Obituary of Christopher Scott

Christopher Dean Scott 5/23/61 – 5/1/11 Chris passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 1, 2011. He will be remembered for his (almost) unfailing good humor, generosity of time, thought, spirit and exceptional curiosity and knowledge about all things natural that fly, creep, slither or burrow. His love of nature was evident as a young boy; at the age of nine he petitioned the State of Maryland to ordain the 5 acres that was his home as a bird sanctuary. It was granted. His second great love was law enforcement. He began his career as a State Park Ranger in 1982 at Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area (SRA), Naples, FL; transferred to Sebastian Inlet SRA, FL as a law enforcement ranger; and finally joined the Altamonte Springs, FL police department in 1984. From there his career spring-boarded into federal appointments and undercover work across the USA. He was especially active in narcotic divisions and fighting the illegal sale and distribution of endangered reptile and animal species - his passion for protecting wildlife and law enforcement converged into what he called his “dream job” of undercover assignments catching poachers. Among his many awards and achievements was the publication by the University of Texas of two books he authored: "Snake Lovers Lifelist & Journal" and “Endangered and Threatened Animals of Florida and Their Habitats." In addition to his books and writings, Chris is worthy of significant acclaim as a lecturer and outspoken activist within his field of expertise, often credited with having introduced the joy and passion of wildlife and wildlife conservation to many others who may otherwise have remained unaware. Chris was a gifted nature photographer. His friends and family delighted in receiving original prints from his huge collections on their individual "special" occasions - occasions he seldom forgot. He was original, unique, playful and serious. His close acquaintances numbered, literally, in the hundreds and they will all miss him. He leaves behind his mother: Claudette Scott-Stude, Boynton Beach, FL; father: John (Jack) R. Scott, Balto, MD; brother: Kevin M. Scott, Ft. Wayne, IN; son: Matthew C. Scott, Orlando, FL.; friend & confidant: Karen Scott, Orlando FL; grandsons Teagen and Brendan, and his beloved dog “Mimere” and cat “Elf Owl”. Remembrance donations may be made in his name to the following: Tucson Herpetological Society, Tucson, AZ; Humane Society (of Southern Arizona or National); World Wildlife Foundation; The Nature Conservancy; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.