Jul 29, 1946 - Feb 19, 2016
Rich Scott was one of the last real American cowboys. He was born in Eastern California, “that part of California that was stolen from Nevada”, he always said. Growing up, he worked cattle, roped wild mustangs and burros, hunted, fished , and camped with his mom and dad. After graduating from Big Pine High School in 1964, he even competed in rodeos for a time. Finding the Wild West too tame, he left for the Marines and Vietnam, earning a silver star, bronze star, and three purple hearts in combat in 1967. The Thanksgiving before he left, at a friend’s house on the base in Memphis, he turned to his friend and said, “See that girl? She’s the one I’m going to marry.” Two years later, in 1968, he and Nancy Guthe wed in Knoxville, Tennessee. After finishing an English degree at Bakersfield Junior College in 1974 and still seeking adventure, he took his wife and infant son Seth to teach in rural Alaskan schools. After six years in Alaska, living in the bush, enjoying the wilderness, and celebrating the birth of their daughter Jodie, they moved to Greeley, Colorado so Rich could complete a Master’s Degree in Administration. Then the real challenge of his life began - teaching Middle School kids. As a child in the one-room school on his great-grandfather’s ranch, Rich had dreamed of becoming a teacher in rural schools. The small city of Carson City, Nevada, near relatives and the desert where he grew up, sounded appealing after experiencing Alaska. Teaching English and Reading at Eagle Valley in Carson City was a dream come true. He cared deeply for all his students, guiding them toward creative thinking and helping them connect with their emotions through literature. His funny routines and amusing antics kept the kids engaged in learning. He even had a hedgehog stuffed animal that students could put on their desks when they felt “prickly” so he wouldn’t tease them that day. Inspiring generations of students, he retired reluctantly after 28 years. Never one to sit still, Rich engaged in the community, active in the Ormsby County Teacher’s Association, Kiwanis, the League of Women Voters, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He spent his time leading the Boy Scouts, raising seven puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind through 4-H with his children, shooting both IPSC and IHMSA, and playing cribbage. In his private life he loved reading, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and backpacking with his family all over the United States. He wrote poetry and essays about life, and visited National Parks every summer. He was an extraordinary, loving, and dedicated husband, father, and son. He was beloved by many friends. His corny jokes and silly pranks will be greatly missed. He is survived by his mother, Lucille Scott, 95, of Carson City, his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy, his son Seth Scott (Vivian Chu) of New York City, his daughter Jodie Gullickson (Aidan) of Reno, his grandson Rowan Scott, and many relatives and in-laws. A Celebration of his Amazing Life will be held on Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Del Monte Lane in Reno. Wear bright colors and a happy smile because you were fortunate to know him. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Lung Association. Encourage everyone you know to QUIT SMOKING!
