Scott William Pathakis
1960 - 2014
We had to say goodbye too soon to our outrageously talented and lovable husband and dad, Scott William Pathakis. He was born on May 10, 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the late Ted William and Carlene B. Schlegel Pathakis. Scott was the most perfect husband to Lori Allred Pathakis and they have four wonderful children, Erin Tracy (Christopher), Andra Staley (Davis), Clark and Brooke and grandsons Owen and Derek Tracy. His siblings are Andrea Fischer (Ed), John (Juli), and the late baby Ricky.
Scott loved to travel and spend time with his family. Following a hike with Lori, Clark and Brooke in Capitol Reef National Park he suddenly became sick and collapsed into the arms of his sweetheart. He left this world suddenly and painlessly, and his family finds comfort knowing that he is now with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.
Scott grew up in Murray, Utah, graduating from Cottonwood High School in 1978. He attended USU for a year where he played in the marching band and symphonic band. Scott served an honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chicago, IL. He graduate from BYU with a bachelor's degree in computer science and was involved in many academic music programs. There he met and married the love of his life, Lori, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on February 8, 1985.
He was a software engineer with the Family History Department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then relocated to WordPerfect. Later, he worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Novell for many years before returning to the Family History Department for the last decade. His expertise in database and search technologies has greatly contributed to the success of FamilySearch.org.
Scott was a gifted musician and shared his talents with everyone. He was polished on the clarinet, saxophone and piano. He enjoyed arranging songs and accompanying other musicians. He could even perform well on other instruments when needed. He was a collector of musical instruments and was generous at lending them out to other musicians. He loved encouraging young musicians by giving them restored clarinets.
He was involved in countless musical productions and organizations including America West Symphony and Chorus, Sandy City musicals (where he was the Musical Orchestra Manager), Murray City's Symphony, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. Scott conducted several community musicals in Sandy, Murray and Draper. He was the favorite sub for myriads of large and small musical groups all over the valley.
Music was one way that Scott expressed his testimony and he often did so at his ward and stake meetings. He invited the spirit into many church meeting and events including his original arrangements of his favorite hymns about the Savior.
Scott was a man of many talents, interests and hobbies. He enjoyed restoring clarinets, wood turning, arranging music, playing ping pong and billiards, watching musical productions, traveling, reading music scores, and had an interest in guns. He had the ability to learn anything he was interested in or needed to fix ‚ even before Google. He was the go-to guy for help with computer issues, finance and career advice, tools and handy-man help, sound equipment use and, of course, music.
He will be remembered for his Christ-like service. Scott was always happy to drop everything at a moment's notice to help anyone in need. Alongside his wife, he taught his children to love and serve others. Among his attributes were humility and patience. Scott encouraged others in their musical abilities and talents. He would always lift people and make others feel comfortable in any situation.
He was an amazing husband to our mom and a wonderful father to us children throughout our ages. He was involved in all our interests, hobbies and activities. His advice, knowledge and wisdom will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at the Crescent Ridge Stake Center on 1265 East 11000 South Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 2nd, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E.10600 S Sandy, UT. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church prior to the services. Internment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any music education program or organization in Scott's behalf
