January 7, 1990 – January 18, 2021
With great sadness, we share that Scotty lost his life to suicide on January 18, 2021. Born in Edmonds and raised in Bothell, he was the son and best friend of his father, Scott Pettersen, his ‘Pops’. Scotty will forever be ‘Scoot’ to his dad. And his dad will forever be his hero.
While Scotty lived in California for a short time, Washington was always his home. The highlights of Scotty’s life include anything sports related, from being coached by his dad in baseball to playing softball with his dad as an adult, playing in the Bothell Cougar Junior football program, along with many of his friends, including Peter, who would eventually become his brother. He loved paintball and snowboarding and was an avid Seahawks, Silvertips and Mariners fan.
Scotty loved boating, sunshine, good music and a cold drink. Sharing a 7&7 with his Pops was at the top of his list.
Scotty’s friends and close family would all agree, he was larger than life. His smile would light up a room and his laughter was contagious. He was the life of any party and would do anything for anyone. He cherished and held onto friendships from every corner of his life. His base of friends ranged from schools to jobs to those he met virtually, firefighting and at BNSF railroad, to the new people he would meet along the way at a local bar or hangout spot. His family has been overwhelmed at the magnitude of support that his circle of friends has showered on them and also shown to each other since his passing. The love runs deep and the tears are continually flowing. The messages and pictures sent to his parents, Michele and Scott, over this past week, showing his love and appreciation of them, has meant more than words can express.
Scotty was strong and stubborn, with a tough exterior. He will forever be remembered for his heroism and the life-saving actions he took while at the Route 91 music festival. Two of Scotty’s recent tattoos were of bravery and strength, “But the Lord is with me, like a mighty warrior” Jeremiah 20:11 and ‘This too shall pass’. Scotty often portrayed courage during difficult times. Unfortunately, this time the pain was too difficult to bear.
Scotty is survived by his parents, Scott and Michele Pettersen, his brother, sister-in-law and niece, Peter, Erica and Olivia Moreno. He also leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Cathy and Dave Berry, his sister, Kaeli Pugsley (Matt), her daughter, Emerson, and countless extended family members.
Scott, Michele, Peter and Erica extend sincere gratitude to the Everett Police Department, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner and Evergreen Funeral Home, for the loving and respectful care of Scotty. They will forever be grateful to the countless friends who have sent flowers, food and gift cards, who have stopped by for a hug or a long conversation, who have cried tears of grief along with them, who reach out daily to ensure they are making it through each day. And, above all else, to Henry and Beth Simon, dear family friends, who have walked beside them and held them in their arms every step of this profoundly difficult journey. A quote recently read comes to mind, “Maybe I can’t stop the downpour, but I will always join you for the walk in the rain”. God bless you all.
Even through unspeakable grief, Scotty’s friends and family will do their best to carry on and honor his memory. Scotty truly was larger than life in so many ways and if you knew him well, you can surely hear him shouting, “LET’S GOOOOO!”
A celebration of Scotty’s life will be planned for the very near future for his close family and his enormous circle of friends. His parents, Scott and Michele, truly look forward to spending that time with those he loved dearly.
To all who are reading this, if you feel hopeless, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel alone, I promise that you are not. If you are hurting, please pick up the phone and call a friend or family. If you are having thoughts about ending your life, know that there is no problem too big to work through. You matter. You have options. You are loved.
In Scotty’s memory, donations can be made to any suicide prevention and awareness charity.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.5