Obituary of H. Stuart Scott

SCOTT, Harry Stuart May 12, 1920 - July 13, 2014 The spark of intelligence and humour shone through to the end. Harry Stuart Scott, our beloved Dad and grandfather Stu, passed away surrounded by love and a poignant sense that an era was drawing to a close. The loss of his wife, Helen Worthington Scott, in 2011 highlighted the role she played as an anchor in Stuart’s life. His children Martha (Richard Whatley), Deborah (Franz Klingender), and Richard (Renée Scott) find comfort in the knowledge that Stuart lived a long and adventurous life, experiencing joy in home and family in his later years. Growing up, Stu’s adoring grandchildren, Ben, Ian, Graeme, Margot, and Julia, were captivated by his stories of exploration and discovery, and inspired by his inquiring mind. Raised in Timmins, Ontario, Stu followed in his father’s footsteps and earned a masters degree in geology. He and Helen first met while playing violin in the University of Toronto orchestra. They married in 1944 and spent their honeymoon prospecting in the wilds of northern Manitoba. A true and passionate field geologist, Stu worked in too many countries to count, often under challenging conditions, and on every continent but Antarctica. His work addresses included Greenland, Angola, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Peru, and Laos, with longer stints in Brazil and Nepal. Much of Stu’s professional life unfolded in the Philippines, where his family joined him in the early years. Stu’s brilliant photographs provide a tangible record of an extraordinary career that extended into his mid-seventies. At their lovely century home outside Lakefield, Ontario, he and Helen enjoyed gardening, scrabble, reading, music, walking in the bush with the invincible Buddy, and frequent get-togethers with family and friends. Shaped by the Depression years, Stu was a life-long conservationist who understood and loved the natural world. To his many friends and colleagues around the globe, he was known as Mr. Fix-It; cameras and watches were his specialty. Stu’s fondness for animals included all species, from the tiniest spider (he called them all George) to the largest mammals. Dogs held a special place in his heart. He had enormous admiration for their loyalty and sense of fun. We admire the courage and dignity with which Stu met the losses and challenges of the past few years. Our heartfelt thanks to the PRHC staff for their professional and loving care, and to roommate Alan Simmons for his compassion, friendship, and humour. We will miss Stu’s clever limericks and puns, his incredible smile, and the sense of connection he gave us to a world brimming with curiosity and wonder. Donations in memory of Stu may be made to the Lakefield Animal Welfare Shelter or the Kawartha Heritage Conservancy. A celebration of Stu’s remarkable life will be held at a later date for family and friends. Arrangements entrusted to THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL. Friends may send condolences by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355. There once was a time for no words Silence and love were preferred We sat by our Dad For the time that we had And nothing but feeling was heard.