Walter Scott

Walter Dill Scott, age 86, died February 8, 2018 in Evanston, IL from lymphoma. He was at peace and surrounded by his adoring family.He graduated from New Trier High School in 1949, attended Williams College, and graduated from Northwestern University in 1953. He received his MBA from Columbia University in 1958. After 3 years as an officer in the Navy, he began a long and successful career in business. He spent 15 years in investment banking in New York and Chicago, finally as a senior partner running the Chicago office for Lehman Brothers in the 60s and early 70s. Service was always a high priority, including 2 years as associate director of the United States Office of Management and Budget during the Nixon and Ford administrations. After leaving Washington, he worked as EVP/CFO at Pillsbury (now General Mills), CEO of IDS Financial Services (now Ameriprise) and Chairman/CEO of Grand Metropolitan USA (now Diageo). In 1988, he joined the faculty of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he taught courses in leadership and nonprofit board governance and co-founded the Center for Executive Women. As he described it, he mostly hung out and advised students and student organizations. He loved initiating and introducing new programs and activities. Most of the time he felt he was the same age as the students. At Kellogg, he had an immense impact on the school and generations of students. He maintained strong and continuing relationships with many former students. He served on 15 corporate boards and 25 nonprofit boards, to which he devoted considerable time and effort and which he found particularly rewarding. In 1987 he had a life changing experience while serving with a Kairos Prison Ministry team in a men's prison in Raeford, Florida. He felt his life transformed and became a committed Christian.He was blissfully married to the very special Barbara Stein Scott for 56 years. She enriched his life every day. Survivors include his wife Barbara, his three sons Tim (Linda) and David (Barb) of Minneapolis, and Gordon (Anne) of Northfield, Illinois, and eight adored grandchildren, who taught him lots.His intelligence, sense of humor, optimism, whimsy, and love of family, God and friends will be sorely missed by all. He was a mentor, strong influence and great example to many, many people. In lieu of flowers or donations, he asked that he be remembered by his friends and family by their reaching out to someone in need for an hour, a day or a lifetime. If any also wish to make a financial contribution, please make it to the Mary Lou and John Scott Inner-City Education Fund (Account #5649) at Northwestern University Development Office, 2020 Ridge Road, Evanston, IL 60208-4307. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL. A reception will follow. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.