Obituary of Donald Scott

Don Scott completed his remarkable life's journey August 10, 2011 at the summit of Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range in Wyoming. His wife Barb, his children, his family, and his many dear friends will dearly miss him. Born Donald Francis Scott in Nampa, Idaho, September 16, 1947, Don was first born of James Donald and Earlene Francis Scott. In 1954, his family moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. From swimming in the summer to sledding in the winter, he always said there couldn't have been a better place to spend one's childhood. The family moved to Boise in March of 1959 and settled in the North End. Don attended Lowell Elementary, North Jr. High, Boise High, and Boise Junior College, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in English. He earned a Master's degree in Theater Arts at U.C. Davis before earning his second Bachelor's degree in Nursing at ISU in Pocatello. Don was a proud father of three beautiful and accomplished children, David, Isaac, and Sarah, from his first marriage in 1968 to Susan VanHouten. In 1988, Don and Barbara Hengel of Aberdeen, South Dakota, were married. Always a source of love and support, Barb shared so many interests with Don. They were great companions in life's adventures. Don began his career as a pediatric nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in 1976 where he worked at the time of his death. It would be difficult to estimate the number of children and their families impacted by Don. He was passionate about his work and especially appreciated his coworkers and St Luke's support in all of his extra endeavors. Don had not yet made plans to retire, even though he knew the time was coming. In 1977, Don founded a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes. With tireless effort and the help of countless, devoted volunteers, Camp Hodia became a place where kids can discover self-reliance and the courage to live a full life not limited by diabetes. Camp Hodia celebrated its 35th season this summer. In 1985, Don undertook his first foreign medical mission with Northwest Medical Teams during the famine in Ethiopia. Many more followed. Between 1991 and 2010, often with Barb, Don participated in relief efforts in Kurdistan, Kenya, Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uganda. He planned to spend more time doing medical missions during retirement. Don relished life. He loved comfort food, both eating and cooking. Feeding people was his joy. His passions included gardening, theater, opera, art, sports, poetry, and politics. He was an avid reader, and has an extensive library he planned to delve into upon retirement. Music meant everything to him, and it's hard to imagine his life without The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Gene Harris, or Curtis Stigers. From Hogey Carmichael's "Stardust" to Gogol Bordello's "Sun is on my Side", he loved it all. He loved live music and frequently traveled to concerts with family and friends. Don was a great adventurer and passionate about wilderness. He ran the first organized Race to Robie Creek, and only missed one thereafter. He was happiest "trampin' in the mountains", and accomplished his goal to swim in every lake in Idaho over 10,000 feet in elevation. In his final days, Don was on a mountaineering adventure with his eldest son, David, and friends Alan Bean, Tom Rand, and Tom's son Kip. They were at the top of the highest peak in Wyoming, walking single file along the narrow summit ridge, following protocol, and helping one another. Don lost his footing and fell down a snow embankment. His attempt to "self-arrest" was unsuccessful in the soft snow. He made eye contact with his son and said, "Goodbye" as he slipped down the slope and disappeared over the edge. Don was preceded in death by an infant son, Benjamin; by his parents, Jim and Earlene Scott, and by his grandmothers, Evelyn Scott and Jennie King. Don is survived by many, many loving friends a large family including his wife Barb; his children David Scott and grandsons, Dylan and Gabe; his son Isaac Scott and his companion Theresa and grandsons, Connor and Eli; his daughter, Sarah and her husband Scooter Scudder and granddaughter, Emily. Also, surviving are his siblings, Nancy Harris and her husband, Richard Harris; Catherine B. Scott and her partner, Ruth Osterhout; Leo Scott and his wife, Asako, and their young daughter, Naomi. Also his beloved nieces, nephews, and their children; Andrea Pettit and her husband, Bill, their daughter Zoe and daughters Ellen and Molly Hansen; nephew, Christopher Erwin and his wife, Kim and their sons Zac and Marcus. Don loved children, his friends, and his family. He was filled with gratitude for the love he received from so many, for the adventures he had, and for the deep satisfaction of his work. He truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to, Ed McAuslan, Fremont County Coroner and his accomplished staff, the Fremont County Search and Rescue, and the County Sherriff's Office for their highly skilled care and concern during this difficult time. The family is also grateful to Sublette County's Tip Top Search and Rescue Team, the Sheriff's Office, as well as Wind River Tribal Fish and Game. To all of you, your ability and professionalism inspires awe and your kindness and compassion will always be remembered. A memorial service will take place Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise. The Garden opens at 10 AM, service begins at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to "Camp Hodia" (1701 N. 12th St. Boise, ID 83702), the Fremont County Search and Rescue (460 Railroad Ave. Lander WY 82520), or to the Tip Top Search and Rescue of Sublette County (P.O. Box 250 Pinedale, WY 82940).