Obituary of Scott Roland

Scott Roland (McGath), age 64, peacefully passed away in Duluth MN on July 8, 2023, surrounded by his family. 

Scott was born in Duluth MN on July 28,1958. He graduated from Duluth Central High School, then spent a year in Sweden as a foreign exchange student. Scott attended universities in MN, Boston, and in CA which he called home, and where he earned his degrees. He volunteered as a tutor for ESL at the public library, enjoyed various careers, and had an exceptional attention to detail. He was a life long learner of music, architecture, art, languages, and history. He spoke Mandarin, Italian, Spanish, French, Swedish, and German. His art portfolio includes architectural designs, landscapes, and portraits. 

Scott was a gifted musician. As a member of the Duluth Accordionaires, he traveled throughout the US and at the age of thirteen, to the USSR. He won many accordion competitions, both solo and duet, including a national virtuoso trophy. He played the saxophone, bassoon, and guitar.

He loved art museums, photography, all genres of music, literature, hiking, traveling, foreign language films, astronomy, and meeting new people. He loved aviation and was a collector of model airplanes and airline memorabilia.

Scott was witty and had the ability to always see the bright side. He was spontaneous and adventurous, thoughtful and observant, always giving his full attention to listen. He was generous, whether it was taking full days to play tour guide extraordinaire around San Fransisco, gifting supplies and inspirational art books to his great nephews when they showed a love of art and birds, or adopting new friends as “family”. He always made sure that people felt welcome and that they had wonderful experiences. His nephews and nieces remember how exciting it was to receive the specialty chocolates he sent each year for Christmas. 

Scott’s special life-long friend, Diane, describes his kindness as being central to his character, and that he was a gentleman in all the best ways. 

Due to his dementia diagnosis, Scott moved to Lynnwood, Washington to live with his sister Lori and brother-in-law Pat. For the last three years of his life he was lovingly cared for by them, and by the rest of his family. Although his participation was limited, he enjoyed listening to his family’s stories and happenings. He was attune to his surroundings, and could distinguish what the neighborhood crows were up to by their calls to one another. He never lost his love of learning, his ability to show care for those around him, or his sense of humor. His family and friends are heartbroken by his unexpected passing. His memory will forever be in our hearts.

Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Johnson (McGath). 

Scott is survived by his two sisters, Trina (Joseph) LeGarde of Duluth MN, and Lori (Patrick) Brake of Lynnwood WA, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s ER and ICU for the exceptional care for Scott and his family.

As per Scott’s wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, visit a museum, learn something new, or go on an adventure.Scott would have loved that.