Christopher G. Scott ’78 died on January 11, 2018, in Canton, Ohio.
(The following appeared online at kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com in January 2018:)
Christopher Goodson Scott, age 61, of Canton, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 11, 2018, after complications from a head injury due to a fall.
Chris was born August 12, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the first of two children to Donald C. and Virginia “Ginger” (nee Goodson) Scott. He moved from New York to Highland Park after eighth grade with his younger sister, Jennifer. Chris graduated from Highland Park High School in 1974. Chris was a football and baseball teammate, accomplished musician, metallurgist, material scientist, animal lover, and most importantly, a lifelong friend and family man who would do anything to help others. Chris remained close to many HPHS friends throughout his life, and often travelled back to HP from his home in Canton, Ohio. His untimely death will leave a hole in the hearts of many. He is survived by his wife Juanita (nee Ferbish) and daughters Kristen and Caitlin.
After completing his advanced education, Chris was honored as an industrial scholar at The Department of Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Metallurgy. He then worked at Lubrizol Corp. in Wickliffe, Ohio, for more than twenty-two years. Chris was committed to education and scientific research all while mentoring many students. He was active in several organizations throughout his life including, but not limited to American Society of Metals, Stark State Upward Bound Math & Science program, Kiwanis of Canton Ohio, and Techcon.
Chris and Juanita began attending The Word of God Community Church in Canton shortly after moving to Ohio. Then, in 1988, Chris was diagnosed with his first brain tumor. Faced with such a serious condition, he responded to the call of the Holy Spirit and gave his life to Christ. The tumor was treated with radiation and disappeared completely, to the astonishment of his doctors. Chris had always wondered what a miracle was, and now he knew!
Chris became a devoted member of his church, serving as head deacon for more than twenty years. He ministered in many capacities, including offering ministry, cleaning ministry, bible camp, adult Sunday school teacher, adult choir, altar workers ministry, drama ministry, and trustee board. He was always willing to offer his time, talents, and resources to the church and to anyone who needed assistance.
In 2009, Chris developed a second brain tumor. His faith had grown tremendously since his first illness, and Chris faced brain surgery with confidence that the Lord would bring him through. He had two surgeries to remove the tumor, and within months was fully recovered. Unfortunately, Lubrizol began to downsize and Chris was laid off. With his love of education and desire to give back to the community, he used this as an opportunity to develop homeschool science curriculums, an after school science program for the Canton City Schools’ STEAM Academy, and hands-on science projects for the annual Kiwanis Fundraiser. No matter what the challenges in his life, Chris never stopped ministering.
In 2016, doctors discovered a third and fourth brain tumor. Treatment was much more complicated and the prognosis was less sure, but Chris’s faith never wavered. He said that he had been blessed with thirty years following the first brain tumor, and he was prepared for whatever God decided to do. He underwent surgery once more, and as soon as he was recovered enough to talk, he began giving his testimony to anyone who would listen—doctors, nurses, other patients—anyone! He spent a difficult year recovering, with many setbacks, but he repeatedly stated that it’s all in God’s hands and that he trusted the Lord completely.