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Raymond Scott Obituary

Raymond James Scott

Raymond James Scott (Scottie), passed from this life to be with God on May 3, 2021 in his "second hometown" of Englewood, Florida. He was 95 years old. Scottie's first home was his beloved Oquaga Lake in Deposit, NY where he grew up as the only child of his innkeeping father and mother.

In 1944, at the age of 18, Scottie enlisted in the US Army, and trained as a paratrooper in the Philippines in anticipation of the assault on Japan. Ultimately, he served his enlistment as part of the occupying US force. He returned home and shortly thereafter met his soulmate and wife of 74 years, Doris. A few years later Scottie became the owner and operator of his family's business, Scott's Oquaga Lake House, a nearly 1000 acre summer resort near Deposit in Broome County, New York.

Hospitality was in his blood. For over 60 years, Scottie made it his mission to ensure that each guest at Scott's was active every day and thoroughly entertained every evening. Scottie's energy and enthusiasm for this task was legend. From May to October, seven days a week he provided guests with a plethora of activities, often leading, directing and participating himself. Volleyball games, tennis, bowling, shuffleboard and bocce tournaments, speed boat rides, waterskiing, nature hikes, canoe excursions, bus trips to scenic views, painting and dance lessons were likely on the daily schedule. No guests were allowed to be idle. "Papa Scott" encouraged, cajoled and sometimes subtly coerced their participation.

But Scottie most enjoyed providing guests with entertainment, especially musical entertainment. He captained the famous Scott's Showboat on its late afternoon cruises around the lake, leading the sing-alongs from the helm. He was the bandleader, drummer and often lead singer for the Lakeshore Four, providing dance music prior to the evening's scheduled entertainment.

And Scottie was an exceptional dancer. He and Doris routinely provided guests with memorable dance routines, complete with spins and lifts, late into their 80s. Guests and family members alike waited for a chance to be his dance partner.

Scottie brought hundreds of entertainers to the stage of the Scott's Playhouse and customarily provided his guests with two different shows each evening. Accordion, harmonica, banjo, guitar and violin virtuosos, magicians, jugglers and trampoline acrobats, comedians, poets and extemporaneous songwriters not only found a spotlight at Scottie's invitation, many also found a lifelong friend.

Scottie also shared that spotlight. Twice a week he MCed and head-lined a family show of music, dancing and fun. Even at 95 years of age he was still entertaining friends and neighbors with his harmonica.

Scottie loved America. He never took freedom for granted, always exercised his right to vote, and grumbled while he paid his taxes, in true American tradition.

A romantic who got to live out his love story, he is survived by Doris, his wife of 74 years. He is also survived by his children and their families, Patty and Gary Holdrege, Peggy and Ron Bowerman, Nancy and Chuck Allen, Linda (Jai) and Jonathan Meyerhoff, son Jimmy, and Jim (his unofficially adopted son) and Dawn Bombard, 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and thousands of guests and entertainers that he considered family.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Lemon Bay Historical Society Chapel (the Green Street Church), 510 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, FL. The family is planning a celebration of life at Oquaga Lake later this year.

In lieu of flowers donations in Scottie's memory may be made to the Deposit (NY) Rescue Squad, PO Box 173, Deposit NY 13754.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from May 5 to May 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Scott

Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

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Jerry & Anneka Van Dyke

January 23, 2022

Lots of wonderful memories of bringing many seniors from Canada to Oquaga lake where a good time was ALWAYS had, sincere condolences to Doris and family.
We notice the Inn is finally sold
The end of a fabulous era ,you should be proud

Cleo Darling

May 24, 2021

Thinking of the family and all the memories.
Love and Blessings
Cleo Darling (Robert Darling)

Jean D’Apice

May 21, 2021

I worked at Scott’s resort as a teenager. Mr and Mrs Scott were always so nice to me. Mrs Scott even got me set up in another job after my Senior HS year of finishing at the resort. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers ❤ Jean Wingerter D’Apice

Cholly and Bill Timmel and family

May 8, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 7, 2021

Memories...

Priscilla Ksionzyk

May 7, 2021

Scottie was always “Mr Scott” to me out of respect for him. He always treated me with the utmost respect and I felt it should be returned. His sense of humor, energy level, love of all things musical and live of life itself was legendary. Thank you for 51 years of friendship and sharing your wonderful family with me!

Caryl and Bill Timmel

May 7, 2021

RIP Ray "Scottie" Scott.......you are an inspiration to us all....a "one of a kind". You will be greatly missed by all who have been touched by your spirit and yest for life. Cholly and Bill Timmel

Tom Martin

May 7, 2021

Aunt Doris, Patty, Peggy,Nancy, Linda and Jimmy,
I am very sorry to hear of Scottie's passing. It has been years since I have been in New York, but I still remember our family visits to the Lakehouse and watching the shows and visiting with everyone. Those are wonderful memories that I will carry with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he Rest in Peace.

Bill Rischan

May 6, 2021

The Rischan family offers our condolences, and will always appreciate the hospitality offered by Scottie and family. Attached is a photo of the last dance Eunice had with Scottie

Nancy and Guy Bauer

May 6, 2021

Thank you Papa Scott for teaching us how to live life joyfully! Until we meet again, may He hold you in the palm of His hand.

Patty Gow

May 6, 2021

RIP Mr. Scott. You and your amazing family have provided five generations of my family with nearly 100 years of incredible memories and unforgettable experiences. Thank you for all of that and more.

Phil and Gladys Stiness

May 6, 2021

Sorry for your loss. We knew Scotty from living at the Heritage Oaks. My husband and I live at the Heritage Oaks also. We loved to hear him play his harmonic.

Heather Morici Shepler

May 6, 2021

I can still hear him calling “volleyball, volleyball for all” from his golf cart! He was an incredible man, so much fun and positivity. I have so many memories of him, the funny skits in the Scott Family Revue, dancing, singing, cookout lookout stories and generally being the heart of Scott’s for decades. He was everything everywhere, thousands of memories and a wonderful life lived.

Richard Stram, MD, FACS

May 6, 2021

Dear Scott Family,
We are sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Stram Family

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Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Lemon Bay Historical Society Chapel (the Green Street Church)

510 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, FL

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