Rick Commandich

 I bonded with Keith at Southern Life because he was the only other North American there.  And I'd been to Moose Jaw, which had considerably less charm than its name implied.  I most remember Keith's energy and enthusiasm, which were powerful even to someone like me who didn't work for him.  Keith was on the side of the angels, and the force of his personality made me want to help him make his visions into reality.  I've only visited Cape Town once since moving from there, and when I saw Keith that time ('99), his enthusiasm for the Cape to Rio race was so familiar.  He was still the same old Keith! 

Ray Matthews

23 July 2014

President, Trustees, Members of Royal Cape Yacht Club

Family, Friends of Keith and crew of FTI Flyer.

The crew of FTI Flyer thought it would be fitting for a RCYC tribute to Keith and we welcome all this evening to share with Keith’s fellow sailors.

On Monday many wonderful tributes to the many talents Keith possessed, were made.

When Keith Joined RCYC in 2001, after his mishap at the entrance to Hout Bay harbour, we in Class 3 (then Class 2), welcomed an extremely competitive sailor in Keith. From that period, only Russell on Chen and myself on Cabaray are all that is left, the others having passed on or now too old.

The competitive but good humoured banter between the fleet was just terrific, I remember us hoisting the spinnaker upside down, at an Admirals regatta, we embarrassingly got it down in seconds, however not quick enough for Keith to notice, and enlighten the fleet forever thereafter.

I sailed the 2007 Governors Cup to St Helena, with Keith on Vortex an L34, Keith was the Navigator and Communications officer and his technical skill was amazing, all the rest  had to do was to sail the boat and prepare meals. We won our class, sadly however piped by a Muira for the overall win.

On the Island Keith had packed his electric piano and quickly set up a routine, he stayed on the boat while the rest of us encamped at Longwood, hiked, swam and explored the island. This enabled him to entertain the Islanders and competitors at lunch time at the yacht club or water front bar, and in the evenings at the other bars where we hung out, joining and encouraging locals to join him. I am sure the locals still miss him.

Someone on Monday (I think a younger sister) expressed how fortunate Keith , and it seemed as he had a guardian angel getting him out of predicaments on the sea. This I am sure was as a result of his unfailing self confidence. One such occasion for me was when we were coming back from Mossel Bay on FTI Flyer after a Mossel Bay Race which was held the previous week-end. During the race FTI had experienced power problems. Keith took back with us a new /repaired alternator and starter motor and a freshly charged battery.

While Keith assembled the engine the rest of us went shopping for supplies, as is customary with male members of the crew (when released from home)all feel the are gourmet chefs, so the order of the day was smoked mussel and oysters, asparagus, shredded biltong and exotic soups, with plenty of good coastal red wine. Keith request was for tinned Vienna’s, this I understand was normal fare for him, easy to prepare could be eaten hot or cold, no utensils required.

When we left Mossel Bay the engine was running, Keith informed us that alternator belt had broken and the starter had burnt out as it had been incorrectly wired, this meant we would not be able to restart the motor should it stop. This was a bit of a problem as it was a no wind day and we needed to round Cape point by next morning. After our fine dinner Keith advised that he only had diesel for another hour, still no wind. One crew member knew some farmers in Gans Baai so via cell phone, it was arranged that 60 litres of fuel in cans could be collected in Gans Baai harbour.

With Keith perched in the companion way with the South African Almanac reading instructions to me helming, we approached Gans Baai harbour in a rapidly failing light. I recall the almanac was extremely cautioning about foul ground on both sides of the approach and dire consequences about straying from the leading lights. At this stage Keith’s assurance about approaching harbours and the experience he had gained at Hout bay caused much merriment with the crew, but only caused my subdued panic levels to increase. The next manoeuvre required an immediate turn to starboard after passing the harbour lights, picking up a light on a church steeple in the main road and another transit light, the turn was ok!!!!!  But which of the three church steeples to pick!!!

Anyway all ended well, we docked, the diesel loaded and a great motor around Cape Point and late breakfast at RCYC. I wonder if Keith understood why the basic rule taught in all our sailing schools is don’t enter a port after dark if you have not been there before!!!

To Keith’s family especially Ruth; Keith’s contribution to Royal Cape Yacht Club with be remembered for many years, for his pioneering of jazz on the deck our monthly treat, support of development sailors, unwavering enthusiastic support for  the committees especially sailing .

Rest in peace

Ray

Commodore RCYC

                                          

Humphrey Worthington-Smith

Keith’s Funeral 21 July 2014

Below are images scanned from the Order of Service of Keith’s funeral.

I thought I would post a short write up of Keith’s funeral yesterday for the benefit of those who could not make it – especially those who are abroad.

This was a festive occasion, bittersweet in many respects, but none the less festive. It brought all sorts of people together who gathered outside the church both before and after the service to share their memories of Keith and to share too their admiration of him.

Keith was a master of everything he did. He was a master yachtsman; he was a master musician and a master computer scientist. Above all he was a master at inter personal relationships. In consequence he was loved and admired by everybody he knew.

The funeral service was exactly right for Keith. It is little wonder that this was so as Keith planned it himself, right down to the selection of music.

Afterwards there was a wake at the Claremont Cricket Club. There was great fellowship, lots to drink and wonderful eats. We left round about 8.00 pm; I have no idea when the last person left, but I suspect it was very late.

John Rojas

The concerts I shall always treasure were the successful Saxophony ones with saxophone player Douglas Masek. Guest artists over the years included Janey Ball, Maria-Elizabeth Bezuidenhout and Shannon Mowday.

