Elder Richard G. Scott touched the lives of many as he reached out to everyone and invited them to partake of the joy of the gospel. Many of those influenced by his life came together at his funeral to remember and cherish the life, memories, and lessons of Elder Scott.
Funeral services for Elder Scott of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve were held Monday, Sept. 28 in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle on Temple Square. People from all over came to pay their respects and listen to the touching remembrances made about his life.
President Henry B. Erying conducted the services. Elder Scott’s son, Michael W. Scott, was the first speaker, followed by Elder D. Todd Christofferson and President Russell M. Nelson. President Thomas S. Monson gave the concluding remarks. Each of these men shared stories of Elder Scott’s kindness in teaching others, love for his wife and faith in Jesus Christ.
Michael Scott began his remarks by quoting Abraham 3:22, which says: “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones.”
Elder Scott is one of these noble and great ones and was chosen before this life, Michael Scott said.
“He had a true apostolic witness of Christ as the resurrected Savior,” Michael said.
Elder Scott reached out to and rescued others because he was the one being reached out to and rescued at a young age, Michael Scott said. “Instead of bitterness, he had hope,” he said of his father. “Instead of doubt, he had faith in Jesus Christ.”
Michael Scott shared a story about his father’s love for water and swimming to let others catch a glimpse of his personality and love for life. Elder Scott was once on a trip to New Zealand with with other church General Authorities and they stopped to admire a beautiful river. As the other brethren returned to the car, Elder Scott instead jumped into the river in his suit and tie.
Elder Scott was called to preside over the Argentina North Mission in Cordoba, Argentina at the age of 37. Elder Christofferson was one of the missionaries who served with him.
Elder Christofferson spoke on behalf of the missionaries who served with Elder Scott. “(Elder Scott) asked us to work hard,” Elder Christofferson said, adding that none of the missionaries could outwork their mission president.
He said Elder Scott was his best as he taught about the love and Atonement of Jesus Christ and how he invited all to be obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to find peace, joy and happiness.
Elder Christofferson shared a story from his mission when he and his companion were driving with Elder Scott. Elder Scott pulled off the main road and proceeded to a small winery. He told the missionaries to wait in the car and soon returned with what Elder Christofferson recalled looked like wine. He remembered how Elder Scott enjoyed the look of confusion on the young missionaries faces as he proclaimed that this winery had “the best grape juice ever made.”
When Elder Scott was called to be an apostle on October 6, 1988, he stated that “real power comes from the Lord.”
“Indeed his power came from the Lord,” Elder Christofferson said.
It was then President Nelson’s turn to speak of the memories shared between him and Elder Scott.
The two men were called in April of 1990 to go to Central America and dedicate the countries of El Salvador and Nicaragua during a time of civil unrest. They were able to dedicate El Salvador, but the trip to Nicaragua would require miracles, according to President Nelson. They were able to make it without any troubles but when they arrived at the park where they chose to dedicate the country, they found it was closed. Elder Scott persuaded the guard to let him and President Nelson enter so they could pray and they were able to dedicate Nicaragua.
“Elder Scott was tireless in his energy and engaging with people wherever we went,” President Nelson said. “His compassion is legendary.”
President Monson began by quoting a scripture that reminds him of Elder Scott in 1 Samuel 9:6 which reads “And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass.”
“We have an honorable man in our midst,” President Monson said of Elder Scott.
President Monson explained how Elder Scott went about doing good. He loved people, his family, and his Heavenly Father. Elder Scott taught lessons of courage, faith and devotion and he taught them in word and in deed, according to President Monson.
“(Elder Scott) was more than capable of handling any task that came his way,” President Monson said.
President Monson’s most cherished memory of Elder Scott was in the Scott home the day Elder Scott passed away.
“A feeling of peace permeated the home, untouched by harm,” President Monson said.
Elder Scott quoted the words of Paul on that special day in 2 Timothy 4:6-7, saying, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also offered a tribute to Elder Scott on the Senate floor. He described how Elder Scott was a sympathetic man who saw the potential of everyone to do more and be better than they currently were.
“Elder Scott’s gentle voice invited all who had lost their way, given up hope, or wandered far — to come home — home to the faith, family and community that would bring them real peace and lasting joy,” Lee said in his address.
Elder Scott was a loving man who loved the Savior and all of Heavenly Father’s children. He especially loved his wife, who passed away 20 years ago, and the loved ones left behind are grateful that the two are together once again and together for eternity.
