Scott David Leatham

Captain Scott David Leatham lived by this motto, inspiring everyone who knew him with his unwavering positivity, kindness, and love. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, and firefighter, Scott passed away at home in Gilbert on December 19, 2024, surrounded by his family and those who loved him. He was 39 years old.

Scott’s life was defined by his deep love for his family. He met his wife, Ashley, in 1998, in the 7th grade in Vancouver, Washington. They became best friends during their sophomore year of high school, even while living in different states. Scott invited Ashley to fly up from Arizona to be his date for senior prom in 2004. By the end of that year, their first kiss changed the course of their lives.

Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, Scott moved to Arizona on Super Bowl Sunday 2006 to be with Ashley. Their love flourished. By summertime, the couple was planning their wedding. Scott proposed in November, and they married for eternity on January 6, 2007, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City Temple. Over the years, Scott and Ashley built a beautiful life together, filled with laughter, love, and shared dreams.

Scott was the father every child dreams of having—funny, generous, patient, and endlessly loving. He was adored by his son Kaden (15) and his daughter Kali (12), who were his greatest pride and joy. Scott treasured his special moments with each of them, whether playing basketball or football with Kaden or playing Barbies and dolls with Kali. He also loved going on lunch dates with Ashley to Red Robin or Chili’s to enjoy his favorite hamburgers, moments of connection he cherished.

Born on December 9, 1985, Scott was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Washington and Utah, graduating from Columbia River High School in 2004. He pursued his passion for helping others by earning an associate degree in Fire Science from Utah Valley University.

Scott began his career in emergency services in 2007 in Tempe, working as an Emergency Medical Technician with PMT Ambulance. From his first day running emergency calls, Scott’s compassion and dedication shone through.

In 2013, Scott joined the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. He excelled in his career, earning certifications as a paramedic in 2015, a technical rescue technician in 2019, and a medical support/SWAT team member in 2020. He also served as a rescue diver with the department’s special operations dive team. In February 2022, Scott was promoted to Captain Paramedic, a role in which he led with courage, compassion, and humility. Scott’s colleagues knew him as a natural leader with a contagious smile and an unmatched work ethic. He loved playing basketball before shifts with his Tempe Fire family and valued the camaraderie they shared.

Scott was diagnosed in July 2024 with NUT carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens during his firefighting career. He faced the disease with the same courage and determination that defined his life. Despite enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and painful treatments, Scott remained a rock for everyone who loved him. His optimism and unwavering strength inspired his family, friends, and colleagues, even in the darkest moments.

Outside of work, Scott was an avid reader, golfer, and lifelong learner. He also loved cheering for his home teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns, a passion he passed on to his children.

Captain Leatham’s passing is a profound loss for the Tempe community and the firefighting family he cherished. His selflessness, dedication, and love for others will forever be remembered.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Ashley; his children, Kaden and Kali; and his parents, Brad Leatham and Carolyn Mitchell. His family and friends will honor his legacy of service, love, and unwavering positivity with full departmental honors. His service is still in the planning stages; details will be released shortly.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to support the Leatham family: https://gofund.me/d18298fe.

Though Scott is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created. His was a life well-lived, and his impact will never be forgotten.