Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and champion of the Seattle business community died suddenly and peacefully on June 6, 2023 – his 74th birthday.

Scott was born to Priscilla (Polly) Coder and Paul (Si) Soules at Swedish Hospital. The eldest of four children, Scott grew up in the Wedgwood neighborhood. He attended Wedgwood Elementary, Eckstein Middle School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He earned his Eagle Scout badge and National Merit Scholar recognition. A natural born Husky, Scott followed in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents to graduate from the University of Washington. He was a fraternal member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and rowed crew, as did his father and uncle Ellis Coder. Scott’s daughters are the seventeenth and eighteenth members of the Soules and Coder families to attend UW.

After university, Scott set his sights on a career in the music industry as the manager of the local rock band Bighorn, and later, The Allies. Scott often reminisced about those days which he enjoyed immensely. Forty years ago, at an Allies gig, Scott and Lorna Sipich were introduced by a mutual friend at The Hall of Fame live music venue on University Way. Lorna remembers being smitten the first time she saw his 6’7” frame standing at the bottom of the stairs collecting the entrance fee. Scott waived the fee for her. Two years later they purchased their wedding rings at Porter-Jensen Jewelers, also formerly located on The Ave.

For a time, Scott and Lorna worked in residential real estate together at Wallace and Wheeler. With their family growing Lorna chose to be home with their daughters, Natalie and Caroline, while Scott immersed himself in commercial real estate. He worked first with The City Group, then Yates, Wood & MacDonald, and later Cornell & Associates.

Although Scott could have chosen any number of ways to apply his intellect and aptitude to the commercial real estate world, preserving family legacy was his most important goal. Scott took pride in managing the real estate for two family companies started by each of his grandfathers, now known as SPI and LXC. Scott grew both companies by expanding the portfolios throughout the Greater Seattle area. He was, however, known as “Mr. U District.” He knew everybody, including their parents and grandparents. He could recite the ownership history of buildings while adding colorful side notes regarding events and owners.

Aways a gentleman, Scott was kind, patient, considerate, and fair. He saw both sides during real estate negotiations and strove for mutually beneficial outcomes. Scott started the University District Business Improvement Area (BIA) and presided over the board for many years. He was twice elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was active in U District Rotary for several years. He was one of five founders of the University District Partnership (UDP) and presided as president of University District Parking Association (UDPA) of which his paternal grandfather was a founder. He worked with the city of Seattle for many years regarding construction of the U District Light Rail station. Scott supported his tenants when they struggled with their businesses, helped them survive financially through the pandemic, and was a mentor to many. He believed the small business operator to be the heart of any thriving community. Scott was dismayed to witness the unfortunate changes in Seattle government accountability, especially as poor decisions around enforcement of crime and drug use impacted small business owners’ ability to be safe and productive. Undaunted, every Sunday morning he could be found picking up trash in the areas surrounding his and other properties.

Despite working long hours in his chosen career, Scott was first and foremost a proud husband and father. He participated in the YMCA programs Indian Princesses and Dads & Daughters, coached youth Hillwood Soccer teams, served as announcer at Shorewood High School volleyball matches, and attended countless sporting events plus other activities his daughters were involved in. Scott and Lorna enjoyed many short stay adventures and liberally attended live music events together. Two days before Scott died, he attended a Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band concert with Lorna and Natalie, which he noted was his fifty-seventh year Seattle Beatles reunion having seen them at the Coliseum in 1966. Lorna and Scott had recently returned from a Florida adventure where they visited family and friends, and walked the beach on Longboat Key where they were married in 1985.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents Si and Polly, brother Steve Soules and niece Laura Soules Lund. He is survived by his wife and partner Lorna, his daughters Natalie and Caroline (Corey Schafer), brother Stu Soules (Gabrielle Schilling), sister Sandra Soules Lund (Andreas Lund), and a host of beloved family members and in-laws.

Lorna and daughters extend their gratitude to all who have walked alongside the family in this time of grief. Never comfortable in the spotlight, Scott would be humbled to know how deeply he will be missed by so many who appreciated him.

Scott’s memory may be honored with donations to The Salvation Army, by supporting local small businesses, and any time you tackle a Sunday crossword puzzle.

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