Scott Thomas Lister passed away on July 1, 2022. He was born in Moose Jaw on April 21, 1948, to parents Albert and Phyllis Lister. As a result of a lack of oxygen at birth, Scott was born with a severe intellectual disability, and has never been able to speak. His parents spent much time and a great deal of resources trying to find a way to help their young son. This included a lengthy stay at the Spears Clinic in Denver, Colorado. Sadly, nothing worked. Regardless, Scott was a happy and very rambunctious little boy who was loved by all. He had his own special ‘skip’ in his walk. He also was never without his nesting ‘barrels’, so they had to be replaced from time to time. Scotty would undo the new ones from the largest to the smallest, until he got to the little, tiny man in the smallest one. The little man would promptly be tossed aside, and the barrels put back together again. Then he would multitask, doing his special walk all the while twisting his wrists, with the barrels in his hands. He was in motion all the time, even developing his own ‘pirouette’! As he got older, Scott loved spending time at the family cabin. He lived from morning to night on the bench swing, reaching over to a nearby tree to get the momentum going. The comforting motion of the swing served as an outlet for his boundless energy. It also kept him entertained, as he had a great view of the lake. He loved boat rides. When he was older, it would take a lot of reassurance and coaxing to get him into the boat. But a nice gentle ride and a cold beer later, and you couldn’t get him out! In the winter, he loved riding on the skidoo. On one occasion his dad couldn't figure out why he didn't have much power while going up a hill. That is until a home movie showed Scott dragging his boots in the deep snow! Scott's dad decided that if Scott enjoyed it so much, perhaps the other residents of Valleyview would too. So, he donated a brand-new skidoo to Valleyview centre so that all the residents could enjoy rides too. The feedback was that it was a huge hit and had to be booked well in advance! As he grew, so did the behaviors. So, with much heartache, Scott was placed in Moose Jaw’s brand-new Saskatchewan training School. However, the programs it offered at the time benefitted Scott greatly. As a young man, he even had a job. Every day he donned a mask, gloves, and a gown, and stuffed the cutlery envelopes for KFC. He was meticulous! He wasn’t happy unless they lined up perfectly on the ruler. He was also good at setting tables, folding napkins and took great interest in watching meals being prepared. Sadly, The Sunday visits home soon were lessened, as his parents were faced with new challenges they were ill equipped to handle. So, car rides became the new social outing. A big bag of caramel corn and pop were packed in the car. Downing his pop immediately, his hand would reach out from the back seat, wanting yours. No one ever had the heart to turn him down. Scott was very close to his dad, who would at times try to get Scott to perform little chores. He would demonstrate the task, then patiently say, "Scott do it" only to be met with resistance and an indignant ‘look’ as if to say, “you’re joking, right?”. Terrified of cats, or dogs, Scott would scream at the sight of them. Be assured, the animal would then be even more terrified of him! They learned to stay out of sight. After Valleyview was closed, Scott resided in a Christian Horizons group home with three other gentlemen. Thanks to the wonderful staff, he surprised us all with how well he adjusted, although being a senior didn’t stop him from giving the staff a run for their money! The family are grateful to the many caregivers over the years who treated Scott kindly, shared a chuckle with him, who responded when he reached out his hand for help and took the time to figure out what he needed or wanted. You, and anyone else who touched Scott’s life in a positive way are our heroes! Scott was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Kenny in 1950. He is survived by his brother Bob Lister; sisters Maxine Lister; Louise Rumford; Sandra Hamon and their extended families as well as several cousins who all cherished and loved him. There will be a private graveside service, where Scott will be buried in with his brother Kenny.
We take comfort in the future fulfillment of bible prophesy:
“…The tongue of speechless one will cry out in gladness” -Isaiah 35:5,6
In living memory of Scott, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries).
