Scott Alvin Mcpherson

It is with a heavy heart that the McPherson family announces that Scott McPherson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on September 9, 2023, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, and camaraderie that will forever warm the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Born on June 20, 1956, in Aiyisha, Japan, to Robert "Bob" and Joan (Hobart) McPherson, Scott's journey through life was as unique and vibrant as the man himself. After several moves in his early life, the McPherson family settled in Walla Walla, Washington in 1965.  Scott deeply loved this town he called home and never passed an opportunity to sing its praises.  He made certain his children were exposed to the wonders of Eastern Washington as well as Cannon Beach, Oregon, where Scott’s grandparents established a foothold in the 1940s.  That familial presence has carried on through their descendants to this day where all strive to meet in the summer.

After graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1974, where he was Student Body President his senior year, Scott enrolled at the University of Washington.  He took a short sabbatical from his educational pursuit and tried, instead, to become a rock and roll star and/or expert skier – whichever came first – in Sun Valley, Idaho.  Before long and much to his parents’ relief, he resumed his education, finishing at UW with a BA in Economics.

After graduation, Scott worked in the Seattle area selling building supplies.  Market conditions there not being close to where they are now and being tired of earning no money, he decided to cast his lot with the oilfield.  In 1982, he moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to take a job with Otis Engineering Corporation, then a division of Halliburton, and he retired from Halliburton after 35 years.  He started at the bottom of the field as a wireline hand but worked his way up to becoming a Senior Service Supervisor in Completions. He always spoke warmly of his time with Halliburton and was very proud of the work that he did with the company.  Along the way, he met incredible people with whom he developed life-long friendships.  He wore his Halliburton paraphernalia proudly.  

But wealth and fame in the oil patch were not all Scott acquired in the south.  In 1985 he met his future bride, Kathy Kay, at OB’s Deli and Pub (which should surprise no one).  They began dating in the Fall of 1985 and were married in 1989.  This marriage produced the two things about which he was most proud:  his daughter Sally and his son Robbie.  As a couple, Scott and Kathy worked hard and played hard, raising their children among a host of excellent friends whom their children consider to be honorary family members.   The icing on his “I am the luckiest man alive” cake arrived in May of 2022 with the birth of his beautiful grandson, Teddy.    Scott never hesitated to thank the stars, the heavens, and the good Lord for his luck and fortune with his family and friends.  He was very grateful.  

Scott McPherson was an excellent storyteller (some might say “embellisher”), a gifted guitar player, and, above all, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His baritone voice, his contagious laugh, enduring smile, his unforgettable tales (especially the true ones – think “golf cart”), and his love of music will resonate forever in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing in his life's journey.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (“Kathy”) Kay McPherson, his daughter, Sally Kay Brockman (George), his son, Robert (“Robbie”) Scott McPherson (Isabelle), his grandson, Theodore (“Teddy”) Lewis Brockman, and his and Kathy’s four-legged child, Elphie.  He is also survived by his two sisters, Sally McPherson (Melinda) of Portland, Oregon, and Stacy McPherson of Walla Walla, Washington.   He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Joan McPherson.

Scott may be gone from our sight, but he will never be absent from our hearts. A celebration of Scott's life will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home,  4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a service at 6:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Scott's memory to Musicmakers2u or the charity of the donor's choice.