Scott D. Jackson

Scott Jackson was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 4, 1955 to Helen Harlene and Loren Hamilton Jackson. Helen was a grocery clerk and homemaker and Loren was a Chief Master Sergeant and a 35 year veteran of the US Air Force. Raised on various Air Force bases in the western United States, Scott’s upbringing instilled in him an abiding appreciation for the simple joys of an honest and industrious life.

In 1973, Scott graduated from Longmont High School and in 1978 he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University.

In the early 1980’s, having worked his way up from an entry-level position, Scott served as Vice President of corporate finance at Merrill Lynch. His striking ingenuity throughout the turbulent years of the banking crisis brought him industry-wide recognition. He was then hired by Republic Bank and tasked by the CEO to restructure the banks capital position. Through a series of large and innovative securitization transactions he was able to materially improve the Bank’s capital position. He received broad accolades throughout the capital markets. This success at Republic Bank catapulted him to a leadership position at Goldman Sachs in 1987 where he became the Co-head of the Financial Institutions Restructuring Group. Scott was instrumental in several high-profile bank rescues and restructurings and by the end of the 1980’s, a decade characterized by a triumph of financial innovation, Scott had secured a reputation as an industry leader.

Recognizing Scott’s unique expertise, he was hired away from Goldman Sachs, in 1991 by McAndrews and Forbes. Combining his restructuring and capital creation expertise, Scott played a key role in the firms extremely successful acquisition program across the United States.

However, it was later that the full scope of Scott’s entrepreneurial vision would come into view. In 1995, Scott left the world of finance to found Affordable Residential Communities (ARC). Under his leadership, as CEO, the company was taken public in 2004. In all, the company acquired over 380 communities and managed a portfolio of over 70,000 home sites, becoming one of the largest manufactured home community companies in America. Scott was considered one of the most innovative operators in the business, implementing several new concepts that have become cornerstones of the industry.

In 2012, Scott, with Kathy by his side, decided to fulfill his lifetime dream by purchasing a 1500-acre Ranch in Kiowa, Colorado. Through years of diligent work and imagination, the couple transformed the once untilled and tumbledown property into a pristine and fully functioning ranch and their full-time home. Together they have raised 70 head of cattle, nearly 1,000 goats, and 11 loving dogs. They remodeled 6 houses on property, 3 barns and numerous out-buildings. For Scott, life and work on the ranch represented nothing less than a homecoming. The Flyer Ranch stands as another material testament to his tremendous courage and creativity.

Scott is survived by his wife Kathryn and Scott's three children: Elizabeth, Shelby, Luke, his much beloved granddaughter June and many loving family members and friends. Known for his grit, determination, and unpretentious candor, Scott was a visionary with an intuitive knack for business. His legacy will live on through all those in whom he saw potential, gave a chance, and mentored in the art of entrepreneurship.

Scott’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28th between 3 and 4pm with a 15 minute open microphone for friends to share stories about Scott. A Celebration of Life reception will be immediately following the memorial service at the same location.

Cielo Castle Pines - 485 W Happy Canyon Road, Castle Rock, CO 80108.

Valet provided

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the “Wounded Warrior Project”.