Scott Ray Reed, lovingly known as Scotty or simply “Old Man,” passed away on February 25, 2026. He was born August 12, 1959, at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spent much of his life in Salt Lake although he loved living in Kamas.

Scott lived life very much marching to the beat of his own drum. As a kid he was full of adventure and even made Little League All-Star, showing early on that he had both spirit and determination. In his younger years he stood six feet tall with long blonde hair and a charm that made it clear he loved life — and the ladies certainly noticed.

Scott worked many jobs throughout his life, including driving big rigs. After completing his own journey through recovery, he chose to help others by starting his own drug rehabilitation program, dedicating part of his life to helping people find a better path. Though he eventually sold the business, that chapter of his life reflected the big heart he had for people who were struggling.

Scott’s life was not always easy, and he would be the first to admit he lived a wild and complicated life. He faced his share of hardships, struggles, and broken relationships, but through it all he remained someone who was deeply loved by those who truly knew him. Scott was the kind of man who would give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back if you needed it. He especially enjoyed playing the role of the knight in shining armor, always ready to help a damsel distress.

He loved many simple things in life: fishing, building and fixing things, and working with his hands. As his health declined and he spent more time at home, he kept himself busy tinkering, whittling wood, carving, wood burning, and experimenting with resin art. One thing most of his recent friends knew about Scott was his love for tie-dye shirts, especially the ones made just for him. Those were the only ones he liked to wear.

Scott battled cancer multiple times during his life, including throat cancer that ultimately left him with one lung. Though he reached remission, his health continued to decline over the years. Even through these challenges, he remained stubborn, tough, and determined to live life on his own terms.

He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs, enjoyed joking with friends, and was known for his quick wit and mischievous sense of humor. Scott didn’t like to worry about life too much — he believed in living in whatever way made him happy, even if that sometimes meant making choices others didn’t understand.

Scott is survived by his two biological children, Nickolas and Amelia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carole and Donald Reed, and by his beloved dog and best friend, Slipper.

A few years before his passing, Scott wrote down one of his final wishes. He said that when he died, he hoped to become a ghost so he could haunt his friends, play jokes on them, and peek in on his girlfriends in the shower — a request that perfectly captures the humor and personality that made him unforgettable.

Scott requested to be cremated, and there will be no formal funeral services.

Those who knew Scott will remember a man who lived life fully, loved his friends deeply, and left behind stories that will be told for years to come. Wherever he is now, we can only assume he’s still causing a little trouble and keeping everyone laughing.

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