Former Myrtle Beach resident Keith Scott Maunder left this earth on March 18, 2021. The 68-year-old Maunder, Scotty as he was known, grew up in Plymouth, a port city in England on the south coast of Devon. He excelled as a broker for Lloyd's of London until, while on a business trip to the States, a woman caught his eye. Scotty was so enamored of her that he returned to London, quit his job, packed his bags and headed back to the States where the two married and settled in Atlanta.

While employed in the insurance industry, Scotty enrolled in The Art Institue of Atlanta's Culinary School and began a second career as a chef, working his way up through the ranks from line cook to executive chef in various restuarants and fine dining establishments in Atlanta and in Myrtle Beach, where he eventually headed when his marriage came to an end. Friends he made there helped him heal at this vulnerable time in his life, both with their wisdom and a lifeline of employment with airbrush artists while he was in between kitchen jobs. Scotty's genuine interest in people made him a natural salesman.

Traveling was one of Scotty's passions. He kept his possessions to a minimum so he would be free to pull up stakes and leave on a whim for his next adventure. His wanderlust earned him the nickname "Tumbleweed." One of Scotty's favorite places to visit was his friend's horse farm in Atlanta, a place that brought him much peace. He drove across the country to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and dreamed of doing so again, this time with a stop in Arizona to experience the energy vortexes of Sedona. He talked often about hopping a plane to his native England to attend the Glastonbury Festival, and of spending Halloween in New Orleans where he would saunter down Bourbon Street in costume and relish beignets in the French Market. The best trip of all for Scotty, though, was the short jaunt to North Carolina to participate in a Drum Circle, on the full moon, with good friends from up and down the East Coast who had become a second family to him.

Scotty loved living by the sea and walking the shoreline in search of shark teeth, a talisman of luck and protection. He was a spiritual man who believed in a higher power. Native American culture and traditions were especially close to his heart. One of his proudest moments came at a Circle a few years back when Shaman bestowed on him his Native American name: Silver Hawk.

From the ceremonial songs of a Shaman to the eclectic Celtic numbers of Loreena McKennitt to the guitar wizardry of Joe Bonamassa, Scotty loved music. He played guitar and flute. His all-time favorite band was RUSH; the late Neil Peart, his idol. He often regaled us with tales of life in London in the '60s, when mythical creatures like George Harrison and Eric Clapton, on the cusp of rock stardom, walked the streets freely and enjoyed a pint in the local pub without notice.

Scotty was a big sports fan. The Green Bay Packers were his team. He followed NASCAR and tennis. He adored the actress Marisa Tomei and a good bottle of scotch. An avid reader, Scotty enjoyed discussing books over many a shared meal with friends. He was a generous, compassionate man who gave of his time and talents. Scotty spent his holidays in community kitchens, cooking for and serving those less fortunate. He aimed to educate, elevate, and stimulate those who were lucky enough to cross his path. He was a keen listener and gave sage advice to any who sought it. Scotty saw the silver lining in any situation, and he looked upon hardships not as something to suffer and endure, but as challenges to overcome and make us stronger, better individuals. Scotty was a proud, dignified man with a top-notch work ethic and the most delightful British accent. He was a gentle man who embraced the unknown and invited life to surprise him.

Scotty was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Henry Ferguson and June Grace Maunder. He is survived by his brother, Kendrek David Maunder, who resides in London, and by a host of friends he made and treasured along his path.

This life was one great adventure for Scotty. Now, he has set off on another. May your soul fly far and wide, high and free, Silver Hawk. Watch over us and know you were loved. We are forever linked in spirit.

Hawk has a keen eye and bold heart. Hawk flies close to the light of Grandfather Sun. Hawk is messenger of the sky. Circle my dreams and teach me the messages as we fly.

~ excerpt from Scotty's little black book of mantras

Please feel free to leave your stories and photos of Scotty in the online Guestbook. The link is located at the bottom left of this page.

A small gathering with a Healing Circle is being planned for June in Kernersville, North Carolina, to honor Scotty.