Scott Gregory McLam of Ridgefield, CT, passed away on June 13, 2022 surrounded by his family following a two decade-long battle with cancer.

Scott was born on July 29, 1958 at Fort Rucker, AL, the first of five children to Alan and Louise McLam. The McLam family moved around in his early years but ultimately settled in Dix Hills, NY where Scott attended Half Hollow Hills High School. There, he played both football and lacrosse and was awarded the Lieutenant Raymond Enners Award for exemplary leadership, community service, and scholarly and athletic achievement. Scott attended Washington & Lee University where he continued his athletic career in football and lacrosse, was a member of the US Army ROTC program for 2 years, host of a campus radio show, and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. During his lacrosse career, he earned the nicknames “Dr. Dodge” and “The Professor” on the lacrosse field for his innovative style of play and his knowledge of the game. After graduation, he continued playing for both Chicago Lacrosse Club and NYAC. 

Scott met the love of his life, Maureen, in New York City in 1990. The two married on September 19, 1992 and went on to have three children. The pair began their life together in Summit, NJ, then relocated to Boxford, MA, and ultimately settled in Ridgefield, CT where they lived the past 19 years. In his community, Scott was committed to the development of youth sports. He was an active supporter of the Ridgefield Youth Lacrosse program long after his own children had moved on. Scott had an accomplished 35-year career in the home textiles industry, the last 15 of which were spent at Ellison First Asia where he rose to President & CEO before his retirement in 2020.

Scott is survived by his wife, Maureen; children Kevin, Charlotte and her husband Will, and Claire; mother, Louise; and siblings Lisa, Brad, Kim, and Taylor; loyal dog, Abby; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Scott was a devoted and selfless family man. For most of his career, he commuted more than four hours a day to support his family without complaint and allow his wife, Maureen, to raise their children the way they wanted. Scott was generous, loving, loyal, and genuine. His relationship with each of his loved ones was its own unique and special connection. Scott had a magnetic quality about him. People gravitated toward him to feel heard, supported, and important. Building deep, meaningful connections was his gift, and it's something we will miss dearly. Scott was his family’s hero.

Scott appreciated the little things in life. He loved a surf and turf dinner on a summer night, a Gibson (made with vodka, always shaken, never stirred), the Wall Street Journal, an early morning dip in the ocean, an ice cold beer, the New England Patriots, and history books that would put most to sleep. He owned the dance floor at any party, loved a day on the golf course, and enjoyed his time outside whenever he had the chance. Scott could quote movies from start to finish, name any song title and artist after only the first note was played, and could crush anyone in a game of trivial pursuit with his bank of otherwise useless knowledge. He had a special talent for uncanny impersonations, his animated face allowing him to transform into any person or character. When Scott smiled, you couldn’t help but smile with him.

Anyone who knew Scott knew his family was his first love, followed closely by the game of lacrosse. While he enjoyed playing the sport for 20 years, coaching was one of his greatest joys. He wore his love and appreciation for the game on his sleeve and his dedication to those he played with and taught was infectious. As a teammate and coach, Scott’s passion, charisma and integrity empowered those around him both on and off the field. For anyone who had the privilege of sharing the sport with him, Scott was a mentor and role model who left a lasting impact on their lives, and his legacy is something the family takes great pride in.

Scott passed as he lived – on his own terms. Weeks before his daughter’s wedding, Scott’s opponent of the last 20 years became more aggressive. Despite this new adversity, he refused to let his illness prevent him from walking his daughter down the aisle. It wasn't medicine that gave Scott the strength to escort his daughter; it was the undying love of family and his unwavering determination. Just 32 hours before his passing, Scott celebrated the milestone in the company of his beloved family and friends. His resilience was the embodiment of love and his presence was an unforgettable gift to those who bore witness.

A celebration of life for Scott will be held at the Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, CT on June 26th from 2-5pm. A scholarship fund is being established in Scott’s honor to celebrate the achievements of the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams at Ridgefield High School. Details of the fund and where to donate will be provided in the coming days and updates will be made on the Everloved site.

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