G. Scot Catto

Lost a friend this week. Laurie worked in theater with their middle son Sean, Patrick played ball with their youngest Clai. I talked with Scot each week at Rotary - it's hard to lose someone so suddenly.

The distant sound of the Great Bagpiper has called Guy Scot Catto home.

Guy Scot Catto, of Menomonie, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, one day before celebrating his 32nd wedding anniversary.

Scot was born Feb. 4, 1950, to M.W. “Scotty” and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Bishop Catto, in Alpena, Mich. A graduate from Milton College with a degree in biology, he continued his education by pursuing a masters degree from UW-Eau Claire. His interest in economics led him to real estate and financial planning. Scot and Angela Massman were married in Eau Claire in 1977.

A devoted father, Scot nurtured three wonderful sons — Chris, Sean and Clai. Throughout the course of their lives, Scot never missed any of their sporting or academic events. Scot passed on his love of the outdoors to his “boys” from shooting, hunting, skiing, tennis and golf.

Perhaps most synonymous with Scot was his love for the Scottish Highland bagpipes. A member of Chippewa Valley Pipes and Drums for more than 10 years, he competed with the band and in numerous solo competitions. His poetic mastery of the pipes could be heard in any number of weddings, funerals and festivals.

His philanthropic ways spread quietly throughout the Menomonie community. A servant on numerous community boards, Scot’s influence helped further Menomonie and her citizens. Scot was a devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church’s family. The Rotary Club, UW-Stout Foundation and the Greater Menomonie Health Board are just a few of the foundations Scot served over the years. His dedication to these organizations brought honor upon himself and his family, and reflected great credit upon his community.

Scot was very proud to be an American. His patriotic love of country was the foundation of who he was, and his quiet, humble and steady ways earned him unprecedented respect by his family and friends.

Scot is survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Catto of Oscoda, Mich.; Angie, his wife; his sons, Christopher Scot (Laura) of North Carolina, Sgt. (USMC) Sean Hepburn of South Carolina, and Clai Bishop; and dear cousins, Patricia Catto, Jean Hildreth and Ellen-Gray “Binker” Bunday.

His father, M.W. “Scotty” Catto, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, at Grace Episcopal Church (E4357 451st Ave., Menomonie — next to Pinewood Golf Course), with Father Dale Klitzke officiating. Burial will be in Michigan at a later date. There will be a visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

The family suggests memorials to Grace Episcopal Church or charity of donor’s choice in Scot’s name.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.

Copyright © 2009 Dunn County News