Don passed away peacefully on Monday, October 29, 2018 in palliative care at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Preceded by his wife Frances Anne, he is survived by his daughters Sharon and Susan, his son Paul and wife Cindy, his grandsons Eric and Michael, and his long-time companion Betty Finlayson.
Don was born to Robert Wilson Scott and Lillian Jean (Lennox) Scott on September 2, 1932 in Lambert Point, Alberta and moved to British Columbia during his childhood. In his teens, he worked in logging camps and west coast fisheries. He joined the Canadian Forces as a trumpet player in the band branch in the early 1950’s. He was first posted to Cornwallis, where he met his wife, Frances Anne (Rice). Shortly after he joined the forces, his band had the fortune of taking part in the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II. His other postings included Gagetown, Soest Germany, and Montreal. During the last few years of his career in the band branch, he attended McGill University to attain his Music Education Degree, which was later completed at the University of Victoria.
Once retired from the forces, he moved his family to Digby, Nova Scotia where he taught high school, conducted community bands, and gigged with his own big band, Satin Serenade. In 1986, he moved with Fran to Brentwood Bay, BC where he continued to teach at Saanich Peninsula schools until he retired. Don continued to teach privately, played the trumpet in a variety of ensembles, and started the Don Scott big band.
Don was very prolific and passionate about arranging music for big band and other ensembles often staying up all night to get all his ideas on paper. Besides music, Don enjoyed badminton, tennis, hunting, fishing and RVing. He loved horses and owned a number of them while in Digby. He was a breeder of German Shorthair dogs. He loved them so much that he had cut two holes into the back seat of his car so that the dogs could travel in the trunk, yet still feel like they were part of the family.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2018 at The Centre, 1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Vancouver Island Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
Many, many hours spent in the band room and making wonderful memories, and it would not have been possible without Mr. Scott, thank you! Paul, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Sending my Condolences out to Paul, Sharon, and Susan. Mr. Scott was not only a teacher of mine, he was also a friend. May he RIP..
Very sad to see the passing of Don, my teacher, my friend, and a band leader to many young people to whom he passed on the wonderful gift of music. Don spent many hours with we kids and young adults and his music and teachings of such gave us such joy and fun over the years. Bands trips over the years introduced us to other young people our age and in some cases lifelong friendships were formed. One thing I will always remember, as I use the phrase occasionally, when we tuned our instruments, he would say, “Well… it’s close enough for jazz.” Farewell, Don. You can give Gabriel some trumpet lessons. Cheers.
Condolences to Sharon, Susan, and Paul. We were speaking with Pam and she advised that Don had passed away.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We were away travelling and so sorry to see this on our return. We fondly remember the neighbourhood block parties and evening serenades. Rest well.
My condolences to Don’s family and his band friends. I did not know Don very long; only through his friend Betty and I enjoyed his company and sense of humor at our Cedar Hill Friday night dinners. Wish I had heard him with his bands as he talked about them very often. Perhaps I’ll hear him with his new band in heaven when it’s my time. Rest well with no more pain.
Such happy music years with Don at Digby NS. Don and I were very close and we had the community band , Satin Serenade Band, Big Dance Band , the German Band, Dixie Band and also played with band members in the Cornwallis Band although we were then civilians.
I am sure St Peter welcomed Don and said we have been saving a chair for you in our band in heaven.
I find it hard to say Good Bye Old Friend.
Remembering all the good times I had with Don being his little drummer (Joe) Marcel Blackburn
in his Combo, The Blackwatch Band, travelling all over europe.
Memory Lane take me to the most memorable time in my Life
Rest in Peace, mon Ami, Adieu
Very sad news indeed….Sincere condolences to all family and musician friends… Ron
Remembering all the good times in Brentwood Bay, including Don and Fran’s famous block parties where Don’s live music drew spectators from far and wide.