Thursday, October 29, 2020
Scott is one of my closest friends I have ever had. We knew one another since Eaton elementary school and remained close throughout the years. I have thousands of great memories together. As I sit here typing, I recall sitting in the Ryan basement discussing the benefits of Betamax videos vs VHS. Scott had the greatest collection of Betamax. If I am not mistaken, he worked at a video distribution center for a short period of time in our childhood. Scott and I had many different opinions on things but always respected each other’s opinions. I think that is one of the many reasons we were close. Scott was the greatest at respecting differences in people.
How he loved foreign cars and I was a Chevy guy back in the 80s and 90s. I wish I could recall all the cars he had. We would drive around for hours just hanging out together. I remember when he got his Corvette and how ecstatic he was. I told him that I would set up a tour of the plant whenever he had time. I was glad he finally came around to liking Chevy.
Now if you might recall, Scott was a trendsetter in music. How he loved new wave music. We would sit in the basement listening to Devo and B’52s and so many other groups. He would say listen to this one Ron. I would respond in distress and cringe listening to the groups he liked. Eventually, he played DIN DAA DAA and Blister in the Sun. Two of his favorite songs at that time. I was hooked and he knew it. He was right once again. I miss those days so very much.
I remember the day when we meet Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, and the Sheik. What a wonderful day that was.
Another fabulous memory goes back to 1981. Now the marriage of Lady Diana and Prince Charles was a celebration at the Ryan household. I considered it a privilege to be invited to watch the wedding in their living room. Just listening to Mrs. Ryan talk that day made it seem like I was there in England. It is amazing to me what the mind remembers.
I can go on and on about the great times we had growing up together. Scotty, you will be greatly missed my friend.
The last time we talked was on his birthday. As we closed our conversation that day, we said I love you to one another as we often did. I will always remember that as it now has more of a special meaning than I realized. I am not able to hold back my tears at this moment. Rest in Peace my lifelong friend.
