Salt Lake City, UTAH – The family of Elder Richard G. Scott is reflecting today on his legacy as an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His youngest child, Mike, spoke with Fox 13 and shared fond memories of his father.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints considered Elder Richard G. Scott a spiritual giant, someone who lifted their spirit through words. For his family, actions speak volumes especially when they were directed toward their mother.
“My mom, after 30 years of marriage would say that when she`d see my dad walk in the room she`d just, you know her heart would flutter,” said Mike Scott.
His mother Janeane passed away 20 years ago, but Elder Scott kept her spirit alive.
In a conference talk, he shared a story about how he had a short break before Sunday meetings and was fixing a washing machine so his wife wouldn’t have to hand wash the laundry.
Elder Richard G. Scott: “She said, no, go play with the children. I said, I can play with the children anytime I want to help you. Then she said Richard please go play with the children. When she spoke to me authoritatively I obeyed.”
Elder Scott says she taught him about the importance of family.
“I felt 2 little arms around my neck, a kiss on the cheek and these words whispered in my ear which I`ll never forget, dad, I love you! You`re my best friend,” said Elder Scott.
“The way he was in private matched the way he taught in public. He was a man of real character. And truly an exceptional person,” said Mike Scott.
As a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and then later sustained as an Apostle in October 1988, Elder Scott sought out those who needed help the most.
“He actually talked a lot to the people that were kind of down and out. Really struggling. To me, I think he`ll be remembered as the person that really reached out to those and gave people hope,” said Scott.
The church is now without three apostles, with the passing of President Boyd K. Packer and Elder L. Tom Perry. Scott says his father had confidence in leaders to move the work forward.
“The brotherhood that exists in the Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency, I think most people don`t understand how deep that runs. It`s really powerful. It`s really neat to be exposed to that,” said Scott.
There`s no precedent as to when the church will call three new apostles, but you can imagine how excited members are for the upcoming General Conference in October.
