Horst Michael Semper

Horst Michael Semper of Mt. Pleasant entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Born in Lambach, Austria, he was the oldest son of the late Verena and Michael Semper. After growing up and working in his family's restaurant and hotel, his culinary career continued at the age of 19 on the maiden voyage of the SS Rotterdam. He was promoted several levels during his six years there. He then married his Dutch fiancé in 1965 and together they immigrated to New York City. Working for Brody Corporation and Restaurant Associates he was known as an accomplished chef and in time transitioned into executive management. Restaurants like The Ground Floor, Gallager's 33, The Rainbow Room, Ma Bells and La Trattoria were just a few under his tutelage over the twelve year span. In 1977, Horst and his family moved to Hilton Head Island, SC. It was there that he opened The Gaslight Restaurant with good friend, Serge Prat and later The Oyster Bar.
In 1982, he purchased the well known Mt. Pleasant landmark, The Trawler Seafood Restaurant. With 15 dining rooms and a seating capacity of 500, The Trawler was a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Tragically, a fire took down the original restaurant in 1989 and as rebuilding started, Hurricane Hugo devastated the rebuilt structure, and delayed reopening further. Through all those challenges, Horst carried on and reopened the restaurant the following year. In 2004, he retired and sold the restaurant. Horst was a founding member of the Charleston Restaurant Association in 1982 and was active through 2013. He was instrumental in the creation of the very popular 'Taste of Charleston.' He received the 'South Carolina Restauranteur of the Year' in 1999 and was very involved in the Charleston chapter of the Chaine Des Rotisseurs. Cooking was his real passion, but sports was not far behind. He was an avid NY Yankees and Giants fan and he never wavered his loyalty. Tennis was very close to his heart and many years were spent at the US Open and on the tennis courts. To grow tennis locally, he proudly served as a sponsor for Charleston's Family Circle Cup from its inception. A lifelong Catholic, Horst was a member of Christ our King in Mt. Pleasant.
After leaving home at 14 to start his dream as a chef, he never looked back. He was fearless. Failure was never an option and success was something he believed was possible for everyone. Above all, Horst was a family man. Time with his girls and family was cherished. Family gatherings with love, good food and wine defined his measure of success. He was a hero to so many and had a presence even with unspoken words. Fairness to others was a must and in his eyes your word was your bond. His standards were high but his heart soft. He will be so missed but his legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten. We love you, Dad. He was preceded in death by his sister Eveline Semper and his grandson, Sean Michael Semper Orcutt. Surviving are his daughters, Jacqueline Semper Orcutt of Myrtle Beach, Monique Semper Flynn of Mt. Pleasant, and Ingrid Semper Ray and husband, Greg, of Mt. Pleasant. Also former wife Helena C. Ahlert and husband, Carl, of Mt. Pleasant. Surviving grandchildren include, Jackson, Ethan, Harrison, Sophia, Grace and Isabella. Also included survivors, brother Dietmar Semper and wife Christa of Austria. Daughter Karina Keywood and grandchildren Matthew and Charlotte of Great Britain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sean Michael Semper Orcutt Scholarship Fund, 820 Post Oak Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.