Kevin Scott

Kevin Lee Scott was a smart, friendly, outgoing person who was always on the look-out for fun. His family became the recipients of most of his exuberance, but other friends gravitated to his good nature and quirky sense of humor. His thoughtfulness and attentiveness to others made him a friend for life.

Kevin’s story began at the beginning of the turbulent 1960s, marked by protests over the Vietnam War and civil rights marches for equal treatment under the law for all Americans. Despite the turmoil, 1961 was a happy time for Kenneth and Sharon (Hall) Scott of Grand Rapids, Michigan who welcomed the birth of their second child on June 7th of that year.

Kevin and his two sisters grew up on the city’s northeast side and attended Coit Elementary, Riverside and then Creston High School. He was an active, rambunctious child, full of energy and a fair amount of mischief, which he channeled into outdoor and indoor sports. At age 7, he started hunting with his dad and did so annually for over 30 years. Oddly enough, he only shot one or two deer in all that time. In sports, Kevin played baseball on little league teams, football until he broke his arm in middle school and then tennis in high school. Somewhere along the line, he picked up bowling and became extremely good at the game, once bowling a high of 299!

For a while in high school, Kevin dabbled with guitar and even formed a short-lived band named KLO. He knew a lot of statistics of major bands and went to numerous concerts, the most notable being Rush. They were his favorite band, and he got to see them in concert at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids from his 5th row seat.

By age 15, Kevin had started working at McDonalds and soon took a managerial position so he could earn more money to buy a car. The Rally Sport Camero was worth it, but the long and irregular hours were not. Kevin left fast food and went to work as a machine operator and, over the years, was employed at several manufacturing facilities across the city.

Kevin was a very social person, able to find a common point of conversation with just about anyone. Wherever he went, he seemed to run into someone he knew. Kevin counted his cousins among his many friends and liked spending time with them. He even had a way with cats and dogs and always had one or the other around as pets.

It was through a bowling connection that Kevin was introduced to Sandy Bottrall. The two began dating, and when they married in 1991, Kevin became part of a family of four that included Sandy’s two children. Together they had a third child they named Kevin Lee II. Being a dad suited Kevin just right. He loved to go on fun and exciting trips with the kids, which most often meant camping in tents. He and Sandy both enjoyed competitive sports, and he continued to play in softball and bowling leagues throughout his adult life. He also assisted Sandy in volunteer work at festivals, carnivals and other events put on by Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where they attended. Though their marriage ended after about 10 years, Kevin’s role as parent lasted a lifetime.

Kevin was a big sports fan, to the extent that he always wore the game-day jerseys of his favorite teams—Detroit Red Wings and Griffins Hockey and the University of Michigan and Detroit Lions Football. Watching the games, he could be vehemently critical of referees, but he was fiercely loyal to his teams.

Though he was really into sports, Kevin wasn’t one dimensional in his interests. He read a lot and picked up information from newspapers, magazines and books. Add to that his remarkable memory and you have a whiz at trivia that couldn’t be beat. In fact, Kevin did so well in games that after a while no one wanted to play him because he was sure to win.

Kevin was easy going and quick minded though not always organized or attentive to detail. For example, if he had two socks on his feet, he was good. Never mind that they didn’t always match or that his choice of clothing didn't always look the best together. He would just say that that gave them character.

Though those close to him might have seen his stubborn side, Kevin was generally even tempered and seemed to take life as it came. He loved to tell stories and use his dry humor to pester people. Good luck seemed to follow him when he entered drawings, and he made shopping something of a sport by clipping coupons and hunting bargains.

For someone so full of energy, it was difficult for Kevin to go through health struggles in the past few years. In August of 2012, he showed signs of problems that were first given four different diagnoses. Finally it was determined that Kevin was suffering a brain disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, from which he would not recover. He passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the age of 51.

Kevin’s family will remember him as a person who loved the outdoors, sports and animals. He could bring mountains of fun to any group, and for any question, Kevin was sure to have the answer.

Kevin Lee Scott, of Grand Rapids, Michigan is survived by his son, Kevin Scott II; his father, Kenneth Scott; and mother, Sharon Scott; sisters Deanne Dehaan (Shane Humphrey) and Paula Jones (Steve Rempalski); stepchildren Carol Ann and Danny Parsaca; his nieces and nephews Cody Dehaan, Andrea Walker, Marvin (Sheena) Gannon and Gina Gannon; 3 grand nieces, Kaytlyn, Karlie and Hannah Gannon; as well as several aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. A service to remember and celebrate Kevin's life will be held on Wednesday, December 12 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with his family from 12 Noon until the time of the service. To read more about Kevin's life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com