Andrew Laurence Scott

December 17, 1948 – September 29, 2026

Andrew Laurence Scott, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at 7:29 p.m., surrounded by his family and enveloped in love. He was 77 years old.

Born on December 17, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Andy spent his early years in the Midwest before moving with his family to Costa Mesa, California, at age 12. He graduated from Estancia High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in History and Social Studies from California State University, Fullerton. Driven by a deep love of faith, learning, and service, he continued his education at Princeton Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity. He then spent nine months studying theology in Germany, where he became fluent in German, beginning a lifelong passion for languages and cultures.

Andy devoted much of his early career to ministry, serving as an associate pastor in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and at First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove, California. It was in Garden Grove that he met Ann, the love of his life. They married and began their 47-year journey together, building a family and sharing countless adventures. Their first pastoral calling together took them to Colton Presbyterian Church, where Andy served as pastor and where their two children, Karl and Ellen, were born in nearby Redlands.

Their ministry and family life took them next to Missouri, where Andy served for four years as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Moberly, followed by two years at First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Texas. Eventually, they returned to California to be closer to Andy's father as he approached the end of his life. With that move, Andy made the decision to conclude his pastoral ministry and embark on a new chapter.

Always a student and educator at heart, Andy returned to school to earn his teaching credential. He spent the next eight years teaching history and English as a Second Language to Spanish-speaking students. His love of languages served him well, as he was fluent in Spanish, German, and French and could read both Hebrew and Greek. Whether in the pulpit or the classroom, Andy had a gift for sharing knowledge and connecting with people.

Retirement, however, was never going to mean sitting still. Andy and Ann purchased a traveling business called Tea and Sympathy, taking to the road to attend Celtic festivals throughout the country, where they sold books, trinkets, and other treasures. Their travels gave Andy yet another opportunity to indulge his passion for Celtic culture and his Scottish heritage.

That heritage was especially important to Andy. He was deeply involved with the Scott Clan Society, serving as both the local Clan Commissioner and the West Coast Regional Commissioner. He took great pride in ensuring that his children understood and appreciated their Scottish roots. For 30 years, he could reliably be found at the Costa Mesa Scottish Festival, celebrating the culture and traditions he held so dear.

Music was another of Andy's great passions. An accomplished bagpiper, he shared his talent at weddings, funerals, ceremonies, and schools throughout Southern California. St. Patrick's Day was a particular highlight, when he could be found performing at Irish pubs, bringing the unmistakable sound of the bagpipes and a little Celtic spirit to the celebrations. His music was more than a hobby; it was another way he connected with people and shared the traditions he loved.

In his later years, Andy embraced perhaps one of his most cherished roles: grandfather. After officially retiring, he became the dedicated after-school caregiver for his grandson Jacob. Their daily trips to the park became a treasured routine. Andy especially enjoyed joining the other grandfathers in what they affectionately called "Grandpa Row," where they would sit together, watch the children play, and delight in their boundless energy and joy. These simple afternoons became some of his most meaningful moments.

Above all, Andy will be remembered for his remarkable curiosity, his devotion to family, and his wonderful sense of humor. He had a story for nearly every occasion and could always be counted on to deliver a good joke, often when it was least expected. Even in his final days, he never lost that sense of humor, a testament to the warmth and spirit that defined him.

Andy is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Ann; his children, Karl and Ellen; and his four grandchildren, Jacob, Isabella, Violet, and Ceara, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his brother, Jim; his sister, Katrina; and his much-loved nieces and nephews, with whom he shared a particularly close bond. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Doug Jr., who passed away in 1982.

Andy's life was one of faith, family, learning, music, travel, and laughter. From Iowa to California, from the church pulpit to the classroom, from Celtic festivals to afternoons at the park, he touched countless lives along the way. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the family he loved and the students he taught, but also in the friendships he forged, the traditions he preserved, and the laughter he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.