Scott Sinotte

Scott Sinotte, a loving husband, father of three, and friend to all, met his Lord and Savior on March 11, 2025. Scott suffered a sudden stroke on March 7. While he fought as hard as he could, he succumbed to his injuries quickly and peacefully.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," were his wife, Pamela Sinotte's, guiding words as Scott took his last breath, commemorating 57 years of a job well done in all areas of life-his career, ministry, passions, and, most importantly, his family.

Scott is preceded in death by his grandparents and his close friend, Dan Raymond. He is survived by his parents, Stephen Sinotte (Becky) and Sandra Sinotte; his uncle, Bob Sinotte (Roberta); his wife of 32 years, Pamela Sinotte; his children, Tyler Sinotte, Taylor Sinotte (fiancé Alec), and Abbey Sinotte (fiancé Ian); his brother, Sean Sinotte (Anne); nieces Audrey Null (Paul), Olivia Sinotte, and Marilyn Sinotte; his sister, Judy Hixson (Todd), and their children; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and beloved dogs Kona, Ozzy, and Marlee. Scott is also survived by countless cherished friends.

A funeral service for Scott will be held at Centerpoint Church, located at 2345 N. 10th St. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 19. Visitors may say their goodbyes from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 12:30 p.m. Guests are invited to stay after for a time of reminiscing and sharing with the family, with a variety of Scott's favorite foods served for lunch. Monetary donations may be given to Journey Family Church at 514 W. Van Buren St., P.O. Box 132, Gobles, Michigan, 49055.

Scott was born in Iowa City, Iowa, but spent much of his childhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He cherished visits with his grandparents in the summer. Some of his best childhood stories include: playing with his beloved Irish Setters, stirring up shenanigans with the neighborhood kids, spending time with his brother, and raving about his mother's "goulash" (though her top-secret recipe turned out to be Hamburger Helper). His early schooling began at Barbour Hall Junior Military Academy, followed by St. Monica School and Hackett Catholic Prep High School.

His ambition and leadership abilities were evident at a young age. He rose through the ranks of Boy Scouts of America, with fond memories of his father as troop leader, ultimately achieving the high honor of Eagle Scout. He also excelled in hockey and track & field, setting long-standing high school records. Other leadership experiences included saving a life while on duty as a lifeguard, working as a ski instructor at Timber Ridge, and serving as a Rota Kiwan Scout Reservation camp counselor for nine years.

In early adulthood, his ambition drove him to East Lansing, Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. Needless to say, green remained his all-time favorite color. After college, he worked in sales at Bally Health Club in the city of Chicago. On a visit home, to attend a friend's wedding, he met a beautiful lady in a purple dress. Everything changed.

"We had such a passion for each other. It was just an immediate love; I could tell how unconditional his love was." Pam recalled. Two weeks later, Scott asked for her hand in marriage. Their relationship quickly deepened through months of long-distance, exchanging handwritten letters and phone calls. Their whirlwind romance only deepened over the decades, culminating in a 32-year marriage filled with joy, forgiveness, and unwavering love.

They moved to California for Scott's next job, where they eloped and conceived their first child, Tyler. However, craving a closer connection to family, they moved from California back to Kalamazoo. Here, they flourished as a family and welcomed their daughters, Taylor and Abbey.

Pam fondly remembers, "Whenever I was overwhelmed, Scott jumped in and started helping," praising his patience and hard work. His leadership and work ethic carried into his career. He began at Carlos Murphy's, then transitioned to Applebee's where he rose to Area Director and earned many awards and much respect. If there was an award-he won it.

After his time at Applebee's, Scott was inspired by his State Farm agent to pursue a career where he could touch people's lives and help them during their most difficult times. In 2014, Scott purchased a retiring State Farm agent's business in Sturgis, Michigan. Despite Sturgis' small size, Scott grew the business exponentially.

