “Nickel laterite deposits of the northern part of the Great Dyke: geomorphology, regolith stratigraphy, geochemistry, mineralogy, distribution and genesis.”

After a long career spanning in Zimbabwe, Martin and Susan moved from Zimbabwe to Scotland and he continued to consult and publish from there.

His contribution to Zimbabwean geology was exceptional. Over several decades he published extensively and was recognised with a record seven A.E. Phaup Awards between 1989 and 2019—an achievement unmatched in the history of the Society.

Martin’s foundational work on the Great Dyke was particularly influential, as he was among the first to characterise its complex layering. His work on the Shurugwi, Inyala–Rhonda, and Great Dyke chrome fields advanced understanding of ore distribution and mineralisation. His D. Phil research at Mimosa Mine provided new insights into platinum‑group mineralisation, while his studies of nickel deposits at Madziwa, Hunters Road, Damba, and Siliwane clarified their geological setting and economic significance.

Martin led numerous exciting field trips, especially across the Great Dyke, inspiring generations of geologists with his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Zimbabwe’s geology.

In addition to his contributions to geology Martin also published on archaeology and iron age smelting in particular.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin shared his enthusiasm for rocks and earth sciences with passion. During his last family holiday in Aberfeldy in July 2025, he delighted in identifying rocks and pebbles for his grandchildren—many of them garnet-mica schists—passing on the curiosity and love of geology that defined his life.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Susan, Miranda, Catriona, his four grandchildren and the entire Prendergast family during this time of loss.

The funeral will take place on Monday 8 December, at 10am at St Anthony's catholic church, Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland, followed by a burial and then a gathering at Kirriemuir Golf Club at 11:45am.

A full obituary prepared by his colleagues and peers, will follow.