Vern Thompson
Portland International Airport (PDX), Northeast Airport Way, Portland, OR, USA
Scott, my son Gage and I were boarding an airplane for Phoenix, Arizona. We were going to visit Charlie Rifenbark, who was coaching for The Phoenix Rattler’s arena football team. As we were going through TSA before boarding one of the agents said to Scott, “You look just like the Dude!” With perfect timing, in his best “Dude” voice, and with a totally deadpan face, Scott responded, “Well, that’s your opinion man,” and casually walked through without the slightest glance backwards. Gage and I were in awe. That was Scott Rifenbark.
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2024, Lihue, HI, USA
Another Scott
— with
Negev Scott Rifenbark
and Charles Scott Rifenbark
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Miss you Scott and all the great times we had playing music together and in the band with Kristi. Happy Birthday
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“A Few Stories”
One thing I liked about Scott was that he never talked about himself. He seemed to be able to stay in the moment, always providing a calm, relaxing experience. However, you could fill up a book with what he could talk about, but that wasn’t his style. He was humble.
He was not constrained by political borders or ideologies; Scott was a citizen of the world. You might find him in LA or New York, or you might come across him at ancient Mayan ruins or the Taj Mahal. He told me one time that he and Charlie took a trip to Russia from Finland, where they were both coaching professional football. On the return, Charlie’s papers weren’t in order or something, and they kept him, making Scott leave. Scott said he eventually made it home. He told it matter of factly. I would have been freaking out. Scott understood it was out of his control and that Charlie would eventually work it out with the Russians. And that is exactly what happened.
Scott didn’t need someone to tell him what to believe or how to think; he thought for himself. He was an original thinker.
Scott, my son Gage and I were flying to Phoenix to visit Charlie and take in an Arizona Rattler’s Arena Football game where Charlie worked as a coach. As we were going through TSA in the Portland airport a TSA employee said to Scott, “Hey you look just like the Dude." Scott didn’t skip a beat. Right on cue Scott said to him, "We’ll that just your opinion man," as if he really was the Dude and kept right on walking. That was Scott. Funny as Hell and dry wit and humor. It was classic Scott. I miss you Buddy.
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2024, Wailua River, Wailua, HI, USA
Scotty's Surf Co still going strong!!!! Scotty invested plus taught hard work and integrity
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We enjoyed our Buffalo Trace. Best times were visiting after work, having a few drinks of Buffalo Trace with Scott and Kristi before band rehearsal. We’d have one or two more as we practiced. Best of times.
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A beautiful, sunny day in the Willamette, thinking of Scott, and who should call but our mutual friend, Larry Potts. Larry went to early elementary school in McKenzie with Scott, then Larry's dad recruited Ray to Roseburg into the education community. Small world, maybe, but maybe just the ongoing impact of a truly amazing guy. Even in physical absentia sending good vibes...
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The qualities Scott had and their impact on me will always live on. Many days it is a challenge to understand (and navigate) my little universe. Having had a person in my life, even for such a short time, with the strength of character that Scott displayed (and some good music), helps me reflect, and sometimes be more tolerable. Kindness, humility, fearlessness, (and good music) are a few of the traits he had that come to mind. Will never forget...
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Oran Mor Artisan Mead, Melrose Road, Roseburg, OR, USA
Just finished a set of songs
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Thinking of Scott; happy got to see the band this summer at Graffitti Weekend, a brief moment of indoor human connection, excellent to see that part of him carry on through family and loved ones; could feel his presence. Picture of Scott in his hiking garb, underneath the "beware of Bigfoot" sign, is permanently attached to a wall of my "man cave". Love to all who knew and miss him.
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1991, Gales Creek, OR, USA
Halloween party family photo at Jossi's
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