It’s been almost a year since our own Menderman lost his brother, Keith, by accidental drowning in the waters off of Goat Island in South Carolina.
It was January 12th and Keith was aboard his sailboat when something went terribly wrong. Keith was a sailor, a great sailor, and he died doing what he loved.
It is with great honor that I accepted the opportunity to paint Keith aboard his beloved Saga. Prints of the painting that will hang in Menderman’s house were distributed to his family members.
The flags that fly from Keith’s boat have great significance for me. He chose to fly these specific flags (The American Flag, The Tree Flag and The Liberty Flag) based on a painting I created, also owned by Menderman, where patriots were hoisting them, defiantly, against a war torn sky.
I’m told Keith’s life was indeed a saga. I’m happy to have been part of it in this symbolic way.
Rest in peace.
That’s beautiful! No doubt cherished by the entire Menderman clan. Good thoughts and prayers for you Menderman, I hope you have a great 2015.
Wow. A beautiful painting BFH. Just beautiful. 🙂
Oh wow, that is lovely and wondrous BigFurHat. How nice for Menderman to have this. The colors are gorgeous. God bless the Menderman family and you and yours.
So very sorry for your loss Ken.
Sorry for your loss Menderman. Beautiful painting (I can feel the wind).
Magnificent, BFH. The detail and color are fantastic. Hope this painting will continue to comfort the Menderman family for generations to come.
What a beautiful memorial BFH–so well done and so touching.
That is so beautiful, Fur. Tremendous job – I feel the warm sun on my skin and smell the salty air. You have such a gift.
Menderman, I have thought of you and Keith over the almost year. Thank you for being a part of our family, too. God bless you.
That’s a nice piece of artwork right there. Well done BFH.
Beautiful painting, BFH.
What a great tribute.
I used to follow Keith’s travels on his blog.
He was a very cool guy.
Awesome.
Just beautiful Fur.
May God bless you and your family Menderman in your loss.
Wow. Just Wow.
May God continue to watch over the Menderman family and help them heal.
Bravo Fur.
May Keith always endeavor the sun over the yardarm.
Menderman, you are in my thoughts, holidays are always the toughest for those of us who have lost loved ones. God bless you and all here at IOTW in 2015
Anniversaries are very hard. Fur you made something beautiful.
May Keith’s memory be eternal.
how cool is that, man’s man
My condolences Menderman, to you and your family.
I remember.
Wow. Time has flown, as it doesn’t seem like it’s been nearly as long as a year. Yes, God bless the Menderman clan.
Fur, superb piece of art. I’m sure the Menderman family will cherish it.
Menderman, I am sorry to hear about your loss and offer my prayers for you and your family.
The painting is very beautiful.
What a beautiful tribute!
You are awesome, Bigfurhat! Condolences to the Menderman family on this difficult anniversary.
FUR I’d say you hit this one out of the park. What a fitting tribute to Keith and Saga.
That’s beautiful, Fur. What a wonderful way for the family to remember and honor Capt. Keith.
Menderman — Let me echo the many sentiments here. You’re in our prayers tonight.
Revelation 21:1-4 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Beautiful painting, Fur!
Wow, that’s fantastic. Wishing you a blessed New Year, Menderman.
Thanks everybody! And thank you Big Fur Hat for such a beautiful painting! The prints are gifts for close friends and family and hang in homes on 3 continents! Keith fell in love with BFH’s “American Spring” painting and flew the same flags. They were proudly flying when I got to his boat to move her home, and I still have those very flags. The painting is much more striking and impressive in person. Big Fur Hat is an amazing artist!
Thanks again for all the kind words and here’s to a happy and prosperous 2015!
Thank you for painting the boat. I have the #2 print framed and ready to put on the wall. I love it! — Kelly (K2), Keith and Menderman’s sister