Thomas Scott

June 13, 1936 - January 11, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

We are deeply saddened to announce that Thomas Michael Scott passed away at Prince George Rotary Hospice surrounded by family on January 11, 2024. Thanks to the compassionate care of hospice attendants, he never experienced suffering or pain.

Tom was born on July 13, 1936, in Montreal, Quebec to Evan and Dorothy (Pigeon) Scott. Growing up in the working-class neighbourhood of Verdun, he spent his early years playing hockey in the back alleys and bussing into Metro Montreal to see early hockey greats like Maurice "Rocket" Richard.

After graduating from Verdun High in grade 11, the family moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia, where Tom finished grade 12 at Sydney Academy. Coming from the big city of Montreal, Tom was a popular transfer. Tom went on to attend Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB and then studied law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS.

To help finance his studies, Tom joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, which sent him to the Pacific Naval base on Vancouver Island and other ports in Europe during the summer months.

Enjoying his experiences in BC, after completing law school in 1960, Tom headed off to Vancouver to article. He then travelled north to boom town Prince George to join Wilson, King, and Company where he practiced law until 1973. It was in Prince George that Tom met his "Southern Belle" Florence Reed. The two were married in Louisiana on April 1, 1972. They were joined by son David in 1974, and daughter Jennifer in 1979.

Having lived in small-town Nova Scotia, Tom never wanted to live in a big city or work in a large law firm. When he heard that Alan Vanderburgh was looking for a new partner, he embraced the opportunity to move to Williams Lake in 1974. It was the best decision he ever made. The community welcomed them, and they made lifelong friends who became family.

After retiring from his legal practice at the age of 69, Tom and Florence relished their time as snowbirds in Mesa Arizona. Tom was blessed to spend 18 winters in Arizona where he could play tennis every day right into his 80's.

Throughout his life, Tom was known for his sense of humour, friendliness, willingness to debate, and keen involvement in the community whether it be through Kiwanis, the theatre club, or St. Andrew's United Church. He will be remembered, especially by his family and friends, for his love of the Hokey Pokey.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 52 years Florence, children David (Paloma) Scott and Jennifer (Trevor) Dungate, grandchildren Kayla, Sophia, Aydon, and Aila, as well as his only cousin Lorraine Kirby, her husband Harris, and children Nathan and Hannah.

Florence's family became his family, and he will be greatly missed by his extended relations in Louisiana and Texas.

During his last days surrounded by family and friends, he said, "I am 87 and I have had a wonderful life. I am thankful. I was blessed."

A celebration of life and a hokey pokey will take place on Saturday August 3rd at 2pm at St. Andrew's United Church in Williams Lake, BC (1000 Huckvale Place).

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