Jacqueline Scott

Jacqueline (Jackie) Scott

July 28, 1952 to April 12, 2019

Jacqueline (Jackie) Scott passed away as a result of cancer on Friday, April 12th, 2019 with her brother Fraser and her long-time friends Michael Plummer and Brenda Heenan at her side. Jackie was predeceased by her parents Sylva (Syb) Thurlow Scott (Macklin) and Thomas Stewart (Stew) Scott. She is survived by her brothers Fraser (Judy) and Graham (Vicky), her niece Victoria, nephews Andrew and Jamey and by her cousins Michael Kimber (Sue), Dan Kimber and Caroline (Missy) Primrose (Kimber).

Jackie was an avid outdoorswoman mastering canoeing and other skills at Camp Wapomeo, one of the Taylor Statton Camps (1960 – 1967). She was a champion shot putter in her pre-teen years, earning an Ontario Track and Field title for her age group from the prestigious Lloyd Percival Fitness Institute. Her Dad was very proud.

Jackie graduated from University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 and soon after began her career working in the federal civil service, where she focused her skills in developing environmental policy for various Departments including Natural Resources, Environment Canada and Energy, Mines and Resources. Her scientific training and attention to detail resulted in many awards of recognition.

Jackie retired after 30 years of public service in 2010 and began to develop a passion for fly fishing salmon on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. She took several fishing trips every year, many with her friends Jim Corrigan and Paul Welsh. She became fast friends with the local guides who shared their knowledge of the best spots along the river.

Jackie was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March 2017 but that didn’t stop her from doing exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She beat all her oncologists’ predictions for survival by many months. She was afforded the opportunity to accept death and to enjoy life to the fullest in her final years. Her many friends marvelled at her positive outlook and generous sharing of her insights. It was her wish to live out her life in her own home, and she managed to do so, with a lot of help from her neighbours and friends, especially Michael and Brenda, LHIN caregivers and nurses and the palliative care team put in place during her final weeks. She died in her own home, peacefully in her sleep, just as she had planned. She told her friends Michele Gauthier and Theresa Boisvert that she wanted her obituary to reflect her personality, so here it is, paraphrased in their words …

“On Friday, April 12, 2019, I decided to seek for myself, proof that Einstein had indeed nailed it with his theory of general relativity. Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons provided music for the trip. Dear friends and family were by my side and in my thoughts, as were memories of camp and canoe trips in Algonquin Park, lazing on the sand at Thunder Beach, diving from the dock at Herridge Lake and, of course, fly fishing for salmon on the Miramichi.

I’d like people to remember me for my diehard Liberal political views, my career at Natural Resources Canada where I majored in saving the environment, my fondness for turtles and frogs, my love of gardening and – last but not least – my red leather jacket and penchant for French manicures.”

At Jackie’s request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred in the Macklin family plot at Ebenezer United Church Cemetery in Milliken Mills (Markham), 5000 Steeles Ave E, Markham, Ontario on Saturday, June 15, 12019 at 11:30 am. Reception to follow at the church. Tributes and condolences may be made through www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com