Obituary of Richard Andrew Scarlett

Scarlett, Richard Andrew, age 75, died on March 6, 2024, after living courageously with Lewy Body Dementia for nearly five years. Rick was preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Charlotte Scarlett, brother Robert Scarlett, and brother-in-law Charles Bottoms. He is survived by sister Laura Bottoms, niece Karen Steele (Rob), and nephew Ted Bottoms.

Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on July 14, 1948, Rick was always proud that he shared his birthday with the French celebration of Bastille Day. In 1950, his family moved to Minneapolis where Rick attended school and graduated from Washburn High School in 1966. He continued his education at Carleton College, graduating with a degree in English in 1970. He later attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota, receiving a Masters in Library Science.

Rick began his career in 1970 at the Minneapolis Public Library. In 1975, he moved to the Hennepin County Library (HCL) system, working in information services at the Southdale and Ridgedale libraries. He was the consummate reference librarian. If he didn’t know the answer, he knew where to find it. When he retired, in 2005, he was in charge of reference materials for the entire HCL system.

Rick loved books and was an ardent reader. He had a sharp wit, a clever sense of humor, and a remarkable memory. He also had almost perfect recall for music of all genres, including rock, rhythm and blues, disco, jazz, and classical. He was a devoted patron of the arts, especially local theater and ceramic artists. He never missed the Minnesota State Fair, often attending more than once each year. He even won a ribbon for his Statue of Liberty post card collection.

Rick made friends easily and kept them for life, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. He never complained or drew attention to himself, despite both personal and health challenges. And when he wasn’t helping others at the library, he was volunteering, most notably at the Minnesota AIDS Project and the American Craft Council Library in Minneapolis.

Sincere thanks to Rick’s physician, Dr. Onaiza Ansar; Brenda Jones and other caregivers at the Jones Harrison Residence; and Joyful Companions, particularly Sara Larsen.

Memorials can be directed to the American Craft Council Library, 1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

A gathering and open house for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:30pm on Friday, May 31, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN.