Morningside’s Finest: Christopher Scott

Christopher Scott was the kind of neighbor we all wish for, and the neighbor I was so fortunate to have for many years. When he died suddenly on May 13, at the age of 53, the news spread quickly on Three Mile, and we were all shocked and saddened.

Chris’s house was the most impeccably groomed on the entire block - his yard smooth as a putting green, front steps flanked by large pots of seasonal plants and flowers, a colorful flowered flag hanging from his front porch.

But it was Chris’s generosity of spirit - his warm smile and gentle demeanor - that I will miss most. I always felt like giving him a hug after we talked, just to thank him for putting me in a good mood.

He obviously touched many other lives as well, as evidenced by the outpouring of tributes on Nextdoor and his obituary page.

Tributes to Chris poured in from neighbors: “…He was the epitome of kindness and did have the greatest smile in the world.”

They came from fellow members of Nativity of Our Lord Church, where he sang in the choir. “He really put all of his heart into singing his solo in our Easter song, ‘Rise Again.’”

A fellow softball player remembered how Chris got him involved at Softball City 25 years ago, when the friend was new to Detroit and had few contacts here.

Even Chris’s customers on the Grosse Pointe route where he was a letter carrier loved him and mourn his loss. Several spoke of how much they enjoyed seeing him every day. One said “My children started calling him Uncle Chris! What a positive human!”

Chris is survived by his two sons, Christopher David Scott and Justin Christopher Scott, grandson Jelani Scott, older brother Glenn Scott of California, many loving cousins in Michigan, and so many others who will continue to be inspired by his example.

Christopher Scott. Image courtesy of the Scott family