Born Aug. 2, 1924, his given name was Jack Dana and for some reason he disliked both. So to all, he was known as Scott. It was a family name that had been passed through previous and since Pinkerton generations. He was born and raised in southern California when citrus trees flourished and the Red Line ran to the edge of the city. There he did what all kids his age did. He made a scooter out of a skate, a 2x4, and an orange crate. Then he rode it down Lake Avenue. He went to school and learned how to stick spit wads to the ceiling using a ruler and the edge of his desk. He was a Boy Scout, and Zane Grey was his scoutmaster.

Once he graduated from high school and Pasadena City College he was ready for the world. More specifically, in fairly short order he enlisted in the US Army to become one of the thousands of frontline infantry soldiers that walked across Europe in World War II. Wounded and decorated for bravery in a battle he never talked about, he did more than his part for this country.

Scott worked for 20 years at the Mariposa County Road Department and when he came home each night he helped raise the family. During this time he was a Little League coach, a Boy Scout leader, a VFW officer, and a volunteer fire fighter.

Scott was an IOOF member for over 50 years serving in numerous functions including Noble Grand. In addition, he was proud to be a member of the Mariposa County Fair Board and then just as proudly served as the secretary and manager of the fairgrounds for three years. He constantly stated how important a sense of community was and he sincerely felt the county fair each Labor Day Weekend was one opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.

In later years Scott became obsessed with early Mariposa history. In 1988, he was instrumental in the Mariposa County Courthouse restoration. He also served for a number of years on the board as well as an officer of the Mariposa Historical Society. Because he could fix or build anything, his fingerprints are all over the History Center and grounds.

In addition, he became an author and publisher of books speaking to the early history of Mariposa County. First edition copies are still available for those interested.

He always gave of himself to those around; whether it was cutting firewood for friends and relatives, building structures for the community, giving numerous history talks to local and visiting groups, fixing just about anything broken in the house, or being involved in discussions and decisions affecting the community. He consistently went about the task at hand in a quiet, straightforward, and at times humorous manner.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly; a son, Alan and his wife Kim; a daughter, Pam and her husband Jeff; a son, Craig and his wife Sheri; and a brother, George and his wife Harriet. In addition he is survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be conducted at the Mariposa United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. The church is located at 4991 Sixth Street in Mariposa. A meal will immediately follow the services.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Mariposa Historical Society, Mariposa United Methodist Church, or a charity of choice.