Monday, April 19, 2010

Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott (1911-2010)


Fred Scott at age 98 was the last remaining member of his generation of Scotts - the 4th generation of a Scottish family from Forfar to live in Nova Scotia. Currently the family includes individuals who comprise the 5th to 10th generation across North America. As the last surviving member of a prior generation Fred Scott was an important link to the early years of settlement of the family in Nova Scotia, and is much missed by his family.

Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott
Passed away in: Ste. Croix, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed away on: 17/04/2010

The memorial for Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott of Ste. Croix, Hants Co., Nova Scotia, as published by the Hants Journal on April 29th, 2010 is now available through the In Memoriam website.

Scott, Frederick Charles Gillmore - 98 of Ste. Croix, passed away on April 17, 2010. He served as an elected member of Hants Municipal Council for 15 years and ran provincially for the CCF. Committed to the principles of democratic socialism, he was a dedicated volunteer within the co-op and credit union movement and a founding member of the NDP. Ordained an elder in the United Church of Canada 72 years ago, he was an active member until his death.

After attending Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro he returned to Ste. Croix in 1934 to become the 4th generation to operate Elm Farm. A successful dairy farmer, in retirement he maintained his woodlot, a commercial rhubarb patch, and a beef herd for many years. He was an active gardener until his death.

Fred loved to walk, and for many people in Hants Co. he was known as 'the man who walks along the side of the road with a dog.'

He was able to lace on skates well into his 80's whenever ice formed on the lake at the family farm; as a younger man he played hockey with the Ste. Croix Aces and the Hants County Farmers in the Windsor District League. An avid reader he had a great interest in political history and public affairs. He enjoyed for many years singing bass with the Newport Men’s Choir.

Cherished by every member of his family, he is survived by sons Albert and John; grandson Robie; nieces and nephew Ruth Scott, Lillian Salmon (Winston), Ian Scott (Daphne); grand-nieces and nephews Tim Baxter; Denise, Susan and Karen Salmon; Rob, Andrew and Suzanne Scott. He was predeceased by his wife Leola Dexter Scott and son David; and his brother John (Jack) and sister-in-law Jean Scott.

Fred’s wish was to help advance medical education and scientific research and to that purpose he made provisions that his body would be donated to the medical school at Dalhousie University. His remains will be interred at a later date. His memorial service was held at Ste. Croix United Church on Saturday April 24, at 2 pm with reception that followed in the church hall.

Fred was a man who showed his appreciation and great affection for all those around him; he was highly regarded by those he met and when in hospitals had great regard for all staff, which was quickly reciprocated. Within the family circle he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great uncle to his nephews and nieces.

Dedicated to the pastoral charge, he had special affection for the Ste. Croix church which was build on Scott land which his grandparents donated to the congregation. Fred and his father served as elders for over one century. Raised in the tradition of the Social Gospel where actions speak louder than words, he came by his concern for others, and the need to improve society, honestly; his namesake ancestor, Rev. George Gillmore of Ardoise was a pioneer Presbyterian minister in the district and his brother Rev. Jack Scott, served as a minister in Hants County as well as in four other provinces.

Fred was the son of Lillian Harvey and John Albert Scott; his father’s words written as a birthday greeting in 1929 still resound today.

“May your course through life be full of joy to yourself and others and when your own star shall set at life's close, may it set as the Morning Star that goeth not down behind the darkened West but melts away into the brightness of Heaven.
Lovingly,
Dad”