Andrew Ignatius McTaggart

Andrew, AKA “Scotty” was born in New York City, New York, but returned to the family home in Johnstone, Scotland, where he and his brothers spent most of WWII and were locally known as “The Yanks.” After the war, Scotty, his three brothers and their mother, Grace, returned to New York where Scotty lived until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country. The Marine Corps led him to Orange County, California where he would reside until he retired with his wife, Judy Bradbury McTaggart, to Lake Arrowhead.

While in Orange County, Scotty developed a thirst for education and wanted to be a teacher. He became a lifelong learner, attending Santa Ana College, CSUF, Chapman University, Western Colorado State University (where he received his Ph.D. in Russian Literature) and then finally his beloved USC (where he earned his Ed.D).

Andrew began his 42 year long journey in education as a history teacher, teaching at Rancho High School where he also coached baseball. Demonstrating leadership skills, it wasn’t long before he was approached to pursue administration. He became an assistant principal at Garden Grove High School, Bolsa Grande High School and then was appointed to principal at Peter’s Intermediate in Garden Grove. He held principal positions at Lampson Intermediate, Los Amigos High School, and La Quinta High School. Andrew was then appointed Assistant Superintendent of Garden Grove Unified School District where he finished his career touting his motto, “always be consistent and fair.”

It wasn’t a long retirement before Scotty was approached again to be the Assistant Superintendent of Corona Norco Unified, followed by another Assistant Superintendent position in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

After nearly a half century of public service and touching lives, Andrew and his wife Judy finally retired to Lake Arrowhead where they spent a playful peaceful life with family and friends, tailgating at USC football games, and entertaining on their boat on the lake where Scotty would announce his boat rides by blasting Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries!

Scotty was a man of integrity who lived his life with passion. He touched so many with his sense of humor, his love, humility, and compassion. Andrew was preceded in death by his son Andrew I. McTaggart and his stepson, Michael G. Wagner. He is survived by his wife Judith Bradbury McTaggart, son John McTaggart, daughter Janeen Antonelli (Joe), stepdaughter Kristin Zemke (Jeff), 4 grandchildren, Mackenzie Vargas (Alex), Drew McTaggart (Jewel), Hayden and Cambria Antonelli, 3 step grandchildren, Kaitlin, Carlyn and Kevin Wagner, and his great granddaughter, Rowan Grace McTaggart.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made payable to USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center-USC ADRC 1520 San Pablo Street, LA, CA 90033. Memo: In Memory of Andrew (Scotty) McTaggart.

“Fight on,” Scotty.

Semper Fidelis.