Scott McRitchie

Scott Mudie McRitchie
September 12, 1939 November 18, 2018
Scott McRitchie, 79, of Riverbank, California, passed away after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends.
Scott is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (whom he married January 25, 1964), son Michael (Tamarin) McRitchie, Kevin (Beth) McRitchie, Annie (Chris) Rogaski, and grandchildren Alexandria (Chase) Wymore, Kelly McRitchie, Holly McRitchie, Dmitry McRitchie, and Isabella McRitchie. He is also survived by his sister Sandra (Bill) Guard, their children, Melinda (Craig) Smith, Stephanie (Rick) Hayes, Greg (Robin) Guard and Darren (Savatri) Guard, and many grand nieces and nephews. Scott is pre-deceased by parents, Ernest and Hildegarde (Mohan) McRitchie, and grandparents, Mudie (Deedie) McRitchie, and Anna Marie "Green" Mohan.
Scott attended Tustin High School, U.C. Davis and U.C.L.A. (earning a Bachelor's in Botany) and U.C. Davis (earning a Master's in Pomology). Scott was the Pledge Master for the Theta Xi fraternity at U.C. Davis.
Scott's first priority was always his family. After over 50 years of marriage to Marilyn, his love for her still showed in his eyes and smile and his dry sense of humor that was one of his best traits. He enjoyed being with his family over the holidays, fishing with his kids and grandkids, and cheering them on throughout their various sporting events.
Scott also cared deeply about his community and it was apparent through his involvement with his church, St. Frances of Rome, the City of Riverbank, and many throughout his community who needed assistance.
At St. Frances, Scott often served as a lector, commentator or lay minister, and a special tradition was personally receiving the children's offering at mass. He also started the Senior Club which provided many older parishioners a monthly social gathering.
Scott was often seen around Riverbank, trying to help make the community stronger and better for those in it. Recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2003, he served on the Planning Commission, Housing Authority, volunteered at the Cheese and Wine Festival, and served on the city's Finance Committee. One of Scott's greatest legacies to the community was his formation of the Friends of Jacob Meyers Park organization, where he served as President. His commitment to Jacob Meyers Park was so deep that a trail and campground were named after him in his honor. He also supported the "Halloween Haunted Hayride" each year helping load the families on the wagons.
Anyone who knew Scott knew that he had a soft spot in his heart for those in need. From formal endeavors like his decades-long work for St. Vincent de Paul, to volunteering to conduct census work, to grant writing for non-profits, as well as collecting and distributing toys and food for the community distribution, and finally leading horseback riding for special needs kids for several years.
Always putting himself last, Scott did have his own interests. He loved to fish and often went fishing with his kids and grandkids. He could regularly be seen accompanying his wife, Marilyn, on her golf rounds, where he would hunt for golf balls and dispense sage golfing advice. Each summer, he would gather everyone for the annual float down the Stanislaus River and spend every Father's Day weekend with his family at Pinecrest Lake where all were encouraged (and finally accomplished) to make the climb up to "Cleo's Bath" above the lake!
Always involved in agriculture in some way, throughout his career and in retirement, Scott did enjoy his garden, which flourished with flowers, fruit trees and vegetables, much given to neighbors and friends. He shared his love of gardening through the establishment of a Community Garden in Riverbank, but also through the teaching and mentoring of others.
As a true servant-leader, Scott was taking care of the needs of others through his final days. And the widespread impact he had showed in those friends, neighbors, church and community leaders, and those he'd helped over the years who came and visited him in his final days and have provided support to the family.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, 2827 Topeka St. in Riverbank, California. It will begin with 11 a.m. mass on Saturday, January 12, 2019, with reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. Frances of Rome Church); Community Hospice of Modesto, California; or "Friends of Jacob Myers Park" 501(c)(3), (City of Riverbank, 6707 Third St., Riverbank, CA 95367; Attn. FOJMP) to help fund Scott's dream of completing an Amphitheater in the back portion of Jacob Myers Park.
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