Douglas Roderick Scott, former Lewes resident
Douglas Roderick Scott, 87, died peacefully at home Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after a nine-month battle with cancer. In his illness and indeed his entire married life, he was tenderly cared for by his wife, Margie. In Doug's last months and weeks, he and Margie were joined by their four children and their daughter-in-law, who gave loving support to both parents to aid in his fight, and later, to ease his passing.
Doug was born Oct. 31, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Roderick Herbert Scott of Philadelphia and Sally Edith (Beauchamp) Scott of Berlin, Md. His earliest years were spent playing on the streets and wandering around North Philadelphia Train Station, looking winsome and accepting nickels from kind old ladies, which he used to buy candy. He had a pronounced and notable sweet tooth all his life, and no shame of it.
When he was 9 years old, the family left the city for Havertown, Pa., a year later settling in Lewes, where they remained for the rest of Doug's childhood. He had especially good memories of the family home on Savannah Road, a beautiful Victorian house, where his parents hosted many bridge nights. He fondly remembered sleeping out on the porch on hot summer nights, attending Phillies games with his father, and spending time out at his grandparents' farm in Maryland, where his grandmother made fruit pies and pretended not to notice Doug helping himself to slice after slice.
Doug was a bright student but preferred athletics. His parents forced him to quit sports for a time, until he could bring his grades up to straight As and keep them there. Even a pleading visit from Doug's coach would not sway them. Doug, now properly motivated, applied himself with renewed vigor to his studies, was duly permitted to rejoin his sports teams, and lettered in baseball, football and basketball.
Doug attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., graduating with the Class of 1959 and serving thereafter on submarines (USS Diablo SS-479 and USS Cobbler SS-344), attaining the rank of lieutenant and receiving an honorable discharge in 1964. Many of his fellow cadets came from military or private school backgrounds and were better prepared for the rigors of the academy, but Doug, as was his way, redoubled his efforts so as to make up the ground. His success was a tribute to his intelligence and characteristic perseverance.
In 1963, Doug met and married the love of his life, Marjorie Anne McLeod Ryan of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. They initially settled in New London, Conn., then Newark during Doug's years at DuPont, and finally in Franklin, Mass., where they raised their family and Doug worked as a systems analyst for the Foxboro Company. Doug and Margie had a loving and supportive marriage, and showed each other the care, respect, and high regard we should all aspire to in our personal relationships.
In 1994, Doug and Margie retired, moved to Barton, Vt., and opened the Rosebrae Bed and Breakfast, where Doug's bacon and buttery French toast were a special treat for guests. Dad loved Barton. He and Margie helped to run the Senior Meals program and generally enjoyed involvement in the community, making many good friends. Dad especially loved playing golf on the Barton golf course, where Margie sometimes joined him. Doug was also a member of Barton's American Legion Vermont Post 76. In 2004, Doug and Margie moved to New Canaan, Conn., and eventually to Swanton, Vt., to be close to family. In the interim years, they enjoyed playing bridge with many good friends and traveling to destinations as varied as England, Ireland, the highlands of Scotland, the beaches of Normandy, Morocco, the Amalfi Coast, Provence, Singapore, and the Black Forest region of Germany. Doug was always noted for his quiet modesty, dependability, helpfulness, and understated humor.
Doug is survived by his wife, Margie; his children, Sister Mary Sarah of Janesville, Wis., David Scott of Cave Creek, Ariz., Stephanie Scott of London, UK, Jesse Scott and daughter-in-law Jackie of Swanton, Vt.; and grandchildren, Alasdair John Douglas McNerney and Anna Theodora Beauchamp McNerney of London, UK. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Latham of Michigan, her husband Jim Latham, their daughter Sarah Latham Wolfe, her husband Chris Wolfe, and their children James and Jacob Wolfe.
A Celebration of Doug's Life with a memorial service was held Saturday, May 31, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 350 South Main St., St. Albans, Vt. A graveside dedication will be announced in due course.
Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through gossfs.com.
