Brian Scott

There is no easy way to say good-bye,

no wrong way to grieve, 

in Jesus we find reprieve,

for with him we know our loved fly high.

I wish to Remember and Honor a friend, and fighter by sharing a part of his life as outlined by those closest to him at his death. Brian we love you, will miss you, will see you again. Till then we will pray and watch out for your family here as I'm sure your doing there.
Obituary

     Brian Christopher Scott, 20, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2014, following a valiant battle with leukemia. His ready smile, kindness, and mighty love of life will be greatly missed.
     Brian was born on September 15, 1993 in St. George, Utah to Randy and Jane Scott, joining 5 brothers and a sister. Raised in the southern Utah oasis of Toquerville, he thrived surrounded by his family, wonderful neighbors, and friends.
     Brian was an Eagle Scout. He loved sports as a young boy playing baseball, soccer and wrestling and later playing football. Bicycling, 4-wheeling in the desert, the beach, camping, water sports, deep diving, fishing, throwing pottery, spending time at his grandfather's ranch, snow-boarding, shooting, and camping were all activities he enjoyed. He had a love and talent for music, starting with sax, then the drums and to the delight of those with a listening ear, developing his skills on the guitar during the past few years. His favorite pastime was being with his family and spending time with his friends whom he loved like brothers.
     Brian was a true champion in all that he did. He was on the high school track, soccer, wrestling and football teams. He was a member of the HHS State Champion Track Team, earning a state discus title his junior year. When he graduated from Hurricane High School in 2012 he had earned a 4.0 GPA his senior year, helped his football team conquer the state title, was named the Utah State 3A Football MVP of the year, earned a third state wrestling championship and State Tournament Outstanding Wrestler Award. He completed his high school career by signing a full-ride scholarship to play football for Southern Utah University. Following graduation, Brian received a full-time mission call to Uruguay and went through the LDS Temple.
     Perhaps Brian's greatest accomplishment was his ability to stay humble and kind no matter what he accomplished; courageous and determined no matter what challenges he faced. Athletic, smart, and full of faith, he loved life, loved others, and loved the Savior. Towards the end of his struggle with cancer, Brian said, "I'm not afraid to die. I know who's up there. I just want to live."
     Brian fought to live as long as he possibly could. He was able to enjoy the holidays at home in Southern Utah and to say goodbye to all his family and friends. He died peacefully at home with his parents by his side.
     Brian is survived by his parents, Randy and Jane Scott; silbings: Robert (Sheri) Scott, Tim (Annie) Scott, Matt (Melissa) Scott, Charlotte (Trujillo) Amy, Kenny (Lindy) Scott, and Dennis Scott; grandparents: Laurel Halls, Barbara Cavanaugh, Robert and Peggy Ferrara; his nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
     The Scott family would like to express their deepest thanks and appreciation to the entire community of southern Utah for their support, prayers, and love. Each of you have truly been a blessing throughout Brian's life; particularly through the past fifteen months while he has fought for life. Until we meet him again, we will all remember Brian's amazing life and miss him very much.
     Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the LaVerkin LDS Stake Center located at 481 North Main Street, with alternate broadcast locations at the LaVerkin and Toquerville Chapels.


Funeral Proceedings and Summery of Life Sketch

"Brian's 8 Life Lessons" from Tim, Brian's brother

A Tiger Poem for Brian, by Trujillo Amy, brother-in-law

A sunny day in his youth,

a tiger was locked in a cage.

He kept pacing about with determination

looking for a way out;

even though there was none.

There is something unique

about the heart of a champion:

A quiet strength, a resolve,

a state of mind;

something about his approach to everything;

doing the right thing.

Winning is the only option.

Brian is that tiger.

Brian is that champion.

His determined pace.

His heart.

His approach to everything.

He is a champion.

He is a tiger.

Cancer caged his body,

but it never conquered his soul.

Brian's spirit is not locked up.

He is free forever.

A tiger.

A champion.

A warrior.

A missionary.

Cheering us on.

Brian will enjoy a sunny day in his youth forever.

Mothers Memories from Brian’s Blog  created for all of his friends, family, fans, and community members who were cheering him on in his fight against Acute Myelogenous Leukemia since his diagnosis October 2nd 2012.
 Into: Many people know Brian due to his leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding athletic achievements including three state championships in wrestling, a state football championship, state discus champion 2011 and varsity track and soccer teams. The day they found out he was taken to Salt Lake City for intensive inpatient care. He has been receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other treatments with 80 % chance of recovery for early detection. In spite of earlier optimism. On January 14, 2014, Brian passed away after a 14 1/2 month battle.  He was in remission following the first series of chemotherapy treatments for only 3 months.  He sought alternative treatments in Colorado Springs, Atlanta and Denver. It did not respond. Brian returned home to Southern Utah friends and family on December 12, 2013. Leukemia took his mortal life, but it can't touch his spirit.

Update: Losing Brian was tough. Oh, how we miss him! But how thankful we are to know that he is released from all he had to endure, and is in a much happier state. I have to say, it was a learning experience. I learned how kind and wonderful so many, many people are. I learned how much stronger Brian was in character than I ever knew before, seeing him endure so much. He did some funny stuff from time to time, that lightened the moments. He liked to tease and would fake a startle to the nurses from time to time when they stuck a thermometer in his ear, or things like that. Sometimes he grew impatient, because he wasn't one who liked to wait around. After one round of chemo in Salt Lake, Brian was tired of waiting for all the paperwork and this and that before they would let us go home. I was waiting at the nurses desk and finally Brian said he was going... and he walked out! The nurses' eyes popped out and jaws dropped. "Where is he going?" "He's gone...to the car. No point in stopping him." Later, while waiting in line at the hospital pharmacy, I got a call from Brian. "Moma, what level did you park the car on?"

In Denver, the CT scan transport and Pre-OP people showed up at his door both wanting to take him at the same time. I really wanted him to get the CT first. We talked, and they talked and I thought and time was wasting. Brian popped out of bed, grabbed his IV pole and walked to the service elevator and proceeded to walk to CT. I quickly followed and so did transport. Don't you want a wheelchair? No. He walked all the way to CT. His nurse waited with me outside the door. Then, when that was done, he walked to Pre-OP. The nurse there was so flustered, she didn't know what to do. He was still in his t-shirt and gym shorts! When the CT results arrived to the Pre-OP confirming he needed to have the right lobe of his lung removed, I got emotional. He stayed calm, assuring me that it would be all right. And he went through it, patiently, making friends with the surgical team along the way.

When we got back to St. George, he was not in the best shape. In time he actually got better for a while, and even got to do a little walking in the halls again. He insisted on taking the IV pole in one hand and dragging the oxygen tank in the other, himself. The day he finally got to go home, tired of waiting on paperwork and whatever, he did it again. He walked out of the hospital...all the way, clear out across the parking lot to the truck. He insisted. It wouldn't be so unusual, if he hadn't been in such bad shape. What a joy it was when we got home to see him poking around the kitchen looking for food. Like the old days. One day he put his arm around my shoulders and had me walk with him into the kitchen...just to check the cupboard and the fridge! Sweet memories.

This has been a long, hard journey, mostly for Brian, but I was blessed to make it with him and even though there were tough times, I am thankful I could spend it with him. Coming home to St. George was the most amazing experience. The love coming from so many friends and family was just amazing. We were so glad to be home. Our family shared an experience that we will never forget. I thought we were close, but now we are that much closer.We will be together with Brian again, and we know that he is doing well now.