Leon "Scott" Dearing

Scott was born on December 10, 1967 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA to Michael and Irene (Paulsen) Dearing. The delivering doctor jokingly shared that Scott was keeping him from watching Charlie Brown's Christmas on TV.

Scott spent the first two years of his life in the Seattle area, followed by about eight months in Vancouver, WA. In 1970 the family moved to Yakima, WA. He attended Naches Grade School, Gilbert Elementary, Franklin Jr. High, Eisenhower and Davis High Schools.

He found peace and happiness outdoors and in the mountains. He enjoyed fishing throughout the valley, and spending time at Rimrock Lake with his mother and step-father (Brian Anderson) where he learned to water ski behind Brian's jet boat.

He held several jobs in his short lifetime working in restaurants and fruit cold storage and packing warehouses.

In 2007, a friend of Scott's (Tim Jones) was dining at the restaurant where Scott was employed and recognized him. Scott inquired about his sister, Terry Lynn Jones, and requested that Tim ask her to call him which she did a few days later. A relationship developed and they were married in November 2009. Together they enjoyed spoiling their horses (Elvis, Tamaraz, Attitude, Chance, Lucky and Starlite), their feline friends (Tor, Tazzy and Maxwell) and two loving dogs (Max and Sheba).

After acquiring the horses, Scott discovered the one outdoor activity that provided him with the most peace of mind. He spent many hours daily caring for their horses that were pastured in the rural Moxee area. During this time he assisted the mare, Tazmaraz in delivering her foals. His pride and joy was Elvis, the oldest of the horses. Sadly Elvis died several years ago, as well as one of the foals, Starlite.

Scott is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Kathryn Pruitt, maternal grandparents Fred and Lanora Paulsen, his birth father Michael Dearing and step-father Brian Anderson, as well as his maternal uncle and aunt Ken and June Paulsen. He is survived by his wife, Terry; his mother Irene (Paulsen) Anderson; and his cousins Derek (Lori), Shane, and Tyson Paulsen.

Though a few paragraphs cannot fully capture the depth of his life or the love he gave, Scott's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by staff at both Memorial Hospital, and Willow Springs (now Apple Valley Rehabilitation).

The family is being cared for by Keith & Keith Funeral Home. No formal services are planned.