1925 - 2008

Resident of Oakland Richard Wyatt Scott was born Oct. 23, 1925 in Nampa, ID and delivered at home by his grandfather. At 7 he sold Saturday Evening Posts door-to-door beginning his work/sales profession.

1935 the family moved to Oakland and joined the First Baptist Church. Dick participated in youth activities, joined the Boy Scouts, completing his Eagle Badge, and had a regular paper route. He graduated from Oakland High in 1943 and was co-valedictorian of the class.

He selected the Army Special Training Reserve which was to send him to college until 18 and after Army basic training return him to college. With heavy losses in WWII in Europe the program was cancelled and he spent the rest of the war years in the infantry, 1480th Engineer Maintenance. His corp. arrived in La Harve, France 26 days before VE day then shipped through the Panama Canal arriving in Manila 26 days before VJ Day. He was discharged April 1946 and returned to UC Berkeley in Business Administration.

August 7, 1948 he married Janice McClary and they both graduated from UC in 1949, Dick Summa Cum Laude. After 3 years in sales/installation for Burroughs Business Machines he joined Jan's father's firm, California Steel Buildings in sales and administration. Dick fathered 2 children, Clifton S. Scott (deceased) and Pamela Scott Claassen who is currently CFO of American Baptist Homes of the West.

1973 he sold his interest in the business and joined The Raiser Organization of San Mateo as Vice-President and there continued his Butler Building relationship until retirement 1985.

In 1938 at 13 years he won his first golf trophy in a Jr. Tournament at Sequoyah CC., never dreaming that in 1967 he would become a member! He rejoiced over his 3 holes-in-one during his golfing career which began by caddying at 9 years on the course in McCall, ID in the summers.

He served on the National Board of Metal Building Dealers, one year as President, and on most of the boards at the Church including 3 separate terms as Moderator. He was an Honorary Corporate Member of ABHOW having served on the boards of both the Homes and the Foundation for 35 years and 3 years on the Board of the UC Business School.

Dick and Jan gratefully celebrated their 60th Anniversary in July 2008.

Parkinson disease since 1997 and 2 hip fractures this year overcame his loving, giving spirit and he returned home for 2 weeks under Hospice care. With Jan, Pam, husband John and caregiver Catherine in attendance he was released to a new life on Dec. 3rd, 2008.

Additionally Richard is survived by sister-in-law Beverly Garland - nieces/nephews Stephen, Deborah, Christopher and Jennifer Garland; Nieces/nephews Nancy Thomas, Peter and Becky Scott, Christopher Scott; John Claassen's children Catherine and Gregory Larsen, Stephanie and John Belfiore. Jeffrey and Laura Claassen and their respective families.

Memorial Celebration will be held Sat., Jan.3, 2009, 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 534 - 22nd Street, Oakland, CA.94612, followed by a buffet luncheon at Sequoyah C.C., 4550 Heafey Rd., Oakland, CA.(510-632-2900). In lieu of flowers Richard would welcome a gift to: ABHOW Foundation - 6120 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Floor 3, Pleasanton, CA 94588; Oakland First Baptist Foundation; National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL; Vitas Hospice, 365 Lennon Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598; or your favorite charity.