Mark Keefer

Greetings, my sisters and brothers.

It is with a heavy heart that we reach out to you to share the news of the passing of another brother. Mark Keefer passed a couple of days ago. Mark was involved in Scouting in the Northeast Georgia Council for most of his life and dedicated more than two decades to serving all of those who camped and enjoyed dining at Rainey Mountain. His was a presence like no other.

Mark grew up in Gwinnett County and the old Alcovy District. In 1970, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 549 of Mountain Park under the guidance and mentorship of his Scoutmaster, Brother Lane Bridges, who started that troop in 1967. Mark served Scouting in many capacities in the district and council before accepting the role of Dining Hall Director at Rainey Mountain in the late 1980’s including cooking and serving Mowogo Lodge during our functions. In 2005, Mark was recognized with the Vigil Honor by Mowogo Lodge and was given the name “Sakima Sachgachtoon,” translated in English as “Chief Cook.” He served in that role until stepping down in 2013.

Mark left an indelible impression on the thousands of Scouts and Scouters that enjoyed camping and working at Rainey Mountain for many years. We celebrate the life and service of Sakima Sachgachtoon and send all those that were close to him our condolences and gratitude for sharing Mark with us. In the words of our founder, Dr. E. Urner Goodman:

“He who Serves his fellows is, of all his fellows, greatest.”

There will be a visitation for Mark on Wednesday, November 1, from 6:00 to 8:30PM at the Byrd & Flannagan Funeral Home, 288 Hurricane Shoals Road, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. No services are planned.

Yours in Service,

Rusty Royston
Lodge Adviser, Mowogo Lodge
Northeast Georgia Council, BSA