Ventura will miss a guy who brought so much joy and happiness to all who had the great fortune to have known him.
Roland Scott was born in Hamlin Texas in 1939. His parents and siblings eventually settled in Ventura. They lived on El Medio Street in the Ventura Avenue area. As a youngster, he hung out on the sports fields at West Park with other kids in the neighborhood. His form of recreation was playing in the Ventura River bottom throwing rocks, chasing lizards, catching frogs and hiking in nearby hills.
Roland went to Ventura High School where he participated in sports. When asked about his athletic career he stated, "I could have been a future All American as a quarter back, but his receivers couldn't catch a cold"! After the Football season, he played basketball for coach Bob Tuttle. According to Bob, Roland was a very good player but he just couldn't shoot! The next sport he tried was Track and Field. He became a High Jumper but his track and football coach Jack Smith stated, "he had great form, but his legs just wouldn't support him jumping very high"!
After high school graduation, Roland went to The University of Redlands to play quarterback on the football team. Again, he was plagued by guys who couldn't catch his bullet passes! He then decided to forget about sports and use his college education to seek a career in the Aerospace Industry. His proudest moments were being able to work on the first Space Shuttle and hang out with the Astronauts. After his stint as a Procurement Specialist for the shuttle project, he worked at North American Industries in the same capacity. Towards the end of his career, he worked for Sarcosky Helicopters. That afforded him the luxury to travel throughout the world. During this juncture in his life, he married and had four children. Dawn, Tommy, Ken and Teddy.
Soon after his retirement, he ventured back to his home town of Ventura. While getting reacquainted with the area, he met up with a former classmate named Linda Schmitt Webster. Ironically, they went to the Ventura High School Senior prom together in 1957. That introduction spurned fond memories and resulted in the two of them being able to enjoy the next 30 years together.
Roland loved golf and for purely recreational purposes went to work at The Ojai Valley Inn as a "Cart Boy". His job description was to pick up golf balls and wash the golf carts at the end of the day. Later, he moved up the ladder and became a member of the Pro Golf Shop where he greeted prospective golfers and got them out on the course promptly. His personality made him an instant hit with Club Members as well as Hotel guests. Throughout his 20 years at Ojai, many golfers who came back to the Inn often inquired if Roland was still there. Everyone who had the pleasure to know him, all said the same thing. He was always happy, fun and never said a negative thing about anyone!
Another passion he had was playing cards with his poker buddies and spending time at gambling casinos. He loved all types of social functions and his weekly trips to Arts Corner Cafe, Yolanda's and Tuesday Taco Night at La Cabana restaurant were a staple, He basically lived a simple life but when it came time for his Scotch Whiskey, he would always choose the finest...... Jonny Walker Black!
At this time, there are no plans for a funeral. However, his friends getting together to remember and toast his legacy is a distinct possibility.
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, Ventura.