Scott E. McCullough

Few and far between are those whose spirit can be so triumphantly described by love. Love for God, his family, and music defined Scott Ellis McCullough. Born on March 8th, 1953 in Dearborn, MI to Jack McCullough and wife Avis (neé Ellison), Scott was the youngest of three after two sisters, Jacque and Kathy. American life shaped his soul to be; a hardworking youth who loved acting, singing in choir, and playing music in a band. He impressed from his earliest years, organizing talent shows, teaching music to children, and joining the boy scouts at 11, making Eagle Scout by age 13. At Edsel Ford High School (Dearborn) he earned great recognition by winning the John Phillip Sousa award for superior musicianship as a horn player in his senior year. Accepted to the University of Michigan (what he called “the real U of M” much to the chagrin of his six children who are University of Minnesota graduates) where he played cornet for the Marching Band. Scott saw some of his greatest early achievements as a musician, playing such notable events as the ‘72 Rose Bowl and Super Bowl VII. He reluctantly put down the horn to build his broadcasting career, working as a news editor at Channel 7 in Detroit while simultaneously studying for his masters.​He was awarded the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship sending him to London for a year, where he was charged with serving as an ambassador of goodwill to nations abroad. He furthered relations indeed while abroad as he met his wife of 42 years, Evelyn, on a blind date at a Rugby Sevens tournament in Melrose, Scotland. The two were married in ‘79 and moved to Boston to continue his broadcast career. His years at WNAC-TV led him to win an Emmy in 1980 for his informational special, “Eve of the Tall Ships,” a profile on the Parade of Sails for Boston’s 350th anniversary. Over the course of the next decade, Scott and Evelyn had four children: Matthew, Heather, Michael, and Holly. Becoming a father changed everything; he realized that an eternal life through Jesus for himself and his new family superseded all. Prioritizing family over his career, he left broadcast and moved to corporate, leading the family to move to Minnesota in 1990. Here they welcomed twins Hayley and Hope. Scott was a very proud and involved father, attending countless practices, assisting with science fair projects, and driving to church activities.​While his family took precedent, Scott’s love of music never faded. After a long break from playing, Scott returned to the horn with the North Suburban Concert Band in 2002, where he served several terms as President. Scott also went on to join the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble and was a founding member of the Rum River Brass. In his time with these groups, he formed many long-lasting friendships, reveling in his joy of performing and letting his passion for people and music be fully realized. Scott was a dedicated member of North Heights Church and enjoyed being involved in the Passion Play, chorale, and healing ministry. His unmatched joyful spirit coupled with his countless endeavors make it impossible to know how many lives he touched over the years. But if a man’s life can be measured by the love he had for those around him and those who loved him, Scott’s is as infinite as the eternal life he has now awoken to. Scott passed away June 15th in his home from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family. In spite of his diagnoses, he remained thankful for his blessings and experienced the peace of God. His passion for life and music lives on in his wife, children, and friends. He will be greatly missed. Funeral service 11:00 AM Saturday, June 18 at NORTH HEIGHTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1700 W. Hwy 96, Arden Hills (Entrance A). Visitation AT THE CHURCH on Saturday from 10–11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Heights Lutheran Church or The Twin Cities Trumpets Ensemble.