World Scouting is deeply saddened by the passing of Hartmut Keyler who has “gone home” peacefully on 4 October at the age of 89. Hartmut was a devoted Scout leader from Germany whose lifelong commitment to the Scout Movement left a lasting mark on generations of young people and leaders around the world.
Born on 29 June 1936 in Esslingen, Germany, Hartmut joined Scouting in 1949 through the Christliche Pfadfinderschaft Deutschlands and the Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (currently Verband Christlicher Pfadfinder*innen), and quickly discovered what would become a lifelong passion. Over many decades, his leadership, vision, and creativity helped shape the growth and unity of Scouting both in Europe and internationally.
Hartmut served on the European Scout Committee from 1968 to 1972 and from 1977 to 1980, and on the World Scout Committee from 1971 to 1975 and from 1985 to 1993. His influence was instrumental in strengthening cooperation among National Scout Organizations, and in 1969 he co-founded the German-speaking Conference of Scout Associations (Deutschsprachige Konferenz), fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders. Later, he served on World Scouting’s Honours and Awards Committee, continuing to support the Movement’s culture of appreciation and recognition of leaders and volunteers.
Hartmut remained deeply committed to ensuring that Scouting evolved as a unified and cooperative movement for young people. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Hartmut received the Bronze Wolf Award in 1979, the highest distinction given by the World Scout Committee for exceptional service to Scouting. He was also a recipient of the Silver World Award, a distinguished honour of Scouting America for his extraordinary service to young people and international Scouting.
Beyond his formal training and professional career as an architect, Hartmut was also known as a creative writer and cartoonist, capturing the spirit and humour of Scouting life. His books, including "Funny Stories about the World Scout Jamborees" and "Scouting Around the World with the Jamtrain", celebrate the joy, friendship, and adventure that define the Scout Movement.
Hartmut was involved in international Scouting throughout his life and attended countless World Scout Jamborees and Conferences over the years. His decades of leadership reflect a life lived in service to young people and the values of Scouting. World Scouting extends its heartfelt condolences to Hartmut’s family, friends, and the entire Scouting community in Germany as we remember his lasting legacy.