Scot Dailey

Well liked and easy to get along with, Scot Louis Dailey never asked for much in life. With those he loved and good friends by his side, he was content in doing the many things he loved and enjoyed. A kind, peaceful and simple man, he was a true animal lover. Although he could be quite funny at times, Scot for the most part was quiet and somewhat reserved. Taken much too soon, he leaves much to be remembered through the many memories he leaves behind.

The decade of the 1960s ushered in an entirely new way of thinking within the culture of America. The Vietnam War was at the forefront, and young people were learning how to make their voices heard. Many found reprieve in the form of drive-in theaters, music of the day, and beloved television shows. It was during these changing times on a beautiful, Michigan autumn day when Jerry Dailey and Verna (Vickery Dailey) MacPherson of Vicksburg welcomed the birth of their son, Scot, born on October 25, 1962.

Scot grew up alongside his brother, Chad in Vicksburg where the Dailey’s made their home. He enjoyed a childhood typical of his generation. Riding bikes with friends made for numerous adventures when kids spent most of their time outdoors. From a young age, Scot had a heart for animals which continued his whole life through. His love for animals was a testament to his kind and peaceful nature. As a kid he lived and grew up on Indian Run Golf course where he became an employee at the early age of 8. He spent most of the time retrieving golf balls out of the pond and the rough and went on to be an excellent golfer. Later in his teen years you could find him fishing on Long Lake or roller skating at the Long Lake Roller Rink which eventually turned into a part time job.

When Scot was in the fourth grade, his family became friends with the Bennett family. Their children literally grew up together, but in 1979 when Scot was in his later teens, he and Dawn Bennett discovered they liked one another. They began a dating relationship while attending Vicksburg High School where they both graduated from. The very best of friends, they were happily married on July 11, 1987 and settled in the Schoolcraft area where they began their new lives together as husband and wife.

Even though Scot and Dawn never had any children, their three feline companions India, Geisha & Fiji were definitely a part of their family. All three were rescued by Scot and Dawn, and they have spent many years as volunteers of the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. As a couple, they were lifelong animals lovers. One of their favorite things to do together was visit the zoo. The Ft. Wayne Zoo in Indiana was their absolute favorite, but they enjoyed many of the local zoos, as well.

Scot had a great ability to fix and restore things. He was good at problem solving, and liked working with his hands. When his sister-in-law’s family business, Kalamazoo Amusement was hiring, Scot gladly became a part of the staff there. His position with the company was a route/service technician, were he made use of his various abilities in repairing arcade games, installing pool tables, and happily did whatever needed to be done for the last 26 years of his career.

Scot was very active in his community and served on the Schoolcraft Village Council. He was one of its longest-serving village council members.

Currently Scot was serving as the president pro tempore having been on the village council since 2002. He had been re-elected in November to a fourth term. He was thoughtful in his decision making and had the best interest of the community in his heart.

One of Scot’s hobbies included his passion for his family genealogy. Through his perseverance and know-how, he even traced his family roots all the way to the British Isles. He also enjoyed visiting cemeteries. Intrigued by decades old plots and unique headstones, he often wondered about the lives of the people, their families, and the times in which they had lived. Scot was very helpful with the Find a Grave organization, often taking photographs of headstones and sending them into the nationwide website or directly to the individuals seeking information or the whereabouts concerning certain graves. He valued and respected these sites, and often took cleaning supplies with him on his cemetery visits. If he saw a headstone in need of maintenance or a good cleaning, he gladly took the time needed to spruce things up. His other was being a member of the Bonsai Society, a group dedicated to Japanese horticulture. He loved Japanese gardens and enjoyed the peacefulness of this hobby.

Scot L. Dailey, age 52 passed away unexpectedly from heart complications in Berrien County on June 11, 2015. Scot is survived by his wife, Dawn; his mother, Verna (Thomas) MacPherson; his father, Jerry (Marilee) Dailey; his brother, Chad (Brooke) Dailey;Paige and Carli Dailey stepbrothers, Scott Shrauger; Jordan and Hunter Shraugher and Scott (Courtney) MacPherson; Allyson, Mallori and Ava MacPherson a stepsister, Rebecca (John) Workman; Adam and Charlotte Workman. brothers-in-law, Rick (Sandi) Bennett and Jim (Colleen) Bennett as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Shirley and Alfred Bennett.

A peaceful and kind soul, it was a pleasure to know and love Scot. He added much to the lives of many with his peaceful nature and kind heart, and was easy to get along with. He enjoyed a simple life, and loved doing the things that brought him the greatest joy. Scot will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 12 noon at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. A Please visit Scot’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory and photo, and to sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements are being handled by the Life Story Funeral Home-Vicksburg; 409 S. Main Street (649-1697).