Scott Neeley

Go Fund Me Link For Scott: https://gofund.me/6844a53ce

Scott Peterson Neeley was born December 7th, 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second child of Kenneth and Nola Neeley. He had 5 beloved siblings: Robert, Brian, Mathew, Nanette, and Nathan. Scotts Father worked in Seville Spain for 3 years where Scott attended elementary school in Spain and his mother Nola was his first grade teacher. Scott was baptized a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while his family lived in Spain. In his formative years Scott moved to California and attended Wildrose Elementary School, Clifton Middle School, and graduated in 1978 from Monrovia High School. Throughout these years Scott met the love of his life, Jeanine Van Dusen, established lifelong friendships–The Monrovia Boys, developed a deep love of music playing the trumpet in jazz band, marching band and 210 West Band. Scott performed in plays, singing at events, and most importantly Scott formed a foundational testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life early on to follow in Jesus footsteps with love and compassion for his fellowman.

Scott emulated the Savior by becoming a missionary to share the gospel. Called to serve in Bogota Colombia, his mission was life changing. Scott loved and served the people of Colombia where he developed new talents in speaking Spanish, studying, leadership, and strengthening his testimony. Mission President James Dunn, his wife Penny and the entire Dunn family made a long lasting friendship and were a great influence in Scotts life. Scott was a treasured missionary. The two years away from home were made sweeter with letters from home, particularly from his high school sweetheart Jeanine who wrote him faithfully for two years.

A love story better suited for hallmark movies, these two are what soul mates are made of. In 1974, Jeanine age 12 first saw Scott age 14 on the stage in a roadshow in Pasadena, and as she says, her heart went pitter-patter. They first spoke in 1976 when Scott asked if he could sign Jeanine’s yearbook. For him, it was love at first sight. Their love surpassed all odds, blossoming from high school sweetheart to forever sweethearts.

Scott and Jeanine were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles temple on August 13, 1983. They affectionately have called each other “my eternal sweetheart” and Scott had the saying engraved on his wedding ring. Jeanine and Scott grew their family starting with Rachel, Krista, Nathan, and Jacob. Becoming a father was Scotts greatest joy. Scott loved cheering his kids on in sports, supporting their worldwide travels, showing them how to fly fish on the Snake River, and of course teaching each of them to ski behind the old blue boat as soon as they could walk.

A natural athlete since childhood, Scott loved both playing and watching sports. Scott played softball for 34 years as shortstop in 4 different leagues. He loved tennis, golf, snow skiing, water skiing, dirt biking, basketball, football, fishing and scuba diving. Scott even mastered barefoot waterskiing and could make every buoy on the slalom course until he was 58 years old while on the Canyon Lake water ski team. Scotts two sons friends all gave Scott the nickname “Mr. Gnarly” because he was always taking them dirt biking or on wild adventures.

Scott has never missed a Dodgers game since age 10. It was a favorite pastime with the Monrovia boys, a friendship that has been a constant support to him since childhood and until the end. Scott counted down the days until Memorial Day weekend to go waterski and camp with his close friends, affectionately called the “Dinner Group” for decades. As an Uncle, Scott was a friend and leader in his family to his siblings, their spouses, and 30 nieces and nephews who all loved fun Uncle Scotty. We all know Scott was the favorite Uncle. Scott was a loyal friend and loved people. Everyone who knew Scott knew they were loved unconditionally. Scott never spoke negatively about anyone and had an optimistic outlook on life.

Always a thrill seeker Scott rode motorcycles and unfortunately fractured his back at age 27. This injury inspired Scott to switch from business major to become a chiropractor. He received his doctorate degree in 1992 and owned a successful chiropractic office in San Diego for 27 years. Scott loved his patients and they loved him.

Scott lit up the room with his smile. He loved to laugh and have fun. Scott enjoyed traveling with his family to Yellowstone and Lake Powell every summer. Scott also explored China, Japan, Thailand, France, Italy, Mexico, the Caribbean and Fiji as a family over the years. Scott even took his wife and kids on 4 cageless shark dives in Fiji to feed 20 bull sharks 100 feet deep in the ocean.

Scotts favorite title has been the title of Grandpa. Scott has 10 precious grandchildren, 5 girls and 5 boys, who adore him and they will miss their Grandpa These kids brought Scott so much pride and joy. Scott loved each one uniquely, cherishing time playing pretend, teaching card games, swimming, boating, and of course cheering on the dodgers!

In September 2024 Scott had a bad fall that caused two subdural hematomas. This led to 6 weeks in the hospital and 3 brain surgeries, causing a traumatic brain injury from which Scott never truly recovered. As a wife and care giver, Jeanine stayed devoted by his side until he was called home. As a family we are heartbroken, but take comfort in God’s endless love and His eternal plan of salvation. Scott is happy in his heavenly home, and welcomed with love by the many friends and family who passed before him. May God be with all of us until we meet again at Jesus' feet.