Kenneth Wendel Scott Sr's Obituary
Leaving nothing undone, and given time to express his deep love and appreciation to friends and family, Kenneth Wendel Scott Sr. passed peacefully away from the effects of cancer, at his home in Lehi, Utah on Wednesday, September 20, 2017.
Ken was born July 28, 1937 on the family farm in Beatty Saskatchewan, Canada to Samuel Hugh and Alice Marie Cazes. He was the seventh of eight children and is survived by his brother, Glen Clayton, and his sister, Alice “Sis” Cleora Adella.
Ken lived and grew on the farm until he was orphaned at the age of 15. At which time, he moved with his brother, Glen to live with their Aunt, Gertrude and Uncle, Bill Scott in Fort Benton, Montana. Two years later he accepted the gospel and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Fort Benton High School in 1957.
Ken had a missionary heart, serving his first mission in the Central Atlantic States Mission under President George Z. Aposhian. Upon his faithful return, he married Janice Rae Oviatt in the Cardston, Alberta Temple on June 1, 1963. Together they raised 6 children: Ken (Ruth), Beth Braithwaite (Russ), Melanie Livingston (Doug), Angela Pearson (Wes), Becky Wheatley (Eric), and Sean (Rebecca).
Together, Ken and Janice have 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Ken’s grandchildren and great grandchildren have cherished memories of working, teasing and most importantly learning lessons of the gospel as they spent valuable time with their grandpa throughout their lives and during the past few weeks as his life was coming to an end.
Guided by his faith and a desire to further his earthly education, Ken and Janice moved their young family to Rexburg, Idaho where Ken attended Ricks College from 1972-1975. During this time, Ken and his family, worked diligently to complete his education. However, because of a clerical oversight, at the end of his schooling, Ken did not receive his Associate degree at that time. Forty-two years later, and due to the kindness of a treasured friend, Ken received his degree in Industrial Arts Education from BYU Idaho in January of 2017. The presentation of his degree was a highlight of his life and a time for celebration with his family and close friends.
Ken and Janice owned and operated multiple businesses, ranging from manufacturing storm windows and doors to caring for the elderly. These endeavors provided a variety of experiences for the entire family to learn the value of work through long hours of figuring payroll, nurturing the elderly, doing plumbing in crawl spaces, making cold calls, or throwing bundles of insulation from a train car.
After raising their children, Ken had the opportunity to serve as a member of a bishopric in a single adult ward at BYU. Ken and Janice also enjoyed serving as temple workers at the Mount Timpanogos Temple before returning to North Carolina in 2007, where they were called to serve as church service missionaries.
While preparing to serve yet another mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2008, Ken was diagnosed with cancer. This began a long and sometimes difficult journey of health issues that would eventually take his life. Although there were many challenges, Ken faced them with determination, courage, vision, hope, and a sense of humor. While in remission, he and Janice built their fifth and current home in Lehi, Utah. Throughout his life and particularly during this challenge, Ken was strengthened by his testimony of the Savior and by his love of the gospel and felt the desire to share this testimony with all he came in contact with.
Ken developed many talents that enriched his life and the lives of others. As a young boy, he learned to yodel behind the barn. Later in life he enjoyed yodeling for an audience or in the car on long road trips. Ken also claimed he could play the harmonica - he actually could calm a fussy baby with confident ease. Ken was known for his insight into the needs of others and he acted on those promptings to serve whether it was convenient or not. Ken lived and taught obedience as the first law of the gospel. With a hammer in hand and a love of God in his heart he went to work patching roofs, laying cement, tiling floors, finishing basements, and plumbing – all in one day! Our dad loved to work and could build and fix just about anything, even without duct tape! Ken had tools for every trade to build homes and the kingdom of God.
Most recently, Ken found great joy and love from serving in the capacity of primary teacher. Often Ken would attend class and was amazed at the teaching he received from the hearts of the students. Each member of the class buoyed him up through singing, visits, written testimonies, and hugs. Ken also drew great strength from the many family members and friends who came to visit and show their love for him. Just as Ken strived to build others throughout his life, these visits of loved ones, in return, strengthened and sustained Ken at the end of his life.
There will be a viewing Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 at the Spring Creek 1st ward meeting house located at 651 East 1630 South in Lehi, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 23rd at 11:00 with a viewing one hour prior to services at the same location.
A interment will follow at the Lehi City Cemetery at 1525 North 600 East Street.
Ken requested that in lieu of flowers your love be expressed by donating to a family missionary fund by visiting any Zion’s bank and requesting to contribute to the “Ken Scott Donation” account set up there.
Please accept our sincere gratitude for the love and support you have given, in any form.
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