Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Scott S. Gorden

About

University of California Los Angeles University of Southern California

Scott Gorden Obituary

August 29, 1957 - September 21, 2013
Scott Spencer Gorden, 56, of Oak Park, CA, passed away September 21st, surrounded by his children, following a four-year battle with leukemia. He was born to the late Zelig and Helen Gorden on August 29th 1957, in Providence, RI. Scott graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1975 and received dual Bachelors in Accounting and English while captaining the men's basketball team at the College of St. Josephs, in Rutland, VT.
Scott moved to Los Angeles in 1980 to pursue his dream of becoming a screenwriter. He worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, writing for shows such as; "The Golden Girls", "Full House", "Saved by the Bell" and "City Guys" in addition to writing the award winning "An Extremely Goofy Movie". He was also passionate about passing his love of writing to the next generation, teaching at USC, UCLA, Chapman, Arleta and Ner Aryeh High Schools.
Scott is survived by his three children: Zachary, Kelsey and Shea of Oak Park, CA; his brother, Mark, of Washington, DC in addition to ten nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at the Oak Park Community Center from 11am-2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the City of Hope cancer center, which can be accessed online at cityofhope.org/giving

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Gorden

14 Entries

Colleen Krtanik

November 10, 2023

I am ten years late with my condolences for Scott. An amazing kind person. I used to babysit for Zachary when he was ten months until two!! Lovely family, and Kelsey came along after I had moved on from being a caregiver for Zachary. Fond memories of this wonderful family. Zachary was a big Cat in the Hat and Sesame Street fan, way back when...

Anthony Stitt

December 20, 2020

Scott was my screenwriting instructor at UCLA. He was amazing — such a great teacher. And so kind. I remember talking baseball with him after class, and I really enjoyed those conversations. I was fortunate to have met him.

Jordana Arkin

September 20, 2019

I think about Scott often and how inspirational he was as a writer and leader. His energy, his enthusiasm for telling stories, his passion for the work. He made a lasting difference.

Bob Illes

July 28, 2015

As Judge Kenesaw Landis said at the passing of Christy Mathewson, "Why should God wish to take a thoroughbred like Matty so soon, and leave some others down here that could well
be spared?" I feel the same way about Scott. I knew him as a terrific writer and a terrific man. The fade came too soon, my friend. Blessings to your family.

Jordana Arkin

October 4, 2013

I remember when I was a newbie writer on Hang Time and Jeffrey Sachs would tell me that I had a crush on Scott. I thought, "If by crush you mean -- Do I admire him for being a sweet, gentle man with a great big heart and genuine passion for writing? Then, yes, I have a crush on Scott." Who didn't? He was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Ariella

October 4, 2013

I was so sad to hear about Scott's passing. Scott was one of my teachers at USC, and I never had any idea during the semester that I spent as his student that Scott was battling such a serious illness. He was incredibly helpful, energetic, and responsive, both in class and outside, as generous with his time as with his advice and insight. I'm so grateful for all of his help and encouragement, and for everything he taught me, and I wish I had had more of a chance to tell him so. To Scott's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My father also passed away very early from a tragic illness, so I know that there are not many words of consolation that others can offer to you. But I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that your father leaves a legacy of humor and creativity alive in all of his students. I know each of us will always remember him fondly and be grateful for what he taught us.

Heather Lenz

October 3, 2013

Scott made screenwriting class a pleasure. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family.

Olga Lexell

October 3, 2013

Thanks for teaching me how to love screenwriting.

Jennifer Akana Sturla

October 2, 2013

A wonderful man to have had as my screenwriting teacher - open, kind, so incredibly funny...very giving...a guy you wouldn't forget. To his family I'm so sorry for your loss.

Maureen Byrne

September 28, 2013

A wonderful person, fabulous father, inspirational man to those he taught and inspired. Scott was so gifted yet remained humble.Our sympathy and prayers to his children and family. He was one of the best.

Dee

September 27, 2013

What a life Mr. Gorden lived. With heartfelt sympathy for his family, I just want you to find comfort in knowing that God is near when our hearts are broken. He will heal your pain.
PS 62:8

Cherish your many memories of your loved one.

Sincerely,

Keith DiMuccio

September 27, 2013

The world is missing a great man!

Brad Walsh

September 26, 2013

Back when I was a know-it-all baby writer on his staff, Scott was kinder and more patient with me than I deserved. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Tony Soltis

September 26, 2013

Scott was a gifted teacher and truly connected to his students. His humor, patience and warmth were genuine and everyone knew it. He was loved in a way few of us ever get to be.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results