Some of his greatest joys came from hearing a family's sigh of relief after receiving a life insurance check or reassuring a car crash victim that their insurance would cover them. "He would come home and say, 'I got to help someone today,'" Pam said. Scott's work was more than a career-it was his ministry. He sponsored the book Lift Up Thine Eyes, which included Bible verses and encouragement to support those who had lost loved ones. After his passing, Pam discovered a stack of thank-you cards, three inches thick, from people who found comfort through Scott's book.

Scott also found great joy in volunteering, whether that was cooking his famous recipes for gatherings or providing security at church services. If there was a job to complete, Scott would be the first to step in. He modeled integrity and served with a quiet confidence.

Scott also had an extensive circle of friends and colleagues. He constantly checked in with friends, never forgetting their birthdays, and always offering his love and support. Not only did his friends consider him family, but so did his coworkers.

Scott's commitment to family knew no bounds. He would do anything for them-even if it meant trudging through the damage of Abbey's tornado-torn apartment complex or executing a themed Halloween costume with Pam. No illness, not even a vicious spell of the flu, could stop Scott from attending Taylor's father-daughter dance. He never missed Tyler's training and sporting events-nothing was more important to him than his family.

Scott found different ways to connect with each of his children. His easy-loving nature and the beach bonded him with Taylor, a playful silliness and passion for cooking with Abbey, and a love of adventure through playing baseball and riding motorcycles with Tyler. Above all, his children inherited his genuine consideration for others.

His presence made others feel safe, especially when engulfed in one of his giant bear hugs. "When Dad gave you a hug, you felt like your heart was connecting with him," Taylor said. Scott also had a playful side that brought much joy to his family. Whether that was cartoon-filled mornings with Abbey, (nicknaming her "Abbey-Dabbey-Doo") or endless cheesy dad jokes, especially on Taco Tuesdays. Nothing made Scott happier than embarrassing his kids with silly hats or socks with sandals. Tyler fondly remembers Dad's quick humor and mischievous spirit. Scott had a gifted ability to make others laugh.

One of Scott's greatest joys as a father was granting permission to both of his daughters' fiancés, nervously asking for their hand in marriage. He also loved seeing Tyler turn his passions into a career, just as he did. Scott adored seeing an image of himself in Tyler's adventurous spirit, humor, and curiosity for life. While Scott and Pam dreamed of growing old together, Pam feels blessed that they were able to sit and watch life unfold, seeing their children grow into adults they are incredibly proud of.

Scott's kindness was his greatest strength."He was a peacemaker," Taylor said. He dedicated several bike rides to raising funds for cancer research. He unknowingly made those around him radiate the best versions of themselves. He freely loved and made each person feel special. "I carry that with me," Abbey said. "He always found the good in everyone."

Scott exhibited mental discipline by choosing to speak positively about others, and physical discipline through grueling triathlon training. Scott's training led him to run seven major races, with more planned for the future. Throughout Scott's races, his faith drove him forward-he carried Bible verses on his gear and committed them to memory. He kept 4 x 6 index cards of Bible verses, gifted by a friend, stashed on his bike for motivation.

When Scott wanted to relax, he enjoyed fishing and listening to Jimmy Buffett. This past summer, Scott and Pam turned Buffett's island-time lyrics into real experiences by going on a Margaritaville cruise. It was one of many trips where Scott's charm led them to unforgettable memories. "It was a running joke that we always ended up with the best rooms and magazine views," Pam said. Scott had a way of providing for others beyond ways they could imagine.

Throughout Scott's life, it is clear that he demonstrated the love of Jesus to all he encountered. His warmness and thoughtfulness touched the hearts of many. Even at the end of Scott's life, the stories that were shared reflected the abundant blessings he brought into our lives.

Scott, a.k.a. "Fisher King," Scottie, Dad, Son-We say goodbye for now, but we will rejoice in Heaven with you again one day. May we all be inspired to love fiercely and show kindness to everyone we meet. You have created a legacy that will forever remain in our hearts. We love you.