Capt. Walter E. Scott, U.S. Army (Ret.) 89, 27-year resident of Oak Harbor, died at Whidbey Island Manor Tuesday, March 29, 2005.

Capt. Scott was born Dec. 4, 1915, in Lawrenceville, Ill., to Norval Clarence Scott, Sr. and Nellie H. (Stevenson) Scott. He was raised in Dugger, Ind., and later graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit, Mich. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during World War II and was promoted to the rank of captain before his discharge in 1945. Walter married Beth MacMartin April 4, 1942, at Fort Warden, where he was stationed at the time. Capt. Scott was also stationed at Fort Flagler. Recalling the beauty of the region, Walter and Beth eventually moved to Whidbey Island in 1978, following their retirement from teaching in the mid-1970s.

Walter attended Wayne State University in Detroit, where he eventually received his masters degree in education. He became a teacher of English and Spanish in the Detroit Public Schools for a number of years. He and his wife loved to travel, and did so extensively. Their adventures included visits to Spain (Walt’s favorite), Iceland and other European countries, as well as Mexico and Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Walt was a member of the Oak Harbor Senior Center. In addition to traveling, he enjoyed gardening, and loved to battle deer who claimed first rights on his apple trees and roses. (He gave up on the roses!)

Walt is survived by his wife, Beth, at home in Oak Harbor; one brother, Norval C. Scott, Jr., of Farmington Hills, Mich.; three nieces, two nephews and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Norma Worsham and Mary Scott.

A memorial tribute will be held to honor Capt. Scott’s memory at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at Burley Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations are suggested to a favorite charity. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.