With the most profound sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of our dear, sweet Michael Andrew Scott, beloved son, husband, father, Papa, and friend. Michael passed away on March 11th in Eureka after a short and aggressive battle with cancer. Mike's smile is one of the things we will all remember. Everyone felt special when in his presence. But, as they say, gone too soon, way too soon.
Mike was born in Eureka on February 23rd, 1969, to his loving parents, Joe and Dodie Scott, joining his older brother Greg to form the perfect family of four. The family spent much time at Trinity Lake on the houseboat Joe and Dodie had built. So many friendships were forged, and some of the best memories were created. Michael loved to fish and ski, and it was always the one thing he wanted to share with his kids, so much so that in recent years he bought a ski boat with plans of sharing his love of the lake with his grandkids, family, and friends.
As with his own children, Mike attended Ridgewood and Cutten Schools, Winship Junior High, and Eureka High School, graduating in 1987. Here, he formed lifelong friendships with many, including Jay Shamp, Scott Avila, Brian Jensen, and Randall Davis. During these formidable years, he developed his love of baseball, spending many weekends traveling the state with his parents and attending tournaments. He also played football for EHS and was a diehard Cowboys fan! All who knew him knew of his lifelong passion for both sports and his favorite baseball team, the Oakland A's. Mike continued his involvement in baseball when he started coaching his son Chris at CRRA and then later at Redwood Empire Little League with all three children. His time on the fields forged long-lasting friendships with the players, coaches, and parents—you know who you are.
Michael began spending time with Paula and became great friends through their mutual love of golf and all things competitive. They spent many weekends on the golf courses around Humboldt County, rain, or shine, just enjoying the game and time with friends. Eventually, Paula and her son Chris moved to Redding due to job changes, and it was there that their relationship grew and the family of three was solidified. Paula found a soulmate in Michael that she had not had before and someone who held her heart so close and someone she could share her fears, her deepest secrets and her dreams and wishes for their future having the utmost trust in him to hold them dear. Michael loved his little family, bringing Chris under his wing and taking his role as a parent figure very seriously. In August 1997, Michael and Paula welcomed their second child, Braedon, and in true party fashion with a crowd of people standing by! Braedon was the twinkle in Michael's eye and was his mini-me. In 2000, Michael and Paula welcomed their little Hunter Rae into the family fold. Watching Michael meet his daughter for the first time was pure love. He adored his daughter and was so very connected to her. Her kindness and empathy are gifts from her father that live on through her.
In Michael's work life, he believed that customer service was bar none. Grocery was in his blood and, in fact, in his lineage as far back as the 1700s. He began working when he was just 15 years old, for Kacy's Market (Murphy's), Mark 'N Save, Safeway, and Sunset Market in Redding. Mike then ended up in grocery and liquor sales, spending most of his sales career with Young's Market Company and Kellogg's. He also owned a window cleaning business since 2001, bringing him the most joy in his work life to provide quality service to his customers around Humboldt County.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Paula Pavlich, of 24 years (although friends for many more); children Chris Gutierrez, Braedon Scott, and Hunter Scott, all of Eureka; grandchildren Lotus and Charlie Rae Gutierrez of Eureka; mother Dodie Scott of Redding; Aunt Nancy Rounds, Uncle and Aunt Bob and Beverly Sholes; sisters-in-law Jamie Pavlich Walker (husband Howie Walker and children Devin and Aaron), Cindy McIntosh (husband Michael and daughters Logan, Jamie and Libbie); cousins Debbie Frazier and Wendy Calbazar; co-parent/grandparent and lifelong friend Steve Gutierrez; special friends Mike and Becky DelGrande and an endless list of friends and co-workers.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joe Scott, in February 2020 and his brother Greg Scott in February 2019. Services will be held on Saturday, May 6th, at 1:00 at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfiker Lane, Eureka.
A memorial golf tournament will be held on Friday May 5th at Eureka Golf Course.
The family wishes to thank ....Dr. Thomas Rydz for his guidance, attentiveness, compassion, and encouragement; Thomas you are a blessing to our community!
Jenny Tehan, RN and friend, for going above and beyond what is expected of any nurse and friend. We are so fortunate to have you in our corner and love you dearly!
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the California Cancer Crushers, PO Box 3654, Eureka CA., 95502 Please note Michael Scott on payment. Donations will be designated for stage 4 cancers.

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Published by Times-Standard on Apr. 30, 2023.