Richard Nelson Scott

On Wednesday, July 7th, as the new day began, Richard “Dick” Scott received an offer, one of the types you cannot refuse. The offer stated, “Your work here is done, and a new assignment awaits you.” This assignment came with a great sign on bonus…a reunion with family and friends in a virtual paradise better than his current paradise in Cape Coral, Florida.

Born in Toledo, Ohio to Thelma and Norman Scott, Dick was a North end boy, graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1947. He proudly served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War on the USS LSMR 520. He was decorated with the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was recommended for re-enlistment and promotion but chose to return home to his wife and begin a family.

Married 68 years to his surviving wife, Ruth Tekuelve Scott, Dick placed family above all else. Following his return to Toledo, OH, his adventure continued, this time accompanied by his best friend and soulmate. Their love and commitment provided their children Laura Scott, Lynn (Fred) Olson, John (Julie) Scott and Richard Keith (Jennifer) Scott with a firm foundation of faith and unity. Not only did Dick father four children, he also became a father figure to many of their friends, including his “adopted” son, Ken (Genevieve) Kwashie.

Dick worked as a Yardmaster at the Pennsylvania Railroad and then Conrail. He worked long hours to provide all his children a Catholic education and put them and his wife through college. He often picked up overtime on holidays and ended up with a lunchbox full of the half-eaten turkey bones thanks to his pranking nephew. However, we all knew that no matter what was on Dick’s sandwiches, the butter better be spread to all the corners of the bread or there would be trouble.

Dick was an active participant in his children’s lives. He helped teach Physical Education at Sacred Heart Elementary School. He was Athletic Booster president and chair of the spring festival at Cardinal Stritch High school. His strength, positive outlook and sense of humor instilled in his children confidence and optimism in their life outlook.

As the children grew, they provided “Papa” with cherished grandchildren Carly (Aaron) Majewski, Kacy (Zach) Morrow, Jacob Scott, Victoria Scott, and Katelyn Scott. Additionally, he has three great grandchildren, Sophia Ruth and Caden Majewski and Teagan Morrow. Papa took joy in teaching them all his favorite song, “Oh My Papa.” His love for the Buckeyes taught them how to sign overhead… well at least the letters O-H-I-O.

In 1990, Dick and Ruth retired to Fort Myers Florida, living first on Fort Myers Beach and then moving to Lexington Country Club where they resided for 27 years. His loves included the Ohio State Buckeyes, golfing, and most importantly driving his grandchildren in the golf cart. In 2019, Dick and Ruth moved to Cape Coral to reside next door to his daughter.

Celebrating a reunion with Dick in heaven are his mother and father, brother, Norman “Bud” Scott, and sister Georgia Poplar. Along with his family, celebrating his life on earth are multiple nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation is Tuesday, July 13, 930 am at St. Columbkille Church, 12171 Iona Rd, Fort Myers. Visitation will be followed at 10:30 by the Mass of Christian Burial. A life celebration reception will follow Mass. The family requests donations to Hope Hospice at hopehospice.org in lieu of flowers.

Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of joy, laughter, and love. We will miss our 3 am coffee and Sinatra. We will forever love and adore you. We will all stand taller, confident in the knowledge that you are still watching over us and will always be the rock of our family. We love you Papa, enjoy your new adventure!