Scott T. Buzzell's Obituary
On The Move
Scott Timothy Buzzell was born in Tacoma, Washington, on January 16, 1987, to Robert and Sherry (Dean) Buzzell. His father was a CAPT in the U.S. Navy, and this provided the opportunity for Scott, and later his siblings, to live in a variety of settings. Scott spent his youth living in Texas, Spain, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia. He attended many schools starting with the Naval Base in Rota, Spain, then Christian Heritage Academy in Oklahoma, the Newport Baptist Academy and finally Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy in Virginia. Following his education, Scott joined the United States Coast Guard and was trained as a chef. His life journey also found him in Ruidoso, New Mexico, before returning to his home in Tacoma, Washington.
FUAGNEM
While in Oklahoma, Scott and his siblings discovered Kanukuk Kamp, in Branson, Missouri, near their family cabin. Scott attended Kanakuk, an athletic camp for Christian athletes, for one month every summer, 12 years in a row. Kanakuk presented awards at the end of sessions for campers who demonstrated certain traits. One award offered, but not always awarded, was the FUAGNEM award – Fired Up and Going Nuts Every Minute. Scott was the recipient of this award for 12 consecutive summers. He was always eager and “bouncing off the walls”; one of the few campers who did not rest, but rather operated on all cylinders 150% of the time. Scott lived his life outside of camp in the same manner.
Challenge Accepted
When asked what would be Scott’s greatest challenge in life, his family was quick to respond – Challenge Accepted! Scott was always eager to meet a new day and hurdle any obstacles that life presented. His creative and energetic demeanor led Scott to throw himself at life. His sister, Jessica, and brother, Ross, recall how Scott would create his own challenges on his skateboard, a favorite pastime. He would find some roof from which to skateboard or would skate on a lawn chair balanced upon wooden slats. He thought and operated “outside the box”; exceeding the mark in everything he did. At a theme park in Silver Dollar City with his family, Scott’s dad encouraged him to face his fear and ride the rollercoaster – Scott did, eleven times in a row! In a similar fashion, Scott rode the double black diamond slope on a snowboard in New Hampshire, the day after the family all learned to simply ski. While attending school, his family recalled how Scott was asked to memorize a chapter of the Bible within a month – he had it word for word by noon that day! At one time Scott ate 13 Big Macs in a day, 7 of these in one sitting; again, if he was challenged, his response was, “Bring It On!”
A Creative Genius
Scott was a creative and intelligent young man. His creativity was equally impressive. He could paint, draw, or build anything! They recall one time when Scott fastened glow-in-the-dark stars to the inner roof of a footlocker, and then proceeded to put his younger siblings inside and spin them around to give them the impression that they were flying through space. His mother recalled how Scott used extra wood from their garage to create and fasten a plane for his siblings to enjoy one summer day. He created games for them to play and challenges for them to enjoy. Scott could pick up a guitar or piano and learn to play it. Once he learned how to type, he was typing 92 words a minute within a short period of time.
Scott for President
When asked about his political affiliation, his family replied, “the Party of Scott”. Scott’s skill with language and his convincing manner, supported by his intelligent and creative side, suggested that he would make a great President. He had a very sharp mind and could convince anyone of anything. At Fairfax Academy he convinced the president to allow for movies such as Lord of the Rings to be shown – citing their Biblical significance or their moral value. He often would assist others at the video store with selections, partly because he watched so many movies. “Even if you didn’t enjoy a particular genre, Scott could have you selecting a film from the store.”
The Caregiver
His tall stature was not what made Scott stand out from the crowd, but rather his smile, optimism and generous nature; he was always looking for a way to help others. In school, he would take care of the underdogs, those who seemed left out. He would invite them over to the table and find out some interesting facts about them, sharing it with the table in a manner that brought the “outsider” into the group. His siblings both noted how Scott was the protector. His sister recalled how Scott informed her while she was in Sweden, that he would come and protect her if she needed him, “and he would find a way to be there.” In a similar fashion, Scott’s brother Ross noted a time when Ross was being beaten on by three other boys, and Scott easily took control of the situation, “taking the three boys down.” Scott informed his brother in a casual way, “I’m the only one who gets to beat on you!”
The Prankster
For Scott, every day was something to be cherished and a reason to have fun. A typical Scott day was one that saw him attired in his Volcom shirt and hat, attached to his skateboard backpack, and ready to face the day’s challenges with optimism and a smile. Sometimes Scott would seek the opportunity for some type of prank that might bring joy and laughter to those around him. Recollections of such antics included: jumping out of a dumpster to startle Ed Blanchette, seeing how far over the church he could throw tennis balls, dumping pepper in the coffee or running and sliding on the church parking lot ice to try and knock people over. His unusual and spontaneous laughter was how Scott brought joy to others.
A Heart Tender For Christ
Early on, Scott accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized at Crestview Baptist Church, accepting Christ into his heart. In Newport, Scott was a member of the Newport Baptist Church, and his membership resided with Fairfax Baptist Temple Church while in Virginia. One church brother recalls how Scott could always ask deep, thought-provoking questions that would spark vibrant conversation. His tenderness for others was evident with his church brothers and sisters. Many commented on how Scott made a mark in their lives, with his spirit and his power to make them laugh. “He had a way to connect with us.”
A Journey’s End
Scott accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He believed in salvation and heaven. Though he has left his family far too soon, Scott has found peace in his resting place; “He is probably looking for a skate park.” Scott was preceded in death by his brother Michael and is survived by his parents, CAPT (USN) Robert and Sherry Gwyn (Dean) Buzzell; his sister, Jessica; brother, Ross. He is further survived by his grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
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