Melville Scott Linscott, Jr., M. D. left this earth peacefully on April 22, 2014, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Scott was born September 2, 1943, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Melville Scott (Sr.) and Lillian Lorraine Luther Linscott.
For much of his childhood he lived in the city of Cimarron, KS. He graduated from Topeka High School, where he was an accomplished runner, swimmer, and golfer. He attended the University of Kansas for his undergraduate studies. His college experience was deeply impacted by his involvement in the Sigma Chi fraternity, where he developed strong lifelong bonds of brotherly friendship. Many of his pledge brothers remain his best friends to this day. He went on to attend the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he graduated Alpha Omega Alpha. He pursued training in internal medicine at the University of Washington, and then accepted a position as director of the emergency department at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA. It was in an elevator at Virginia Mason that he met Nora Louise Jokisch, whom he later married on July 16, 1977. In 1983 he was recruited to the University of Utah to become the first emergency department division chief, a responsibility he held until 1992. He continued to work as an emergency physician at the University of Utah until 2011. Following his retirement from the University of Utah, he continued to practice emergency medicine on a locum tenens basis throughout the United States. At the height of his career he was instrumental in organizing numerous educational courses in emergency medicine in the early years of his specialty's birth. He was a dedicated physician, thoughtful teacher, and beloved mentor. His impact has been strongly felt by an entire generation of healthcare providers.
Scott was passionate about his work, but he had many passions outside of work, including travel, golf, alpine skiing, scuba diving, fly-fishing, and audiobooks. Chief among these passions were travel and golf. During the school year he and Nora would often travel to far-off reaches of the globe. Their favorite places to visit were Hawaii, New Zealand, and Europe. It was while travelling that he met Oliver Breiden from Düsseldorf, Germany, who lived with the Linscott family for a year as a foreign exchange student and remains a beloved friend. He traveled for pleasure and adventure. In 1996 he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. For a number of years he traveled the world as a cruise ship physician, sometimes embarking on cruises as long as 60 days. During the summers Scott enjoyed traveling with the entire family to their traditional destinations of his cabin ("Aspen Lodge") in Green Mountain Falls, CO; Beaver Lake near Seattle, WA; Yellowstone National Park; and Lake Powell, UT. Wherever he went, it was always a huge plus if there was excellent golf nearby. He was a member of the Broadmoor, Sahalee, Aldarra, Willowcreek, Kissing Camels, and Sunrise Country Clubs. For many years he participated in amateur golf tournaments, including his favorite tournament, the Broadmoor Invitational. He was Broadmoor champion two years in a row, 1980 and 1981. His love of golf often led him to the Coachella Valley, CA, where he and Nora owned a vacation home. It was there at Sunrise Country Club that he played a beautiful round of golf only two days before his passing. Through his world travels and his love of golf he met many of his loyal and longtime friends. His friendships reach far beyond American shores.
Scott was, above all else, a lover of the best life had to offer. When he found "the best," he loved to share it with others. He worked hard and he played hard. He sought out the best in himself and others, while simultaneously graciously accepting his and others' weaknesses and shortcomings. He had a deep and abiding love for his mother, father, and grandparents. It was his Granddad Luther's cabin ("Aspen Lodge") that he patiently sought for many years before finally purchasing. He was Nora's best friend and stalwart provider, and they complemented each other beautifully. He was a gentle and loving father who encouraged his children to follow their hearts and do their very best in whatever endeavors they chose. He was a second father and mentor to many others. He was a loyal and dedicated friend to many, never missing the opportunity to make a new friend. As the oldest son he often gathered his siblings and their families together for family reunions. He leaves behind a legacy of love, optimism, dedication to excellence, and vitality for life. We loved him dearly and he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Melville Scott Linscott, Sr. and his mother, Lillian Lorraine Luther Linscott. He is survived by his wife, Nora Louise Jokisch Linscott; his children, Luke Luther Linscott (Carrie), Lance Melville Linscott (Teisa), and Lara Lorraine Linscott Kieffer (William); his brother, Lester Luther Linscott (Connie) and sister, Cosa Lee Linscott Garvert (Richard); and his loving grandchildren, Abigail Louise, Katie Colista, Alexander Luke, and Sarah Marie (children of Luke and Carrie); and Amelia Faye, Bayla Nora, and Reid Melville (children of Lance and Teisa).
A celebration of his life will be held at Willowcreek Country Club on Saturday, May 10, from 3 to 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the University Hospital Foundation, 540 Arapeen Suite 130, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108.
Online condolences to: www.larkincares.com
