Clifford Ronald Scott

The Seattle medical community and generations of families impacted by rare genetic diseases are mourning the passing of Dr. Clifford Ronald Scott “Ron”, who passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 91. Dr. Scott dedicated nearly six decades of his life to healing, scientific research, and the compassionate care of children.

Ron was born January 25, 1935, in San Diego, California to Clifford Walter Scott and Hattie Mary Quintrell. He graduated from St. Augustine High School, where he credited the Augustinian educators with instilling his lifelong passion for science, medicine and tennis.

Ron moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington for both his undergraduate studies and medical school, graduating with his M.D. in the Class of 1959. Following pediatric residency training at the University of Minnesota and a postdoc fellowship in genetics at the California Institute of technology (Caltech), he served as a Captain in the US Air Force from 1962-64. He was stationed at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, TX as the base pediatrician.

He returned to Seattle in 1965, where he joined the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. In 1976, he was named Head of the Pediatric Division of Genetics and built the department into an international beacon for biochemical genetics.

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Scott was a world-renowned pioneer in newborn screening for rare genetic diseases. He co-developed technologies that allow public health agencies worldwide to screen babies for rare diseases, saving countless young lives.

Beyond his research and clinical practice, he was a deeply respected mentor who trained and inspired generations of pediatricians, geneticists, and researchers across the globe. His 2023 retirement celebration brought

together decades of former trainees, colleagues and grateful patients and families expressing deep appreciation for his decades of service.

Outside of medicine, Ron lived with a vibrant enthusiasm for travel and wine. He had a special affection for Oaxaca, Mexico, where he served as a visiting professor in 1978-79 and forged lifelong friendships. An avid wine connoisseur, he enjoyed exploring many of the world’s great wine regions and sharing his travel stories with his decades-long wine tasting group.

Dr. Scott is survived by his wife, Susan Berg; his daughter Lauren Scott and son-in-law John Lambert (Rancho Mirage, CA); his son Joseph Scott, and brothers Glen Scott (Colorado Springs, CO) and Chris DeGraff (Carson City, NV). He was preceded in death by his son John Scott (1990).

Memorial Services are private.