Scott Warren Leary

1952 - 2025

SCOTT WARREN LEARY
June 18, 1952 ˜ March 14, 2025

On the morning of March 14, Scott Warren Leary, 72, passed away peacefully three months after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite facing a fast-growing illness, Scott inspired loved ones with his hope, affection, good humor, and faith in God.

Scott was born in Goldendale and grew up in Wishram, WA. He played basketball and graduated from Wishram High School in 1970 before attending Clark Community College in Vancouver. Scott graduated from Central Washington University in 1975 with a degree in education.

Although Scott spent some time working at an aluminum plant and selling insurance, education was his calling. Scott taught fifth and sixth grade over the course of six years. In 1979, he received his Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Portland State University.

Scott met the love of his life, Karen Kingsley, in The Dalles and they married in 1986. Scott adored Karen. He became a father to her daughter, Jenny, and the three moved to Toppenish, WA for Scott’s first position as a school administrator. Subsequent administrative positions were held in Selah and Yakima, WA, as well as Charlotte, NC. Scott’s remaining years as a school principal were spent in Vancouver School District before retiring in 2014.

Scott loved Edward Hopper and John Updike. He had full, expressive eyebrows and a sharp sense of humor. He was an avid fan of Gonzaga basketball and a car enthusiast. Scott’s greatest passion was music. He played in bands throughout his life (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and loved sharing music with friends and family. Jazz was often playing in his home and rock history was an easy topic of conversation.

Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, and his parents, Warren and Margaret Leary. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Holloway and her husband Jason, grandchildren Emily and Jacob, sister Dena Arestad and her husband Greg. A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver on Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 p.m.
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