Scott Carlile

Scott Giles Carlile, 45, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Cedar City, Utah.
Scott was born June 17th, 1980, in Cedar City, Utah, the son of Brent G. Carlile and Kristine Cowley Carlile. He made a quick entrance into the world and looked like a miniature version of his dad! He was six days old when heart problems manifested, so en route to Primary Children's Medical Center, they pulled off the road at Cove Fort, and intercepted grandparents from Venice, UT. There, Scott received his official name and blessing.
As a child, he had pretty determined ideas and plans. Knowing his mom wanted her dining room to be larger, he came out of his room one day dressed in a toy hard hat with tools in hand, ready to perform the construction remodel. He designed and built several tree houses and loved the freedom his bike provided him. He also built a ham radio house 6 feet off the ground, complete with a padlocked door. Always needing something to do, Scott stayed busy and curious. He also loved dogs and enjoyed many in his childhood.
From the beginning of Kindergarten, Scott was adamant about disliking school, even though he loved learning throughout his life. His favorite grade school activity was the parachute. One day, he colored himself green to be like the Incredible Hulk. Normally, this wouldn't matter, except it was the morning of his baptism as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His first job was a local paper route, and he also developed an interest in the Cedar City Fire Department. Then Chief Dave Bently took him in as a 12-year-old boy and let him come every Tuesday to wash the fire trucks and hang out with older firefighters. Pulling pranks was always on Scott's mind-he once put potatoes in all the exhaust pipes of his neighbors' cars and was known for lighting the loudest firecrackers whenever he could.
As soon as he became a licensed driver, he learned all the ins and outs of vehicle maintenance and car repair alongside his dad. He had a knack for figuring things out and appreciated the money saved by having the skills. He also developed a strong interest in radio equipment and fixing broken electronics-technical talents he often used to help others.
Scott was also an avid Scouter and enjoyed countless hikes. He earned his Eagle Scout Award, in addition to several palms. In high school, he started working at Lin's and stayed there until he graduated from college. A chronic prankster, he partnered with some coworkers, and he may or may not have switched some labels on the canned vegetables. At age 20, he officially joined the fire department and became a volunteer firefighter. Over the course of his 25-year service, Scott received numerous commendations, certifications, and awards. His love for pranks continued with the FD, and he was often able to sit quietly in the back row with wandering eyes, as the mayhem ensued. Eventually, they got wise to him, but he sure had fun. He loved the brotherhood and was so sad as many of his mentors passed away. His current position was Station 1 Captain, and at one of his more recent fire calls, his claim to fame was his first bona fide rescue of a chinchilla.
In 2004, Scott and Betsy first laid eyes on each other at an accident scene on 800 West 200 North. The fire marshal set them up and they quickly began dating exclusively. Because of
Betsy's job covering public safety for the local newspaper, she was often at the firehouse. She loved the camaraderie but also often felt like she was dating the entire fire department! Although they dated for 14 months before they got engaged, many of the firefighters felt they should have taken that step much sooner. Scott and Betsy were married and sealed in the Saint George Temple on September 2, 2005, and had 20 years of love and learning together.
Betsy supported the family while Scott finished school, and in May of 2006, he graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology. Scott worked some different jobs until he was hired full-time at the Cedar City Fire Department in 2006. Scott went back to Volunteer Status in 2008 after a private defense contractor in Las Vegas hired him to work in his engineering field. That job required a Top Secret Security clearance, which was a source of pride and honor for Scott. Not wanting to be away from his family, Scott decided to go back to school and pursue a Master's Degree in Accounting. After a brief trial of faith, he was hired as a student employee in the Accounting Department at SUU, and upon graduating in 2016, he became a full-time employee. Scott has held numerous titles, including Budget Analyst, Adjunct Professor, and Assistant Auditor. He was working as the Assistant Director for Planning and Budget at the time of his passing. He appreciated the Budget Office and cared deeply about his coworkers.
Before having kids, Scott and Betsy loved to travel. Jack joined the family on his terms on April 15, 2010. Parenthood was an adjustment, but Scott loved being a Dad. Tess joined the family six years later on June 8, 2016, and Jack couldn't wait to have a sister. Scott loved supporting his kids in their activities, whether it was a baseball game, a gymnastics showcase, a school program, or even coming to their school during fire drills. His favorite thing was also to surprise the kids with a trip. Over Memorial Weekend, the surprise trip was to New York City, and Scott loved seeing the 9-11 Memorial and riding ebikes through Central Park. Scott and Tess especially enjoyed holding hands, and Scott was so impressed with all of the cardboard structures she would make for her "Barbie Village." Scott and Jack enjoyed home and vehicle maintenance projects, practicing chipping in the front yard or playing catch.
Scott enjoyed being outdoors with his family, surprising them, trips to Disneyland, drives in the fall to see the leaves, and having extended family dinners every Sunday night. He would also never say no to a Chicken and Shrimp Basket at Brad's Food Hut. His favorite night of the year was always Christmas Eve, when the family would come over for Prime Rib and games, watching for the Christmas Brownie, and doing a white elephant gift exchange. His favorite prank was when Betsy won a KFC scented fireplace log. Unbeknownst to her, he hid it in the back of her car. The next time she got in her car, he was watching and grinning from ear to ear.
Scott is survived by his wife, Betsy Miller Carlile, son, Jack Giles, and daughter, Tess Kalea. His parents are Brent G. and Kristine Cowley; Siblings: Tony (Valena) Carlile, Stephanie (Les) Richey, and Kim (Matt) Brinkerhoff. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed, many extended family members, including in-laws and chosen family, including members of CCFD and SUU communities.
There will be a viewing on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Southern Utah Mortuary in Cedar City and again from 10:15-11:15 AM on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Cedar City West Stake Center
725 S 1100 W, Cedar City. A funeral service for Scott will follow the viewing on October 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Cedar City West Stake. To view a live stream of the service or to leave online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.
The family appreciates the love, support, prayers, and kindness that have been shown. Many special thanks to the Cedar City Police Department and the Cedar City Fire Department for all the assistance and support that have been provided.
"I love you. I love you more. I love you most. I love you to infinity and beyond."