Sidney Pike Scott

Sidney P. Scott, a beloved father, and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on December 30th, 2020, at his home in Colo Spgs, CO. Sid was born in Alamosa, CO, on D-day, the eldest of two and only son to Lloyd and Dorothy Scott.

A Colorado Native, Sid grew up in Pueblo Colorado, graduating from East High School, and attending Southern Colorado State College (now CSU- Pueblo), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in 1968. He completed a Master of Arts Degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 1980. While in college, Sid’s love of tennis grew, as did his circle of what would become lifelong friends.

Sid, or Mr. Scott as his students knew him, was a dedicated teacher for over 35 years. He started his career against the backdrop of Vietnam, happy for the (unimagined until then) opportunity to teach fifth grade at his alma mater, Parkview Elementary in Pueblo, Colorado. After marrying Shirley in 1971 and moving to Colorado Springs in 1973, Sid found his teaching home in Colorado Springs School District 11, first at Steele Elementary, then Mark Twain Elementary, and finally, the school where he spent the bulk of his career, Katherine Lee Bates Elementary. Although he first imagined himself teaching Physical Education, Driver’s Education, and coaching tennis and baseball at the secondary level, Sid’s path led him to a career in elementary education. He taught fifth and sixth grade for several years but settled into the third-grade classroom for the majority of his career. He always loved the community and family feel of teaching at an elementary school. Sid believed in educating the whole child and chaperoned student trips to Santa Fe, NM, and High Trails in Florissant, CO. Sid was interested in the arts and enjoyed sharing music and photography with his students. He ran a checkers and chess club, continuing it as a volunteer, even after he retired. He was known for giving out lots of candy and just as many “teacher looks”, when necessary.

Sid was an athlete who enjoyed running, skiing, baseball, and was a lifelong tennis player, winning the sectional/ area championship in the USTA League at the age of 53. His friendly, yet competitive “gaming” spirit, spread into other areas of his life including the Denver Broncos, and playing cards with friends, (especially cribbage and always, poker). An invitation to a poker tournament at Sid’s house always meant a good time, lots of laughter and food, and an equal amount of smack talking. He regularly played poker with two groups of male friends, and always enjoyed his turn to host poker as it included planning a dinner and dessert menu to impress the guys. Cards weren’t the only thing on which Sid liked to gamble; one of his lifelong pursuits was the next big catch. Sid loved to fish in Colorado's lakes, especially Pueblo Reservoir, Eleven Mile, Creede, and Blue Mesa. Some of his favorite trips included fishing in Alaska and bringing home wild salmon.

More than poker and even fishing, Sid loved his family and friends. He kept in daily contact with his daughters, sons-in-law, best friends, and owners of the local delicatessen and donut shop. He had a local worm guy, and hairdresser, and accumulated more friends each time he ran errands, often bumping into former students and connecting with them on Facebook or meeting up for lunch. He supported his daughters, driving them to dance classes, watching years of dance recitals as they grew up, always making time to spend with them and go on special trips. One of his greatest legacies, Sid passed on his love for making a difference in others’ lives to his daughters who are both teachers.

Becoming a grandfather fulfilled a lifelong dream and there was nothing he loved more than taking his grandsons fishing, teaching them checkers, or watching a movie beside them and cuddling. He had a close and special bond with both of his grandsons and found ways to connect with each of their unique interests and personalities.

Sid is survived by his two daughters, his eldest, Heather Scott (husband, Cam Williams), and youngest, Vanessa Scott (husband, Marcus Price), all of Colorado Springs. Sid is also survived by his sister, Marsha (Bob) Norton, two grandsons, Carter and Fisher, his former wife, Shirley (Spohn) Scott, and many other extended family members and friends.

Sid never had a bad word to say about anyone and leaves a legacy of friends and family who learned and grew because of his kindness and determination to make a difference for others. Over his long career, he taught hundreds of students, bringing out the best in them and encouraging them to be themselves. He loved to laugh, give others a hard time, and reminisce about the “wild days.”

Due to current circumstances with the Pandemic, a celebration of life and a chance to “cast a line” 🎣 for Sid will take place at a later date; details will be posted on Sid Scott's Memorial Page at: dignitymemorial.com. Tributes, memories, and photos can be left on this site. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made on the GoFundMe page set up in Sid Scott’s name. Tributes, memories, and photos can be left on this site as well.