Fountain Valley Loses Former Mayor After Battle With Cancer

Editor's Note: The following obituary was submitted by the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Written By: Keeli Scott Lisack, eldest Daughter of George Scott

George Berry Scott, longtime resident and beloved public figure in Fountain Valley, passed away on Tuesday, May 28th, from a brief, but valiant battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.

He leaves behind his devoted family and friends, including his wife Judy; children Keeli, Kelly, Kevin, Kory, Kameron and Kimberly; stepsons Derek and Doug; grandchildren Dustin, Devon, Kyler, Ryan, Conor, Serena, Parker, Steven and Nicholas; sisters Margie and Jolene, and brother Joe.

George was born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 23, 1932, moving to Phoenix, riding motorcycle sidecar, with his parents as an infant. He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona; attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School, and spent lots of time at the Boys Club in town. After High School he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951
where he served 4 years until 1955. He received a Purple Heart in the service when a bomb was dropped from a crane, onto his toe. Luckily, for us, it didn’t explode!

After the service, he was married to his first wife Marcella, and shortly thereafter, they moved to Ventura, California, where they began their family and he attended College, graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1960 with a Bachelors Degree in Education and continued on to earn his Masters
Degree in 1962.

He then moved south and began his teaching career with a position at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, Ca. He taught History and Science, and coached the Basketball and Water Polo teams. One day, while touring the young area of Orange County looking for a home, he came upon Fountain Valley, and decided to buy a home in the newly incorporated city, where he moved with his family in 1964. George became involved with the city almost immediately, becoming a charter member of the Parks and Recreation Commission when he went to City Hall to have his water turned on for his new home. Thereafter, he served on the Board of the FV Boys (and Girls) Club since its inception; becoming President in 1968. He also joined the FV Jaycees Service Organization and served as President in 1968‐ 69. He convinced many of his friends to join too, including Ed Arnold, Ron Shenkman, Dave Israelsky, Frank Bryant and Don Frank, who all worked together in the molding of the city of FV; this now, great
city.

In 1969, George Scott, Ron Shenkman and Bernie Svalstad, all members of the Jaycees, ran for office in a Recall Election against the current FV Mayor and 2 City Councilman who were embroiled in negative allegations. All 3 won the election and replaced the incumbents. The face of Fountain Valley was changed forever. Over the course of the next 27 years, George served on the City Council for approximately 20 of those years and served as Mayor for 5 terms.

Over the years, in addition to the City Council, George served on many committees and Boards, including President of the Orange County League of Cities, FV Chamber of Commerce, OC Criminal Justice Council, OC Sanitation District, Omni Service Club, Committee for the Handicapped and many others. George was especially proud of his award from the California Association for the Physically Handicapped when he was named 1974 Humanitarian of the Year for his advocacy to accommodate the needs of our handicapped citizens.

During this time George taught school at Wintersburg Continuation High School in Huntington Beach and Orange County Juvenile Hall, and then in 1976 he made a career change and decided to try his skills as an Insurance Broker. After a few years in the industry he decided to start his own company, George Scott Insurance. He continued this successful business, until his retirement in 2002.

George was introduced to his wife Judy in 1976 by his good friend, Jerry Matney, a colleague at Juvenile Hall. George called her his “Beauty‐Judy” and she was his self‐professed “love of his life”. Judy and George were married in 1978, and spent their 35 years together enjoying life, family and friends; and a
great life and love it was! They traveled together, enjoyed all the best restaurants in Orange County, and loved celebrations with their family. George lit up when he and Judy spent time with their grandchildren; attending their numerous school performances, sporting events and all their special activities.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, he was devoted to supporting the Boys and Girls Club. He was instrumental in helping to secure the funding from Kinsgton Technology to build the FV Branch. He always said that the “Boys Club saved his life”. While growing up during the depression in
Phoenix he said he had a choice to make ‐ he could become a “hoodlum or a leader”, and he has always felt that the Boys Club made the difference. He spent his life giving back in gratitude.

But, after all his contributions and public service accomplishments, his greatest loves were his wife Judy, and his family. Never was there a party or family celebration where George was not the center of the fun, and he always had a great smile, a kind word, and a hug for everyone!

George Scott was a role model for the ages….he gave all of himself to each of us; he made us feel we were important, he showed how we could contribute to the community and help those in need; he told us we were loved, and showed us how to love others. This is the definition of a great life………

PERFECTION ACHIEVED!

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION: All those who knew George Scott and would like to participate in honoring his life are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration and Reception on Sunday, June 23rd at 4:00PM at the Boys & Girls Club, Kingston Branch in Fountain Valley, located at 16582 Brookhurst Street (at Heil).
Dress is “Respectively festive”.

DONATIONS in honor of the life of George B. Scott will be gratuitously accepted by the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley. Mailing address: 16582 Brookhurst St. Fountain Valley, Ca. 92708 – Attn: George B. Scott Memorial Fund.

Obituary Submitted by: Keeli Scott Lisack, eldest Daughter of George Scott – Resident of HB, Executive Director of the Miss Fountain Valley Pageant and former Miss FV 1977, Member of the HB Chamber Board of Directors. Contact info: 714‐846‐7533, 16245 Santa Barbara Lane, HB, Ca. 92649.

Did you know George B. Scott? Share your memories in the comments.

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