My Friend Scott, Rest In Peace Brother

May 23, 2009 in Personal with 37 Comments

scott-at-campThis blog is about technology, social media, marketing and all of that stuff, and I rarely write anything about my personal life here.  However, all of that is just that…stuff.  It’s my work, and although I’m deeply passionate about it, it isn’t my life.  My life is made up of friends and family, relationships, memories, common joys and sorrows and the hope of the future.

I woke up this morning to the incredibly devastating news that one of my best friends, Scott, had died last night in a plane crash.  He loved to fly and was an incredible pilot who was happiest at about 10,000 feet in his favorite little plane,  November Four Yankee Hotel.  Although I moved out of Oregon a couple of years ago and haven’t had much face time with him, I saw him just a week ago when he made a surprise visit and stood with me on Malibu beach.  We stood barefoot in the sand, laughed, talked and caught up.  That time will now be burned in my memory.

I do not personally know most of my readers, but just want to ask that if you are the praying type, please pray for his wife and children.

I’ve been staring at this video, watching :45 of Scott and I flying back from Northern Washington together, over gorgeous Mt. Adams nears Sunset, loving life and each other, if you have a Facebook account, click on the link below.

Scott & Matt Singley Flying Over Mt. Adams

UPDATE:  KATU, a Portland, OR TVstation, did a short story about Scott and interviewed me by phone after reading this post, you can see the 1:00 video here. 

Scott and I used to go to Mexico together to build homes for people that lived in cars, tents and boxes (I, along with others, called him “Skilly” because he was so skilled at so many things).  This :30 video shows him at his best…funny, happy, full of life and just glad to be helping others.  I miss you, Scott.

About Matt Singley: I run this joint. Always looking for feedback, and if there is something you want me to write about, just let me know! Thanks for stopping by.


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  • http://melindalgroth.blogspot.com/ Melinda

    Well written Matt. There are so many friends and family stunned by the tsunami of Scott’s death. He lived a life that was example-worthy.

  • http://brentinworship.com/blog brent(inWorship)

    Matt, I am so sorry about this. I heard about it this AM and cannot imagine the pain of Scott’s friends and family.

    I pray Holly and the kids will be overwhelmed with love and care right now.

    Know you have a friend in the Northwest that is here for whatever you need bro.

  • imajackson

    Matt, I am so sorry for your loss. I know I said that before, but I know this route like you do and I understand the process. I will pray for his widow and their children without their earthly father.

  • don.hofer

    Thanks for sharing this. I didn’t really know Scott, but I’ve sung with Holly and she and my wife are buds. I have been stunned today and am so sad for them. Thanks for sharing some of the joy of his life.

  • jeannette

    once an oregonian, always an oregonian. i have oregon men to be some of the nicest and most sensitive guys out there. My heart goes out to you,Matt as well as Scott’s wife and his children. My bestfriend died nearly 10 years ago and i still miss her. thank you for helping me to remember her today in the nicest way.

  • jeannette

    what no edit button. found. omitted the word found in the second line. sorry

  • Lance

    I just heard the news. Holly is my cousin and I am just shocked and saddened by the news of Scott’s death. My heart and prayers go out to the Resnick/Buskers family. He will truly be missed…

  • Louie Olivares

    Matt,

    Very well written…

    I will also carry memories of flying with Scott and driving in the Porshe he rebuilt. I am stunned! Evenia and I are praying for Holly and the kids. Take care.

  • Doug

    I’m Holly’s Uncle remembering the wedding. There are no words and now there is no time.

  • Mark

    I went to high school with Scott in The Dalles. He was skilled at many things. He was an active kid who was friendly to everyone. Rest In Peace Scott. I was not one of Scott’s close friends, but I knew him and thought that he was a nice guy.

  • http://pinkhairedgirl.net Crystal Renaud

    i am most definitely praying for you and all impacted by this tragic loss.

  • http://joniruhs.wordpress.com Joni Ruhs

    I can’t even find words. I am so sorry for your loss and definitely praying for all.

  • http://www.wordtraveler.org Dave Scriven

    I am so sad for Holly and the kids. God is good but this hurts.

  • http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

    Thanks for sharing this Matt.

  • Jo

    My thoughts and prayers are with Scott’s family. When I moved to Oregon and needed help with my plane, I was lucky to meet Scott. He was a genuine, kind person with a good heart, zest for life, and passion for flying. He was always willing to help me out, and now I see that was just a small part of the kindness and energy he devoted to helping others.

  • Pingback: The Show Must Go On « man.of.depravity

  • http://www.shapingthespace.net David

    Add me to the list of people around the world praying for all those affected by this tragedy. Thanks for sharing your memories Matt.

  • Tracy

    Scott and Holly and their children are such a wonderful example of “family”. My heart goes out to them during this incredible loss.

  • Ian

    Very sorry to hear about this. Sorry for your loss Matt.

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamccormick Rebecca McCormick

    You have honored Scott and his family with your words and your love. We share your sorrow, and pray for your comfort and the peace of all those affected by the tragedy.

  • http://www.familyadventureguidebooks.com Bridget Smith

    I will be praying for Scott and his family tonight!

  • mike chandler

    scott was a good friend. i spent several days over the years skateboarding the parks with him. he took me up flying one evening in Portland and we had a blast. He was an expert with planes. Last time I visited the hangar he had a plane torn apart and told me mountains of information about it. His last child was assisted by my wife in the hospital who is the labor nurse. we had some fun times with each family get together. i miss scott. he was the most Christ like man I ever known. it’s hard to think about his loss. I’m saddened and in shock. i know God’s plan for us and I know Scott is in the best place possible looking after his family. this mortal mind of mine still feels hurt and will for some time to come. Rest in Peace my friend.

  • Greg Remsburg

    Matt,
    I knew Scott since we were in the third grade at PC. I lost contact with him
    over the last decade or so but I knew his heart. It was a heart that wanted to serve Christ and those around him.
    Over the last few days I have shed many tears, mainly over the four little miracles that lost their daddy. I don’t know why God called Scott home,but
    maybe it was for guys like me and you.
    I know that for me, God has given me wake up calls throughout my life when I least expected them. I am going through the reflection process right now to see what God wants me to see. I ask that my eyes are open to see His plan.
    I don’t know why God would take a great man from us like He did, by I know that if my eyes are clear He will show me……. And you!
    May we all allow Him to work His plan!

  • Daniel Watkins

    I’ll miss Skilly. He was so skilled he even danced to the beat of Cascada. :) Scott was a great guy, my prayers go out to his family.

  • Jeannine

    Matt, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your dear friend, your brother in arms. My prayers and thoughts go out to Scott’s family.

  • http://www.rockandrollmama.com Lindsay

    Matt, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, and a man who was such a gift to the world. I’ll be thinking of his wife and family, and thank you for sharing his life with us.

  • http://badassdad05.blogspot.com badassdad05

    Very sorry for your loss, Matt. Scott’s family will be in my thoughts.

  • Max Resnick

    I’m Scott’s nephew Max. This has been a rough experience for all of us. I think it’s wonderful that you found some video of him. Thank you Mr. Singley.

  • Jake Gantzer

    I met Scott through my father Don Gantzer at Sunset Presbyterian Church I’ve flown with Scott before, to a mens retreat. I wonder what series of events caused this to happen. I believe every thing happens according to Gods will. I agree with the things Greg Remsburg said, yet I’m just having a hard time seeing the good in this situation. I just keep thinking “Scott is dead what do you mean he’s dead?” Being an Aviation student myself I feel this hits really close to home. He was a young guy and has a family, why would this happen? Well Matt I can assure you that my family and I will be praying.

  • Lyndsey Resnick

    Thanks for the kind words about Scott. My husband, John Resnick, and I are still reeling from the loss of our dear brother. He led an exemplary life of service in the glow of God’s love. While I understand the need to ask, “Why?” I encourage those feeling the loss to ask, “What now?”

    I am so thankful for the time I was given to enjoy Scott. He was a part of every important event in my life from the time I met his brother at 16 to last Friday night. We can honor his life by loving and supporting his family. We can keep his memory alive for his children. We can be beacons of love to those around us.

    Tragedies make no sense–it’s what we do after that counts. God’s love is still real. He can still comfort us and help us comfort others.

    May God bless all of you, Lyndsey Resnick

  • http://faleafine.com NEENZ

    Sending everyone thoughts of hope and peace.

  • Daphne Kelly

    Revelation 21:4 (King James Version)

    4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

    I went to high school with scott and this is absolutely heartbreaking. God bless his family and I am the praying type : )

  • Jennifer (Stowe) Sebolka

    Thank-You, Greg (Remsburg) for what you said. I pray that God will continue to use Scott to touch many lives.
    Scott & I were good friends in grade school at Portland Christian. I got married 17 years ago & moved to California & then Michigan. I haven’t seen him for many years, but can’t seem to stop the tears from falling & the heartache that I’m feeling right now (I just found out today). You know someone must be really special if they can still have an impact on you (me) so many years later. I just wish I could have stayed or gotten back in touch with him & met his wife & kids. But we will see him again someday in Heaven. I can’t even imagine what Holly, their children, friends & family must be feeling. My heart aches for you & will keep you in my prayers always. Even though I have never met Holly or their kids, please know that I love you!

  • Rob D

    Scott was dear friend of mine for over 20 years. I first met him through church and I’ve watched him grow into a man that I greatly admired for his integrity and sincere true friendship. Scott had been on my heart for a couple of weeks before he died and I kept intending on calling him to try to get together but my schedule kept getting in the way. I’ve never regretted not doing something so much in my life as not making the time and following my heart to pursue some time with him. I heart breaks for Holly, his 4 wonderful kids, his Dad and Mom and all of the rest who loved Scott and were so greatly touched by his life. “You’ve entered into your rest buddy, Well done good and faithful servant…”

  • http://weblogs.asp.net/jgalloway Jon Galloway

    Matt, really sorry for your loss and all those who had the pleasure have known Scott. I never met Scott, but have been really touched by everything I’ve read about him and his family. I’m crying (I’m such a softie) and praying with you.

  • http://www.julieraycreative.com Julie Ray

    I just found your site after following you on Twitter and came across this sad story. I am so sorry.

  • http://www.numbnuggets.com Chris

    Matt,

    Wow…I just found this post and even thought I don’t know you, my heart goes out to you and Scott’s family.

    I, too, lost a close friend recently: http://www.numbnuggets.com/2008/12/lost-good-friend.html, but especially http://www.lostechies.com/blogs/jason_meridth/archive/2008/12/10/in-memory-of-nelson-montalvo.aspx.

    This isn’t about my loss, but about yours and letting you know there’s someone else out here that knows how hard it must be right now.

    Know that you and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.