Keith’s ideas for repertoire included everything from the sublime to the rowdy, and we always looked for more of the latter. Keith was a master at arranging. He instinctively knew the saxophone’s capabilities while providing a suitable accompaniment. Sometimes he could be damn naughty and throw in some unsavoury stops on the Roland which caused havoc among the players.

Keith was a professional through and through. He was always supportive and if anyone had a dream he would go out of his way to help make it happen.

Thank you, Keith, for the privilege of being a part of your life.   

Gail Sturgess

I remember Keith for the encouragement and support that he gave me as Exec Dir of CSSA at the time.  He was so supportive and helpful to me and was always available for a chat when I needed it.  Then, I’ll never forget the Western Cape Banquet “afterparty”, with Keith playing and singing to the great entertainment of the die-hards.  And of course, the relaxed and skilful way that he taught us Business Analysis.  I still have all of his notes and handouts.

His versatily was legend and his fortitude indomitable – even to the end.  My wishes to Ruth and the family, I know that, once the sadness is passed and you have time to remember, your memories will be full to overflowing of the most wonderful times.

Thanks Humphrey – I read through the blog posts – what a wonderful tribute.  Well done to you.

Regards

Gail Sturgess

Brian and Carolyne Trussler

It is with great sadness we received the news of Keith’s passing, we will be with you all in spirit on Monday at Christ Church.  I will miss my friend of almost 60 years. 

             Keith, you have charted your course,  now sail on, in peace forever.    

Trussie

Note to Ruthie

I drove to the lake with Keith that summer afternoon he met Ruth, from the expression on his face when he saw her and the drive home there was nothing left to the imagination, but that this was the girl for him.

Note to Kevin

Keith’s adventures with cars and the law started within a week of him getting his licence.  He borrowed his father’s car and we all piled in and headed out for a drive.  Keith was stopped for speeding and for the next few weeks had to rush home from school to intercept the mail before his parents  knew about the ticket. 

The photo of Keith and Kevin sailing has a very special place of honour in our home. 

As a member of the Salvation Army band Keith had the opportunity to tour England and France with the band.  The band is seen leaving Buckingham Palace after playing for the Queen.  The band marched through the streets of Dieppe to be greeted by an emotional outpouring from the town.  This was the first time the new Canadian flag had been displayed in Europe.

Keith, being a kid at heart, loved kids and loved to get down on the floor to entertain them.  He is seen here during his last visit to Canada with our son and three grandkids.

  

Ruth Mattison

Keith and I met almost exactly 50 years ago on a beach on a lake north of Toronto.  Since then we have travelled the world.  The friends we have made over the years have left us with a lifetime of  stories and warm memories. 

As I read the contributions from all the amazing people I laugh out loud.  It takes me back to the days when we thought we could do anything and we did.

From our early days together in Toronto I remember  living on the 16^th floor of a new high rise apartment in downtown Toronto.  It was here we met Ross and Tish who were to intrigue us with their stories of South Africa and it’s beauty.  I also remember watching with horror as Keith leaped nimbly from our neighbours balcony onto ours so he could climb in the window and find his car keys! We drove to New Orleans, Alaska and Newfoundland  in  a little MGB with a two man tent in the boot.  We often came back from these holidays hungry because we had to put gas in the car rather than food in our stomachs with our remaining cash. There were also lots of parties involving pianos and beer.

I share the story of how two Canadians ended up in South Africa because only Keith and I know this part of our saga.

Our decision to sell up and buy a one way ticket to Johannesburg was spontaneous and driven by a need to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Ross and Tish.  After flying to Portugal we motored in style around Spain with Bernard and Rhoda in their Camarro.  Then off through Algeria, Tunesia, Egypt – up the Nile and across the Sahara to Khartoum. Unbelievably Keith and I discovered that North Africans had a passion for bridge and we played and won money in Tunesia (in French), Cairo and Khartoum.  How useful were those extra few dollars.

Keith had an outgoing nature and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone.  This ensured that we met the most unbelievable characters and ended up in surreal situations.  Two minutes of chatting on a train and we would find ourselves invited to family weddings and offers of accomodation.

Even in those days it was an adventure  We were rescued more than once by a helpful Sudanese man who kept a fatherly eye on our progress.  An Egyptyian Israeli war was on at the time.  In addition, we were arrested and held as German spies after Keith took a picture of the Aswan Dam!  We travelled by plane, train bus, bicycle, boat and donkey not to mention foot.  It was so different to our nice safe Canadian upbringing that we had no realistic survival skills except our innocence.  Fortunately, most people we met were kind and generous.  Even the camel drivers travelling third class with us across the Sahara shared their food without hesitation(big surprise - there were no restaurants!).  Ethiopia was another eye opener as it was the final days of Haile Sellasie.  We were stopped and searched at gun point by freedom fighters as we travelled by bus from Addis Ababa to Asmara.  East Africa was a joy  - Kenya and Ugangda beautiful and covered with game.  The further south we got the more we realised that South Africa was not a desirable destination. The last of our funds were used up to get to Salisbury to collect our visas.  No other country had direct access.  It was with a sense of relief that we staggered off the plane at Jan Smuts airport on December 31 1968. We had arrived with $10 left in our travel fund and went straight to our first New  Years Eve party on South African soil.  (an evening recounted by Doc Caldwell). 

Since then South Africa has become our home.  We lived through the shame of apartheid and the glory of Mandela’s release and the birth of democracy.  We  had a front row seat on one of the great stories of the 20^th century.  Our chilldren have grown up here and now have children of their own – all proudly South African. 

A big thank you fom Keith and myself to everyone who has shared their friendship and suport over the years.  You made our lives rich beyond description.

Ruth Mattison