Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 31, 2025.
Scott Ecker passed away of natural causes in
Mesquite, NV on February 18, 2025.
Scott never followed anyone's rules. Stubborn, independent, and unapologetic-he did things his way. He also loved a good time, whether it was enjoying the great outdoors or cracking a beer and seeing where the day took him. If you were looking for adventure, laughs, or a little mischief, Scott was in.
Born on April 23, 1956 in Salt Lake City, UT, at Holy Cross Hospital, Scott was the fourth child of Raymond and Dorothy (Christensen) Ecker. He grew up in Sandy, UT, and attended Brighton High School, where he played on the basketball team. A natural athlete with a competitive streak, he had a love for the outdoors and anything with an engine, whether it was motorcycles, boats, or heavy equipment.
He came from a family known for its work with the Utah Ski Association and spent plenty of time on the slopes, but he was just as happy speeding across the lake, pulling water-skiers behind the boat, or riding through the mountains. Golf, though, was his true passion and one he carried with him throughout his life. He spent many days out on the course with his brother Bob.
Scott was great at excavation and operated heavy equipment with ease while working in the industry. He also had a sharp eye for investments, especially in real estate and enjoyed acquiring and selling properties and timeshares at Bear Lake and in Jackson Hole.
Rock and roll was the soundtrack to Scott's life. He was in the audience for Santana's 1973 performance at the Salt Palace and later got into his '80s hard rock and heavy metal favorites like Van Halen's 5150 and Ozzy Osbourne's Bark at the Moon on repeat. He was also a TV guy, always up for The Curse of Oak Island, Gold Rush, or a classic episode of Bonanza.
Though he never married, Scott spent over a decade with Peggy Ballard in the 1980s and played an active role raising Peggy's children, Amber and Ty. He was generous with family, always treating the kids to lunch or an adventure. His niece Dina fondly remembers riding her bike a few houses down to Uncle Scott and Aunt Peggy's place, knowing that if she asked to go for ice cream, the answer would always be, "Let's go."
Scott had a sharp-witted sense of humor and a personality that left an impression. When he lived in Jackson, WY, he kept an eye on the neighborhood, earning himself the nicknames "McGruff the Crime Dog" or "Scottie McGruff," which he responded to with a laugh.
Scott is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy, his brother David (Laura) Ecker, and his sister Kristine (Paul) Argyle. He is survived by his sister Susan (Russell) North, brother Robert "Bob" Ecker, and lifelong friend Kip (Shauna) Barnes, along with a large extended family who miss him.
Bear Lake and Fish Lake were Scott's favorite places. He loved the simple pleasures in life, and few things made him happier than grabbing a double cheeseburger and fries at LaBeau's with friends after a long day on the water. We imagine him now in his version of heaven-maybe out on the lake with Dave and Kris, tearing across the water behind the boat. Join us this summer for celebrations in Bear Lake and in Fish Lake to swap stories, share laughs, and give Scott the kind of send-off he deserves.