Mathew “Tom” Scott

01/21/1942 — 10/05/2022

From Richland, WA

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Celebration of Life

Starts:
Sun, October 16, 2022, 11:00 am
Location:
Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home
915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352

Graveside Service with Military Honors

Starts:
Sun, October 16, 2022, 12:00 pm
Location:
Sunset Gardens
915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352

Reception

Starts:
Sun, October 16, 2022, 1:00 pm
Location:
Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home
915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352

Mathew “Tom” Scott

Mathew Thomas Scott was born on January 21, 1942 to Arthur and Margaret Scott.  Known as Tom to family and friends, he grew up in Madison, WI alongside his three siblings, Peggy, Mike, and Jean.  Tom attended Belleville Union Free High School, where he enjoyed playing on the varsity football and basketball teams.  He joined the United States Air Force on June 24, 1960. During his service he rose to the enlisted rank of Master Sergeant working in the National Security Division.  While serving he earned a Commendation Medal of the First Oak Leaf Cluster for Meritorious Service in 1975.  He then earned his Second Oak Leaf Cluster for Meritorious Service in 1977.  In 1980 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.  His military career took him to San Angelo, Texas, to Germany,  Taiwan, and  Korea.  He served his country for twenty years and retired from the Air Force while stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska on March 1, 1980. He went on to provide valuable service to the Anchorage Police Department for 6 years where he earned the respect of the police officers who sought out Tom’s expertise in identifying false documents, tracking down aliases and providing valuable information to apprehend fugitives.  Tom then moved to Juneau, Alaska to serve as a Correctional Officer for the State of Alaska. As a correctional officer he earned an accommodation for uncovering the escape plot of a serial killer.  Tom’s attention to detail, his diligence, and his work ethic earned him the respect of co-workers everywhere he served.  He retired from the State of Alaska on February 1, 1997 after 12 years as a correctional officer.  Tom’s career was full of service to his country, to his community, and to his fellow citizens.  

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, TaiFei Scott. They were married on May 1st, 1975 in Taiwan. She and Tom have one son, Jeff. Tom also has two children from a previous marriage.  They are Dan Scott and Kathy Settle.  Jeff and his wife Tasha Scott have three of Tom’s grandchildren, Evan, Aaron, and Ian Scott.  Dan and his wife Theresa Scott have two of Tom’s grandchildren, Preston and Megan.  Kathy Settle has one of Tom’s grandchildren, Jonathan. Preston and his wife Landry have two children, Cash and Parker. Jonathan and his wife Kaitlin have two children, Mallory and Weston. Making Tom the great grandfather of four. 

Tom was an avid fisherman in his younger days.  For most of his life in Anchorage, Alaska, he enjoyed salmon fishing at popular places like the Kenai river and dip netting salmon at the mouth of Kasilof river.   In Juneau, most of his recreational time was spent on the ocean, fishing for salmon, halibut, crab, cod, and other fish.  His biggest fishing adventure included catching a 300lb halibut.    

Tom was also a real foodie who was known to try anything once.  He loved trying foods from other cultures and more obscure foods, especially seafood.  Later, he developed a real passion for breadmaking.  He would take every opportunity to make new bread creations for his family to try, including some orange rye bread, focaccia varieties,  and his wife’s favorite cranberry orange, sometimes with walnuts. 

Tom’s favorite sport has always been basketball.  In his younger days, he enjoyed playing on high school teams, air force teams, and recreationally with friends.  With his extensive knowledge, he gave back to the community by volunteering for many years to coach youth basketball.  As a spectator, he loved college basketball, and his favorite team was the Gonzaga Bulldogs which he followed religiously.  He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to players names, backgrounds and stats and his family enjoyed receiving regular email updates on the team.  

Tom was also known to jump at any opportunity to engage in political discussion with anyone.  Tom was well read in the area of politics and took it upon himself to keep current on the political climate. Everyone who was around Tom enjoyed his humor and wit.  In his younger days, some might have described him as a smart ass, but he always brought a smile to people’s faces. 

Tom loved his family, and his family can’t even describe how much he will be missed.  He regularly attended his grandsons’ sporting events, went to all the birthday celebrations, family and friend get-togethers, and some family vacation trips.  He was a rock in the family, a steady trustworthy ear, someone you could count on, with a calming effect.   He was a great man, and a great role model who always acted with honesty and integrity.  We love you Tom!  Rest in peace.

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Mathew “Tom” Scott

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  • TaiFei,

    Jan and I were shocked to hear of Scotty’s passing. You have our heartfelt condolences. Fond memories come flooding through when we think of Scotty. You, Jeff, and his family are in our thoughts.

    Jan and Rusty Crisp;
    October 11, 2022
    Eagle River, AK
  • Our hearts are overwhelmed with sadness at Grandpa
    Tom’s passing. We will miss his smiling face, his jokes and political emails. Rest in Peace Tom. Our heart and thoughts are with TaiFei Jeff Tasha and our grandsons and to all that cared and loved him… Wishing for peaceful memories to help all during this journey of surviving grief. With much love, Lois and Tom

    Lois Mickelson
    October 9, 2022
    Tri Cities WA
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