I would like to start by thanking everyone for taking this time to join us in bidding a farewell to our uncle Scott Loveday. We have gathered to remember a life that was manifested as a friend, neighbor, familiar face, son, brother, cousin and most notably as an uncle and great uncle. We celebrate a man who tried to fill every moment with laughter in his own unique ways. He lived by the motto “I will grow old but never grow up.” Sadly he only kept one of those promises. Often Scott would make jokes that often didn’t land, leaving himself in stitches while the recipient was shaking their head. Whether it was an off-hand jest, crass prank, or a fart noise upon company standing or passing by he never stopped having a child-like character. If you ever uttered the words “grow up” you’d be met with a pout and declaration of his refusal. Oh, Unc.

Visiting our uncle meant trying the most peculiar flavored snacks. Some became family favorites. This tradition began with my grandparents with filled twizzlers and was kept alive with him and surely will continue for generations to come. When he perused the store he would purchase the newest limited edition flavors and insist we try them. Have no fear there was an abundance of drink variety to wash them down. Just never ask for water as this was blasphemy in his world. Whether it was some wildly unexpected flavor no one else would dare try, or a classic favorite he swore tasted better than anything else on this Earth (sauerkraut, pickled eggs, liverwurst), he embraced and shared it all with enthusiasm. Somehow, that quirky interest became part of what made him true to his unique self.

He found delight in simplicity, silly, cheezy and sweet things that he shared unapologetically with anyone he had a chance to spend moments with. He carried a kind of childlike spirit with him in every circumstance. He loved a tacky joke, the kind that might make you groan before you laughed or sighed. He never took himself too seriously, and that gave everyone else permission to loosen up, to smile, to enjoy the moment a little more. That playful mindset was a gift. It kept things light, even when life wasn’t. He often felt distraught by the loss of his siblings and parents. Left in silence and longing for familial connection. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to build and foster the title he took the most pride in, being an uncle. There was never a chance missed that he didn't check up on us. Whether it was an impromptu trip to a garlic fest, parade, or galavanting extravaganza every moment was cherished and will live in our minds for years to come.

Many of you may have known his lifelong dream of being a trucker. He spent time as a volunteer ambulance driver which he took extreme pride in. Living in the Adirondacks gave him a playground of adventure. Scott could be found cruising around with his rotator, putting in his electric chair or cruising on a four wheeler he had no business riding. I swear his goal was to give me a heart attack with his antics. Nonetheless, I was happy to see that he never lost his momentum to get up and go. He showed up at the most inopportune times and also the most important times for many of us. I'll never forget him arriving with my grandma to celebrate me graduating college. We are grateful for the times he graciously and enthusiastically opened his home to us in times of need. These circumstances truly lend to deeper bonding and fulfilled a deep emptiness in him.

Scott had a gift of remembering many people and making everyone feel seen. As stubborn, insubordinate and unapologetic as he lived his truth, he also had a consistent, loyal and nonjudgmental sense of caring, trusting blindly and showing up without a second thought or need of explanation. He felt his presence and constant need for support was a burden but we never felt as such. We will miss his appearance at nearly every holiday and family gathering. There will be many more big moments in our lives. As we celebrate, cry and laugh through life just know his spirit will be there in each moment just as he always was. Pick up a cold one of your delight and smile knowing you each played an important role in making his life that more fulfilled. By big brat, we will always be your clan of little brats.