I just heard the news that Elder Richard G. Scott passed away. Sad for us, happy for him to be reunited with his EC.
Some years ago, I had an opportunity to meet him, and in just a few moments, he gave me a peek into what kind of man he is.
For several years, I served in the High Council in our Stake, and was tasked the PFR responsibilities. (Physical Facilities). One year, one of my assignments was to manage the logistics of a humungous Regional Conference to be held at the Arizona State University arena. Basically, I was in charge of all the grunt work – chairs, sound, parking, flowers (promptly delegated) etc.
We were informed that Elders Richard G. Scott and Henry B. Eyring would be in attendance. This, of course, added to the pressure to get everything right.
The day before the main conference session, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with both Apostles. I was struck by how tall President Eyring was, but spoke little to him. Elder Scott and I visited a few minutes – I was curious to see if he remembered my father. My dad was mission companions with Elder Scott in Uruguay, back in the 1950s.
He told me that he remembered him fondly, and asked about him. A little more chit-chat, and he was whisked away.
The next day was a blur, but everything went smoothly. After the session was over, I was on the main floor making arrangements for tear-down, when my EC and some of my little kids came down to see me.
Both of the brethren were still on the main floor shaking hands and meeting people. (I can’t imagine how many hands they must shake over the course of a year.)
Elder Scott waved us over, and I grabbed the kids to go meet him. He shook each of their hands, and then looked at them and said: “I want you kids to know that your grandpa was a fine missionary,” and went on to tell them briefly that he was a good man, etc.
How thoughtful and observant that, in the middle of so much going on, Elder Scott would take a moment to personalize their meeting, and let my children know that he knew who they were, and to speak highly of their grampa. A small thing, to be sure, but my young kids were thrilled – and the moment stuck – and they remember it still. Just today, when the news of his passing came out, my daughter mentioned to me that just this weekend she told someone about that brief exchange. A kind, gentle man, with deep, deep wisdom and faith. He will be missed.
For some more info about Elder Scott’s life, please check out this previous post: “Great Scott! Richard G. Scott, that Is.)
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That is such a wonderful thing that he speaks his own translations for Spanish and Portugese! I pulled up his last conference talk in Spanish just to hear it. It definitely is his voice. Really cool!
They truly are men of God. He will be missed.
In the link to “Great Scott….” you have a quote about printed scriptures versus digital versions. Can you cite the source for me please. I’d like to find the entire talk that excerpt came from.
At the end of the quote it says “Link Here” Click on that, and it will take you to the interview where he says it. I don;t know if there is a transcription of it.
What a wonderful story and memory for your kids!
My memories of Elder Scott are more than one talk “calling people to repent”. When he looked out with his piercing eyes, I could feel it right through the TV screen! (Also felt it in person once at Stake Conference, too.) I felt like jumping up and saying “Yes, yes! I repent of everything bad I’ve ever done!” He said it so mildly but with great power.
Great memory! Thank you for sharing. He will be greatly missed.
He was my dad’s mission president and when I met him at a regional singles conference years ago I mentioned that. He said he loved my dad and gave me a hug. We were cheek to cheek. (He was pretty short.) I love him. He’s my favorite. So sad to hear of his passing. 🙁
I may have mentioned this before, but my dad also served his mission in Uruguay, although he was never companions with Elder Scott. Our son also served a mission in Uruguay (50 years later), and one of the highlights of his time there was being given the “calling cards” of both Elder Scott and Elder Beckstrand (his grandfather) and visiting the house that they used as a chapel.
Thanks for sharing your experience. We’ll miss Elder Scott too, and are grateful that Facebook can keep us informed of current events in Utah.
I love this. Thanks for sharing.
Great story! I love Elder Scott. His love of God and of all men was overwhelming. I will miss him here, but I am so glad that he his home with his beloved Jeanene after 20 years.