WALTER ARCHIBALD SCOTT

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WALTER ARCHIBALD SCOTT Walter Archibald Scott, known to many of us as Baldy, although he preferred his name Walter, was born June 21, 1906, the youngest son of Walter Scott and Victoria Burns. He was also the grandson of Chief Keeseekoowenin of the Indian Reserve of the same name. Walter was born in a smallholding on the edge of the Keeseekoowenin Reserve. Walter came into a family of two sisters born some 15 years before him. His father was manager of the Riding Mountain Ranch and his mother was in charge of housekeeping. Walter Scott had a very interesting life and career. He was a messenger boy in his early childhood and at age 12 years he was riding horses and leading a packhorse at Gang Ranch in British Columbia. He delivered mail and parcels from mail order stores to other ranches in the area and to other destinations. Before the depression he worked at El Slolyo Ranch in California where he met his future wife Mayme Lee Jones born January 27, 1912, in Maysville, Oklahoma. In 1933 Walter and Mayme Lee married and came back to Canada and cared for his family in Elphinstone. He held various jobs such as truck driver and as a Dominion Land surveyor until he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery in 1941 (the 15th Field Regiment) and became a sergeant. After the war he got his discharge only to be called back a year later with the Permanent Forces and retired in 1957. In 1957 he started a long career with Manitoba Hydro and retired in 1972. He also taught automotive mechanics for five years in Brandon. At 66, he went back to his traditional avocation of trapping. He also continued to play and coach hockey until he was 80 years old. He was a boxer in his early years and an avid bowler in his golden years. He was a community volunteer and leader in many organizations, and was a Councillor for Rapid City for eight years. Mayme Lee Scott passed away September 2001 at age 89 in Minnedosa, MB. He then wrote a book Our People of Riding Mountain House in 2002 which depicted his people of Riding Mountain. He gained wisdom and acted as Elder's advisor to many including Keeseekoowenin First Nation. Walter Scott will be remembered as an intelligent, wise and outstanding individual who accomplished and achieved many milestones. He was a dear friend and mentor to those who knew him. Most importantly, he was an exquisite caregiver and a family man who loved his family. He leaves two daughters, Susan (Art) Merasty and Nancy Scott (Tony); granddaughters, Lisa (Louis) and Renee (Joe); grandsons, Ryan (Jennifer) and Karl (Kim); seven great-grandchildren, Shaquille, Julian, Hannah, Lee, Jack, Maxwell, Matthew and Radek; nephew Assie Lauder; as well as extended family. The ceremony to celebrate Walter's life will be held at the Rapid City United Church on Monday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Boyd Drake will officiate. Interment to be held at Rapid City Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined, if friends so wish, donations in memory of W, P.O. Box 960, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0, or to a charity of your choice. alter may be made to Minnedosa Health Centre Palliative CareExpressions of Sympathy may be forwarded to mchapel@mts.net Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, Minnedosa, 867-3868.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2005