Scott Wheaton Anderson, of Concord, died unexpectedly on the afternoon of March 9, after walking his beloved dog.
Scott was born on Aug. 4,1953 in Minnesota, completed high school in Madison, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1977 with a joint degree in English and anthropology.
Scott met his wife Wendy after college, when he got her name off a ride-board, and they set off to New England: Wendy to Cambridge, and Scott to Maine. They married in 1982 in Madison then bought a home in Concord in 1983. Meg arrived in 1984 and Ken followed in 1987.
Scott worked as a credit manager for a lumber company and then for a forklift company. Then, in 1989, Wendy went back to work full time, and Scott had his turn to be the full-time parent. He was a pioneer in taking on a caregiver role, and excelled at a time which did not yet validate a man in that role.
Scott also found time to master the structure and pacing of screenplays. He sold several screenplays, taught screenwriting and served as co-leader of Harvard Square Scriptwriters from 1998 through 2011. Members met monthly to review each other’s screenplay drafts with the spirit of helping the author to reach their vision. Concerned that academic screenwriting programs did not prepare students for actually working as scriptwriters, Scott started an Emerson College course on the business of screenwriting, which focused on helping students understand the film industry and their role as scriptwriters. Scott also collaborated with his friend, Rick Johnston, to plan and draft many genre novels, taking advantage of the expanding eBook market.
Scott loved to laugh and he loved his family, both near and far. His children knew that he always had their backs. He also loved dogs and he wasted no time in training them – to jump on the sofa. Scott also loved the imagination and camaraderie of his group of friends who gathered regularly to play table-top roleplay games (like Dungeons and Dragons).
Our little family misses him dearly, and we are learning how much he meant to others. Thanks to all who are holding us in your hearts. It helps. We have a hard road ahead as we learn to live without him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Scott’s life during a memorial service in First Parish, 20 Lexington Road, Concord Center on Saturday, March 18 at 11 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Save A Sato (www.saveasato.org) or to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Scott’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
