Scott Tippets

Ronald Scott Tippets was born November 19, 1938, in Salem, Oregon to Arthur Merlin Tippets and Eva Virginia Peacock Tippets. Scott was the third of three children in his family. His older sister, Nadeen passed away before his birth at the age of six. He looked up to his older brother Gary who was always one of his best friends and confidant. Scott often shared fond memories he had with his brother, both when they were growing up as well as later in life when they shared their love of horses for a time in Oregon.

Scott graduated from Grants Pass High School in Grants Pass, Oregon where he was a standout baseball player. He also participated in theatre productions and choir. Following high school, he attended the Don Martin School of Radio/Television Arts and Sciences where he earned his first-class radio/television license. While there he roomed with several returned missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Scott had not been very active in the church during his youth, however with the encouragement of his roommates he decided to serve a mission. He was called to the Gulf States Mission where he served faithfully for two years.

Prior to leaving for his mission Scott met one of his roommates’ sister, Bonnie Larson, and they fell in love. Upon his return they “eloped” to the Los Angeles Temple where they were married for time and eternity. They were blessed with two children, Craig and Valerie.

Scott was blessed with a voice (and face) made for television and radio. He spent much of his professional career in the radio and television industry and as voice talent. Early on he had several radio shows starting at KALL radio in Salt Lake City, UT as well as in Rexburg, Idaho while attending Ricks College. In the early 1980’s he anchored the evening news at KOBI television in Medford, Oregon where he was credited by local media as having rescued the ratings of the evening news at the station. Later in life Scott did voice work for The Church of Jesus Christ doing archival recordings of church magazine articles and lesson manuals that are still in use today. When the church produced a video on the life of President Thomas S. Monson he was hired to be the narrator for the video.

Later in life he was introduced to bicycling by his brother-in-law Chuck Schaelling. He loved this time with Chuck and his brother-in-law Ron Norton! They spent many hours riding thousands of miles along the roads of Utah County together. Cycling became his passion and his reprieve from bouts of depression he had suffered throughout his life. Shortly before his 80th birthday, Scott and his son Craig rode the 100-mile Cache Valley Century together cheered on by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Most importantly, Scott had a deep testimony of The Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. That faith never wavered to the very end. From his hospital bed he was frequently heard admonishing his grandchildren to love and live the gospel and trust in The Saviors redeeming love. He had great faith in the plan of salvation and that he would be with his family forever.

Scott finished his mortal life on February 11, 2023, in Logan, UT surrounded frequently that day by his family sharing fond memories of him and the wonderful life he lived.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie. Their son, Craig and Laurie Tippets (Wellsville, UT) as well as their daughter, Valerie and Dave Sandford (Chatham, MA). He leaves seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Nadeen.

The family wishes to thank all the kind health care workers at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Logan Regional Hospital as well as Rocky Mountain Care of Logan who helped care for him over the past several weeks. 

Services will be held on Wednesday February 15, 2023 at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E Logan, UT 84321. Viewing at 10:00 am followed by services at 11:00 am. Interment at the Wellsville, UT cemetery.

Those who would like to attend virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89827049219