Remembering Merv Keath: A True Legend of Gold Prospecting

In the heart of Tarnagulla, a remarkable discovery was made in 1996 by my dear friend and prospector, Merv Keath. A dedicated gold seeker for nearly 40 years, Merv embodied the spirit of adventure and perseverance that defines the prospecting community.

For many years, Merv lived in a caravan at Tarnagulla, spending his winters hunting for gold in the sprawling fields of Western Australia. In his later years, he settled into a house in Dunolly, and ultimately moved to a care facility in Albury, where he passed away three years ago. 

Throughout his prolific career, Merv found an incredible amount of gold, though he preferred to keep a low profile, for obvious reasons. He was a true innovator in the field, often experimenting with detector development, which he affectionately referred to as his "witchcraft."

Merv’s generosity extended beyond gold, as he gifted my partner Christine a beautiful pair of nugget earrings—a treasured reminder of his kindness. He was also a personal friend of the individual who discovered the famous Hand of Faith, a piece of history that many of your readers may recall. His legacy, however, lives on—especially in the cherished gold scales I now possess.

-With Thanks to Doug for the Photo and Recollection