I have known about it for a few hours and had been waiting for an announcement here. We hosted HoDeDo Andy and his family at our house tonight and I am just now able to sit down and think about what I want to say.
It is no secret that Scott and I had our moments. Scott was one of the first people here to welcome me to the site when I joined. He invited me to his home when I got my BSKD and together, we built my baffle for it. The man was intensely detailed in his craftsmanship. I recall thinking that surely we could get this done quicker. But as I know now, that just wasn't Scott's style. Scott and Jean came to our house once and ate ribs with us when I was trying to convince him I would be a worthy BBQ teammate. At that time, I'm not sure he agreed. We originally were going to team up to compete in BBQ but that wasn't to be. Scott had an open invitation to cook with me at any contest I was in. I told him this on several occasions, regardless of our situations. Just last Thursday, I PMed Scott asking him if he wanted a ride to the Bash if he was planning to go. He responded that he appreciated the offer but his health still was not going to allow him to do any travel like that. I told him that if he needed any help with anything to let me know.
When Phil called me this morning, I was and remain tonight in total shock over this. It all seems so unfair. Why do things like this happen? I suppose when it's our time, it is our time... for all of us. I just pray that Scott's departure for Heaven was quick and without suffering.
I know Scott was a good man and loved his family dearly. My prayers will be with them now. For them, it is a loss that will never be forgotten.
For the Brethren, a voice and a friend that will never be forgotten.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love."
-- Washington Irving