Farewell My Friend: Scott Evans

Don’t be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends”

Illusions: Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

Scott Evans changed my life.

In 1992, Scott invited me to go with him to play volleyball in the Pro Beach Volleyball Australia tour. At the time, Scott was the Creative Director for I DIG Volleyball, a company he worked for that benefitted from his innovative and fun designs for beach wear. He had been to Australia the year before, and in a way that very few people I know could do, met up with and connected with some wonderful people, individuals who we are still close friends with today. So, when we arrived on their gorgeous shores, we were welcomed with open arms, and “looked after” like no other place on earth. Warm, genuine, fun-loving Australians; we had a ball, creating lifelong memories of those adventures.

Scott was a connector and wove that same network here. From his roots in Sacramento, to his new-found home in San Diego, there was always someone who I would run into, in a variety of circles, who knew him. They smiled when you said his name and were drawn to his enigmatic personality.  Whether it was through one of his many world class Pacific Beach parties, the contacts made in the beach volleyball community in two hemispheres, his entrepreneurial business spirit and drive, or the San Diego State University alumni, Scott was well loved. He received it because he gave it away and treated us all like the closest mates.

Every time I hear a Ramones song, I think of him. Any reference to Australia, and the legions of friends he has there reminds me. Pulling in and out of Pacific Beach-Scott. On return to Australia a few years ago, I went to an ATM for cash, and out popped a bunch of “orange drink vouchers”, the phrase he labeled to Aussie 20s. Laugh until you cry; I’ve done both in the past few days.

Last Friday, I had the distinct blessing to be with Scott for a few hours on his quick exit from this physical life. Chris Townson led the effort to help Scott in his transition. Chris, you are an amazing friend and helluva man. Your wife Linda is a great source of comfort and presence to us all. Rob Wilson rang from Australia to provide me the heads up on what was happening, and I am grateful to you for doing so. To Rod Kinross, Paul Badman, Kylie Atkinson and Margo Malowney, Scott knew you were with him in spirit, and I am certain is smiling at us all today. There are hundreds of others feeling this loss, and we will find a way through.

That amount of positivity and energy doesn’t just go away, it sticks with us. I believe Scott is still here among those that he touched, and I shared that sentiment with several of you on calls over the past 24 hours. We can all learn a lesson from his life, and as the quote says above from my favorite book, we will meet again.