Scott R. Widham

Scott Robert Widham, a pioneer in the telecommunications sector and a devoted husband and father, passed away all too early on January 6, 2026, at the age of 68.

Scott was born in Manchester, Connecticut. He later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he became a proud lifelong Longhorn and member of the Texas Exes. After college, his career took him to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked for MTV and Nickelodeon. He later moved to Saint Louis, Missouri, where he founded his first company and raised his family. He eventually moved back to Texas, where he lived for the past 12 years.

Spending more than four decades in the telecommunications industry, Scott held leadership roles at numerous companies, helping shape the modern communications landscape. He served as CEO of several major cable and fiber organizations, including Ezee Fiber, Alpheus Communications, Cobridge Communications, Broadwing Communications, Capital Cable and was most recently a Managing Director at Layer 7 Capital. Under his leadership, Broadwing became a NASDAQ-listed company and was later successfully sold and integrated into Level 3 Communications. Capital Cable, founded by Scott, was acquired by Charter Communications. His experience, vision, and insight also led him to advisory and board roles across the industry.

Scott was an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), in both St. Louis, Missouri and Naples, Florida, where he valued lifelong learning and enduring friendships.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Scott was vibrant, witty, and charismatic. He had a rare ability to "own" a room-whether at a conference, on a panel, or among friends. His quick humor, storytelling, and genuine warmth made him unforgettable. Those closest to him affectionately referred to his many sayings as "Scottisms," which included:

• ""Not my pig, not my farm.""

• ""What do you want for your last meal? Something out of season.""

• ""The only person who wants to live to 100 is someone who is 99.""

• ""If you want to drink a fifth on the fourth, you have to buy it on the third.""

• ""The best is always good enough for me.""

• ""I once knew a man from Nantucket…""

• ""Do you have any allergies? Warm beer.""

• ""What's your favorite animal? Steak.""

Physically active throughout his life, Scott began most mornings at 6 a.m.-running, swimming, or working out. During his years in Austin, he was known for early-morning

swims at Barton Springs, a place that held special meaning and reverence for him.

An adventurer at heart, Scott cherished experiences shared with family and friends. He loved skiing in Park City, golfing and boating in Naples, and could often be found strolling down South Congress in Austin wearing his signature burnt orange jacket and cowboy boots-grabbing a margarita at G�ero's or catching a comedy show at Esther's Follies.

One of his most cherished adventures was hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi ai Beach along Kauai's Na Pali Coast-a breathtaking route through tropical forest and dramatic ocean views, appreciated most by the spirited and determined. He also loved the Bloods Lake hike in Park City during the summer months, which often ended with a swim in pristine mountain water.

Scott felt most at home while traveling and exploring new places. In nearly every city he visited, he created a "map of fun things to do," ensuring that the best parts of each journey could be enjoyed by those who followed. Above all else, Scott was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Widham; his sons, who were the center of his world-Pierce Widham and his wife, Lydia, and their children, Maddox and Mabry, and Ross Widham and his wife, Tori; his mother, Ann Way; his sister, Gigi Freeman; and his brothers, Rob Widham, Matt Widham, and Mitchell Widham. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kylee Emert and her husband, Danny, Courtney Emert, and Craig Emert. A steady source of guidance, strength, and unconditional love, Scott will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In the months before his passing, Scott fought valiantly to remain strong for his children, ensuring he could celebrate his birthday and the holidays-one full year after his brain cancer diagnosis-surrounded by those he loved most.

Scott will be remembered for his leadership, adventurous spirit, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the family he raised, and the memories he left with everyone fortunate enough to encounter him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at Talis Park in Naples, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Glioblastoma Foundation. Donations may be made at:

fundraise.glioblastomafoundation.org/ScottWidham