Many tributes have poured in following the passing of well-known Shallcross pastor, Victor Ganase Pillay, who was called to rest at the age of 84 at his home in Hillary.
Pillay’s family said that he accepted Christ at an early age and later went on to study at the Bethesda Bible College in Montford, Chatsworth. He was the beloved husband of Pastor Doreen Pillay to whom he was happily married for 57 years and together they raised four daughters. One of his daughters, Verona, said: “He was a faithful and true shepherd and many pastors were sent out from his ministry to teach the word in their own churches. He lived a life of purpose. He travelled both locally and internationally and spread the gospel for many years, declaring his love for Christ.” He began his ministry at the age of 21 and joined the Full Gospel Church of God in SA. Pillay started at Siloam Temple, Railway barracks for many years and then continued serving in various other churches such as Bethel, Byblos, Capernaum and Selah temples. He last served tirelessly as a full-time minister at Berea Full Gospel Church in Shallcross, for 40 years. “He had a great passion for the poor and needy, and helped many people overcome poverty. His love for the Lord was pure and unwavering. He was a role model to his church members, family and friends and the communities in which he served. Many people found Christ through his life and ministry,” said Verona. Social media was flooded with messages of comfort towards the Pillay family while some even shared their personal experiences with Pillay.
Jerald Vedan said: “He was a pioneer church leader in Shallcross and Chatsworth, and mentored many other pastors from the Berea Temple Full Gospel Church of God in Rocky Mountain Street. He was a part of the pantheon of dedicated and inspirational spiritual heads our community has produced. He originally hailed from the Mayville area and often recounted how my mother was his Tamil school teacher at Mayville Saraswathi Tamil School. He was a gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.” Logan Marimuthu said: “I served under his ministry from the time I was a teenager and he was one of the best, most humble and noble people I have come across.” The Pillay family has extended their heartfelt gratitude to family and friends for their overwhelming support during this difficult time.
