12/31/2025
As we close out a very difficult 2025, I want to share a happy story.
And for our local friends of Scott —be sure to read to the end for what our family thinks is a fun announcement. 😂
As most of you know, I lost my best friend and oldest brother, Scott, this year. It still doesn’t feel real. Many of us continue to find ways to keep his spirit alive.
One of Scott’s closest friends, Rich, decided to honor Scott by reaching out to Karl Denson. Here’s a message from Rich:
Karl Denson plays his birthday show every year in San Francisco, and I started thinking, how cool would it be if I could get Karl a custom Scotty Disc!? I asked around, and no one I knew had a direct connection, so I started digging to find a way to reach him. I found an online email for him that was a total bust, so I reached out to his management company. I told them Scotty’s story. I told them our story and how much his music has meant to all of us over the past 25 years. I didn’t have high hopes, and as the days passed, I figured Ilya and I would just stalk his bus at The Fillmore. Well, 3 days later, I received the coolest text I may have ever received: “Hey Rich, it’s Karl Denson. I would love to meet you and receive one of Scotty’s discs!”
What the F is happening right now!! This past Saturday, Ilya and I went to see Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at the historic Fillmore to celebrate his 69th birthday. Before the show, Karl came out and met us in the famous Fillmore poster room, and we spent about 20 minutes together. We gave him a disc, and we got to talk about Scotty. It was just a fantastic experience! They say don’t meet your heroes. They have never met Karl Denson!
Check out the pictures from Rich below.
After such a hard year, having it end with something so meaningful and joyful—centered around Scott’s memory—made my heart incredibly full. It’s amazing to think that one of Scott’s favorite musicians now carries a little piece of Scott with him. I know Scott was loving every second of it.
There are still days filled with sadness, disbelief, and even a little bit of anger (that Fu**er) - but I’ve never felt regret. Scott knew I loved him, and I knew he loved me. When I look back on my life, so many of my memories include Scott. I’m beyond grateful for how close we were and that I can remember him with both a smile and a laugh.
That’s my vibe heading into 2026: no regrets.
Live life. Go to the concert. Call your friends and family. Try something new. Travel. Do the little things. Play a round of disc golf in Scott’s memory (I’ll go with you). Surround yourself with your people—and laugh while doing it.
Announcement: Our family has decided it’s time for Scott to start traveling to his friends’ homes. We figured he’s probably tired of hanging out with us all the time, so we’re officially launching - The Man. The Myth. The Urn.
Scott will kick off the new year with Marc & Helen, then head a few doors down to Randi. From there, every couple of weeks or so, he’ll travel on to a new friend’s house. If you’d like, feel free to decorate his urn just like we have (see pictures) —we’ll even send his decorations along in his traveling bag.
All we ask is that you post pictures and tag Scott and me (or text pictures) so we can see how loved he is in your home. We’ll help take care of coordinating his travels.
If you’d like a visit from Scott in the new year, let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Tony (Anthony) , Dave, Marc, Helen, Luna, and I had lunch together yesterday and spent the time laughing as we came up with fun names and ideas for Scott’s traveling urn (we definitely have a traveling theme going on with Scott!). Be sure to sign up in the comments if you’d like a sleepover with Scott, or feel free to message me directly.
So much love to all of you. 💙
Happy 2026!
Let’s go see Karl Denson together in 2026. 🎷🪈🎶💛
Peace! ✌️ DQ
