Jerrold Scott Oliver Jr.

November 5, 1951 – November 15, 2024

Scott passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, in Whittier, California, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on November 5, 1951, in Whittier, California, where his story began as the son of Beverly and Jerrold S.Oliver, Sr. From his earliest days, Scott carried an infectious joy and a knack for making lifelong connections—a gift he shared with everyone he met.

He was a devoted father to Jeff and Katie, always making us feel like the center of his world. Dad lived his life making sacrifices and shaping big decisions to ensure we always knew we were loved and his top priority. Even as adults, the happiness and security of our little family remained his mission. He never wavered in his loving commitment to us.

He was endlessly proud of Jeff, with his genius for all things mechanical and his deep dedication to his wife, Kristyl, whom Scott loved like one of his own. Katie followed in his footsteps into the business world, and he relished coaching her as she grew professionally. He also loved Katie’s husband, Brent, finding great joy in cheering on UW Husky football alongside him. But perhaps his greatest delight came from his six grandchildren: Jaxson, Ari, Logan, August, Kara, and Rose. Grandpa~Papa, adored each of you with all his heart. He’d want you to carry that love with you for the rest of your lives.

Scott built our family with his high-school sweetheart, Nancy. Though their marriage ended when the kids were young, they worked hard to prioritize our happiness and, over time, developed a warm friendship that lasted until Nancy’s death in 2005.

Scott’s pride in his own family was evident. His mother, Beverly, inspired him with her independence, adventurous spirit, and steadfast love for her grandchildren. His brother, Tom, was a favorite golf buddy (even if Tom won most of the time!). Scott cherished Tom and his wife, Cheryl, and relished watching them adopt “grandparent” roles for Katie’s children in Seattle.

In truth, Dad belonged to so many people. Relationships were both his priority and his joy. If this letter were being written by his lifelong friends, you’d hear tales of a wickedly funny, deeply loyal, and occasionally wild companion. Stories would abound of “Scotty,” the avid fisherman, hunter, softball player, dancing-on-the-table partier, foodie, VW Bug racer, body surfer, Eric Clapton fan, and “borderline acceptable” golfer.

Scott rarely met a stranger. His joyful greetings and warm smile lit up every room he entered. Give him 10 minutes with anyone, and you’d likely find a friend for life.

Scott built a dynamic career in finance and operations, first as a CPA for a major accounting firm, before moving into the private sector to hold leadership roles at Weatherby Rifles, Fresh Start Bakeries, Campbell’s Soup, 3D Labs, and Naked Juice. In “retirement,” he turned to consulting, working with variety of food and beverage companies. Of all his achievements, his favorite was developing teams and mentoring people—he was one hell of a coach!

Scott’s work often took him around the world, and he embraced every adventure with enthusiasm. His travels through Europe and Asia sparked a love for cultural traditions, new cuisines, and the people he met—many of whom became lifelong friends (are you seeing the theme yet?). He made it a priority to—at minimum—learn how to greet, thank, and order a beer in each and every country he visited.

His time in Sweden was especially meaningful; it’s where he met his second wife, Cathy, and developed a deep love for her three children—Sebastian, Jonathan, and Amanda. Though their paths eventually diverged, the Swedish influence on our holiday celebrations lives on, and his once-fluent Swedish remains an endearing memory.

Scott’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and boundless connection. He taught us that relationships are life’s greatest treasure, that a warm smile and a kind word can open doors to lifelong friendships, and that joy can be found in the simplest moments—whether it’s a fish on the line, a beer with a friend, a grandchild’s giggle, or a round of golf with a brother who always seems to win. His life was a masterclass in generosity, grace, and love lived out. While we’ll miss him more than words can express, we carry his lessons, his love, and his spirit with us every day. Dad, you were a miracle to us all, and we are forever better for having been yours.