Walter Scott Obituary (1935 - 2022) - Fairfield, Connecticut

Walter G. Scott better known as "Budgie" passed peacefully in his sleep on February 26, 2022. He was 86 years old. He was born on April 16, 1935 in Bridgeport, CT. He was the son of Walter Scott of New York City, NY and Emma Davis of Stamford, Connecticut. He grew up in the South end of Bridgeport and attended Bridgeport public schools. In his late teens, he joined the United States Airforce and served briefly during the Korean War. Upon his return, he later met the love of his life, Dolores Ryan, in which he later married and created a blended family. They shared 6 children among their union: Junnie (Calvin), Jacqueline, Portia, Lezlie, Rayford, and Lamar. Walter was a self-educated man. He was an eclectic reader who was well written and a proflict orator. He owned two store properties of the same name J & J Variety, which had two locations on the East and West side of Bridgeport. Having a vivacious personality coupled by his oratorical and writing skills, worked in his favor when he later became the Director of Contract Compliance for the City of Bridgeport. He held that position for 10 years until he decided to retire to own another business. He was a board member of the Metropolitan Business Association and an active member of the NAACP, who stayed engaged with community activism and social justice. He was a man who walked between two different worlds: one in the office and the other on the streets. Walter was a jack-of-all trades, who held a white collar job during the day and played the numbers at night. He understood the struggles beset by the streets and used his wit to maneuver through life. Walter took pride in providing for his family. He loved the idea of his children having space to grow and explore their interests. He was a nonconformist. He did not follow the accepted philosophy of his time, including the one that women should stand in the shadow of men without being seen or heard. He also adopted the same mindset for his children. His children were constantly asked how they "feel" about various things. Even though he ultimately made the final decision, he valued the feelings and ideas of children and felt that their opinion mattered. He used reason and logic to help explain lifes twists and turns. Walter believed that everyone had value and all one had to do was look "behind the veil" to understand people. He hated followers and told his friends and family, "be a leader, not a follower." and if you were caught doing something wrong and blamed it on others, he would say "a robin dont fly with a bluejay." He was an avid reader who could be seen frequently with a book in his hands. He read everything from Maricus Aurelius to Chinua Achebe. He left a legacy in which we will miss his direct, open, honest conversations as well as his optimism. He leaves to cherish a host of family members including his ex-wife Dolores Ryan, six children, Calvin Scott, Jacqueline Scott, Portia Scott-Thiam (Waly Thiam), Lezlie Scott (Bubba), Rayford Scott, and Lamar Smith. His special son-in-law Warren Cooper. His grandchildren Ardell, Freddie, Nicole, Cindy, Tanisha, Najee (Jacklyn), and Omawale, Jeremiah, Maciah and Kahil. His great grandchildren Nyair (predeceased), Anaya, Caleb, Cobey, Aiyah, Meadow, Sky and Eli Walter. His brothers are predeceased by him with elder brother Raymond Jones, and younger brother Bernadino Diaz (Dino). He also leaves to cherish a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Service Friday, March 11, 2022 10:00 AM Cathedral of Praise C.O.G.I.C. 45 Gregory St Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604 Visitation Friday, March 11, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Cathedral of Praise C.O.G.I.C. 45 Gregory St Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604