"We were all devastated by the news of Scott's passing. He was such a driven, passionate person and an absolute rare and gifted magician when it came to repairing and "turbo-charging" a saxophone. I will never forget Scott. I have had a myriad of people work on my horns over a 25 year career all over the U.S. and Scott was by far the best. But much more than that, he exhibited the rare and wonderful quality of a love and zest for life. Not just the big things, but the little things, the nuance, the less observed. While I never met his wife and kids, I never spoke with him where they didn't come up regularly in conversation. He loved his family dearly and it was so evident in his stories, his reflections, his motivations, his passion. I don't even know if he ever got to build that custom saxophone he had been designing for so long, but I am sure it would have been a killer. We will miss you buddy. Many Blessings to your family. "
In loving memory of
Scott P. Becker
May 16, 1966 - September 7, 2005
Scott P. Becker, 39, of Houston died Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wis.
Scott was born on May 16, 1966, in Edina, Minn. to Fred Becker and Leora Becker. He grew up in St. Charles and Winona, Minn. and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1984. Scott attended St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn. and Red Wing Technical School in Red Wing, Minn. where he studied musical instrument repair. On August 29, 1987, He married Barbara Goplen in Winona, Minn. Scott lived in Illinois and Iowa prior to moving to Houston, Minn. in 1992. He worked at Leithold's Music in LaCrosse, Wis. Scott was a member of the Sheldon Valley Sportsman Club and was an avid trout fisherman and hunter.
Scott is survived by his wife, Barbara; father, Fred Becker of Black River Falls, Wis.; mother, Leora Becker of Burnsville, Minn.; two sons: Phillip and Jacob; two daughters: Chelsea and Samantha; and one brother, Jack Becker of Nashville, Tenn.
There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel with funeral celebrant John Wagenaar officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be directed to Gundersen - Lutheran or to the donor's choice.
Please feel free to leave a memory of Scott at www.hofffuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Scott was the very first person to stop by the new shop in Houston, Cody's Mercantile. He told me he had helped make some of the repairs to the building. He always stopped 'just to check on things'. He ALWAYS brought his family for any special event we hosted like the dessert naming contest or an appearance by Cody the Buffalo. When Sam got her first deer, he ran into the shop and you couldn't help but see the pride and excitement in his eyes. When I asked him about musicians for the Tire Burning Plant Fundraiser - he was the first responder with bands and musicians. Wow, what a guy- what a Dad. What a loss. Proud to have been his friend albeit not nearly long enough. Valerie @ Cody's Mercantile"
"I've never forgotten Scott, who repaired my saxophones when I was a budding high school musician. I still play in the community band, in part because of people like him who fueled my love for music and saxes. A man with a heart of gold, a warm smile and an amazing talent, Scott will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and many friends."
"I always loved stopping at Leithold Music to pick up instrments they had repaired, because when you went "upstairs" you knew you were going to be greeted with a smile and much conversation. When it came to repairing instrments, Scott was a magician. When it came to people, Scott was a giver. You'll always be remembered buddy. Dave Kies"
"Two words: Vast Passion. If Scott did it, he did it with passion. Not small passion, Vast Passion. My hope for my own children is that they will find something they are passionate about, and go for it. Scott told it like he saw it, and I always could count on him for a candid opinion. -Candid, not concise! :) He was a monster talent in his field, and he was a real character! I miss him. I'm glad to have known him. Dear God, please take care of Scott, and give Barb, the kids, Leora, Jack and Fred strength and comfort. Amen."
"I have five children who all played instruments in high school band. The clarinet, oboe and flute were taken care of by Bob, but Scott was the man for the horns and, especially, the sax. I usually only saw Scott twice a year (before school started and again before solo-ensemble), but I enjoyed talking with him immensely. My husband is also an avid hunter, and I actually brought Scott some bear meat once. He was a great guy; my deepest sympathies to his family."
"Scott was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to all family members and friends."
"I first met Scott 7 years ago when he began repairing my 2 children's saxophones. He was extremely talented at what he did. He was always supportive of their playing and available to give advice or encouragement. I last saw him at an outdoor saxophone concert in which my son performed in La Crosse in July. Scott talked to me about how proud I must be of my son and his recollections of when he had first met him as a 6th grader. His death is an incredible loss to many people in the area, but nothing like the loss to your family. I extend my sympathy and condolences on the loss of your husband and father."
"AS i write this I am in a state of shock with the loss of Scott -- despite the fact several months might pass between our meetings he was always a great friend. We shared enthusiasm for jazz music and hunting and his energy and passion I shall never forget. Scott, I will miss you, indeed."
"I'm not reaaly where to begin except to say how very sorry I am for your loss, Although Scott and I were never very close growing up I do have found memories of the good times we shared when we did see each other.My foundest memory of Scott is when he and my dad and I went deer hunting one year although we never seen any deer we did have a blast talking about the days of when our fathers were young and did the stupid things we were doing today. Scott was a very special guy whom we will all miss an please know he was loved by us all and will be greatly missed GOD BLESS WITH YOU ALL AND TO UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN SCOTT. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH"