Scott Van Buskirk of Friday Harbor, passed away May 14, 2018, after a fighting a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was a true warrior until the end. He lived quietly, but authentically, and his loss is felt tremendously by his family and loved ones.
Scott was born on May 9, 1951, in Berwyn Illinios, to Raymond Van Buskirk and Iliane Mayden Van Buskirk. When he was 2, the family moved to Moraga, California where he grew up. After attending University of California Santa Barbara, he received his Executive MBA at St. Mary’s University in Moraga. Scott’s career of 30-plus years was primarily as a consultant to entrepreneurial companies, especially those in the medical device and tech fields. Scott never wanted to work for a company that already made money, but instead enjoyed the challenge of getting them off the ground, and watching dreams turn into success.
To his only son Schuyler Van Buskirk, he was an active father. He became involved as both boy scout leader and baseball coach for several years. No matter what the commute, he always drove Schuyler to school and picked him up at the end of the day. Scott and Carolyn “Ty” Worley, Schuyler’s mother, divorced but Scott always remained on good terms with not only Carolyn but her family as well.
Scott was creative, loved classic rock music and frequently played his guitar. Over the course of his life, he remodeled three houses on his own. These projects brought out his sense of vision and design, as well as his technical and mathematical side. He was happiest cutting tile for various home projects, working with his hands.
He married Ann Van Buskirk, his best friend and soul mate on October 18, 1997, and together they shared a passion for travel. Scott, Ann and Schuyler ventured to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, during one adventure, but they also visited Switzerland, eastern Europe, Tuscany, Great Britain and Machu Picchu.
Countless rescue animals found a home in Scott and Ann’s household. His love for animals also inspired him to become involved in Wolf Hollow, where he served on the board and as a volunteer. Soon after moving to Friday Harbor he enrolled in The Whale Museum’s Naturalist training to learn more about his beloved San Juan Islands.
He is survived by his wife, Ann and son Schuyler of Friday Harbor, and brother-in-law Lorenz Schwarz, of Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, he is survived by many cousins and extended family.
Scott is at rest in the Salish Sea. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 p.m., June 2 at his residence, 194 Carter Beach Road. In lieu of flowers, Scott asked that donations go toward Wolf Hollow or Soroptimist of Friday Harbor.
