Enrique Scott

Enrique Scott, age 88, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 29, 2025. He was born on February 16, 1937, in Santo Tomás Hospital in Panama. Enrique was the firstborn of six sons to Percival Baltimore Scott Sr. and Maria Magdalena Hernandez. His five younger brothers were Juan, Armando, Percival Jr., Jorge, and Thomas. His maternal grandparents were Gregoria Sepulveda Hernandez and Matias Hernandez, both from the provinces of Panama. His paternal grandparents were Carolina Scott Ewing of Panama and Arnold Scott from Trinidad and Tobago.

From an early age, Enrique displayed a curious mind and remarkable talent. He attended Centro Manuel Amador Guerrero Elementary School, completing his studies at the age of 12. He then asked his parents to enroll him in the prestigious Artes y Oficios Trade School, where he studied automotive mechanics. By the age of 13, he was already earning perfect grades, which led to exemptions from final exams, a clear sign that he was becoming a mechanical prodigy.

At just 16, while still in high school, Enrique was recruited by the Ford Motor Company of Panama for his academic excellence. He became one of their top automotive technicians and earned a scholarship to study at Ford Motor Company in New York, specializing in automatic transmission technology. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Panama by road, driving the first edition Mustang Sally with automatic transmission—the first vehicle of its kind to enter Panama. He later completed high school with a second concentration in commerce and business administration.

Despite his academic and professional achievements, Enrique also found time to play basketball and was selected to join the City of Panama basketball team. His love for basketball and soccer remained with him throughout his life.

Enrique went on to work for Ford Motores Colpan in Panama, where he met his future wife, Margaret Alexis. He eventually moved to New York and later settled in Florida, where he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration. Passionate about education, Enrique shared his knowledge by teaching automotive technology at a Community College in his spare time.

In addition to his professional and academic pursuits, Enrique was an avid sports fisherman. He had a deep appreciation for style and fashion, always dressing impeccably from head to toe with carefully chosen shoes, jewelry, and watches. He often joked about getting dressed just to stand on the neighborhood corner with friends, simply to look good. He was forever in search of the perfect cologne.

Although he didn’t enjoy dancing, Enrique was a lifelong music lover and collector, with Salsa and Motown as his favorite genres. His home was always filled with music.

Enrique had a remarkable gift for storytelling and humor. He could light up any room with his unforgettable tales, whether it was his encounters with the New York City mafia, the time he kept an illegal pet snake, or his adventures attending Woodstock. He was the life of the party and a natural teacher who encouraged others to think differently and see the world from unique perspectives.

Enrique is survived by his children: Michele, Ariel, Tysone, Vielka, Vanessa, Nichole, Maria, and his stepson Mario; his grandchildren:

Luis, Nahymir, Amauris, Jaylen, Maliya, Jovani, Anna, and Luis; and his brothers: Tito, Jorge, and Thomas.

He was preceded in death by Janio, his firstborn son.

Enrique’s life was rich with love, laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable stories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.