March 7. 1934 – January 2. 2023
Peter D Scott passed away in his sleep near the La Costa Golf Course in San Diego, CA on January the 2nd of 2023, he was 88 years old. He leaves behind his loving companion of over 20 years, Joyce “Pepper” Gilbertson, who cared for him to the very end. He is survived by his daughters Shelly (Rick) Sharp and Sandy (Drew) Young, brother Fred (Linda) Scott and sister Sharon (William) Bossert. He was preceded in death by his son Peter “Rocky” Scott, Jr. Peter always had time to hear about his six grandchildren, especially sharing the life lessons learned through sports. He was happy to know they were cheering for the Cardinals or the St. Louis Blues and loved discussing the games. He proudly displayed his picture of his recent great grandchild Eleanor.
Peter was a native of St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Webster Groves High School as a member of the 1952 State Championship Golf Team. He enjoyed all things St. Louis, eating and drinking establishments, Blues Hockey, Cardinals Baseball and Anheuser-Busch. He was often seen around town smiling with a golf club or a cocktail in his hand telling a repertoire of stories.
After playing golf at the University of New Mexico, dabbling in the Rodeo, studying at MIZZOU he joined the United States Navy in 1952. He was very proud of his time as an Air Force pilot which was a source of many anecdotes. Serving in communications, he participated in surveillance missions and scrambled for U-2 pilots over Russia becoming a Patrol Plane Commander and served at the Bay of Pigs. He was known to “buzz” by his golf cohorts flying low and fast while they hit the links in St. Louis. He always embraced life, thinking about his next shot, calculating its success while attempting to minimize the potential for failure, never wavering that tomorrow brings another opportunity for a better shot.
An accomplished amateur golfer, he joined his father’s business, Pleetoox Products, which dealt in textiles. Mixing the two together, he created promotional items for Anheuser-Busch like the Bud Man Towels, Rugby Shirts, Bikinis, etc. As a consultant he launched the Michelob Golf program, embracing the brand motto “Making Friends is our Business” as he served and promoted the Michelob Golf PGA and LPGA team members, well known for the Michelob Golf Bag. Following his passion, he was instrumental in the Gateway Golf Section, PGA tournaments, plus assisting amateurs and pros to develop the game which became his livelihood. He married Rita (Hoff) West, another sports enthusiast, and they brought his love of soup, sandwiches, and golf together as they opened Peter D’s Restaurant in Downtown St. Louis in 1987.
In the early 2000’s he moved to California, continuing as a teacher of the game at the Del Mar Golf Center. California became his 19th hole. He enjoyed the weather while golfing with friends old and new. As his eyesight diminished, he was unfortunately forced to put the clubs away. He continued to be surrounded by his friends, especially “Pepper '' reveling in the comradery with a story, a meal or a good ol’ country song. He never stopped smiling, nor discussing, teaching and loving the game of golf.
Peter was a member and involved with the Blinded Veterans Association. As a gift to those who served with visual impairments donations can be made on www.bva.org to help support this cause.
Military Honors and Burial:
Monday, January 30, 2023, at 10:00 am
Miramar National Cemetery
795 Nobel Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17