Thomas Phillip Scotten passed away on June 8, 2018. Tom was born on July 7, 1940 in Indianapolis, IN to Hugh and Gladys Scotten. He was raised in Greenfield, IN on a farm that had been in the family since the 1860s. Upon graduating from Mount Comfort High School in 1958, he joined the Air Force Reserves.
Tom moved to Phoenix in 1960 in order to live with his parents and sister, Gayle, who had moved out west. He graduated with distinction from Arizona State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s in education and an emphasis in history. The next year, Tom got a job at Honeywell’s Computer Operations Center and embarked on a lifelong career as a technical writer.
In the 1960s, Tom was also the lead singer of the Galahads, a popular comedy-folk group that performed throughout the Valley, including at Legend City and Filipo’s. The Galahads crossed paths with numerous rising stars, including Waylon Jennings. Tom continued his singing over the years, performing for friends and family as well as at ProMusica concerts. His parody songs in honor of friends were the highlight of many birthday parties.
Tom was an avid traveler, having visited over 30 countries, including the Soviet Union, Kenya, and China. Tom’s travels took him to Iran in 1976, where he met Azadeh Zand. They married, first in Iran and again in Phoenix, and lived happily together for 40 years. Eleven of those years were spent in Saudi Arabia, where Tom worked for Parsons.
Tom was a die-hard Phoenix Suns fan and was among the team’s first season ticket holders. When the Suns made their first NBA finals, Tom was off in Iran. But not to worry—his brother Myron called him from Phoenix and placed the receiver next to the radio for the entire game!
When it came to food, Tom prized quantity over quality. Lobster was too much work for too little meat. Burgers were just fine. He made his way around town using the various fast food restaurants as his landmarks.
Tom returned to Phoenix for good in 1995. His love of music, genealogy, and videography led him to create a new business, Scotten’s Family Tree Video, which brought people’s pasts alive through music videos of old family photos.
Tom led a happy, fulfilling life. He had deep empathy for others and a great sense of humor. He was loved by all who met him. Tom is survived by his wife Azy; sons Ali and Shannon; sister Gayle Crews; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. We know that Tom is now sitting somewhere, laughing at My Cousin Vinny and enjoying an enormous banana split. We love you, Tommy Boy!
A memorial will be held on July 7. Please contact Ali at 773-573-8761 for further information. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ProMusica Arizona at www.pmaz.org.
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