Bill Scoones passed away on July 8th at the wonderful age of 90. He had a long and lovely life—one best characterized as a life of service, most notably and distinctively, at Ithaca College. Bill was a unique and rare presence in the history of Ithaca College. The list of positions he held over the course of some 40 years would fill an HR director’s Rolodex some twenty times over. Some called him the ultimate utility infielder—a distinction he, being a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan—wore proudly. However, Bill did not simply occupy these positions; he filled them with skill, energy and commitment. He was always willing to go the extra mile to take on another important responsibility.
Over the course of his long and dedicated career at Ithaca, he also took on another unique persona; one well known in novels and films: our own Mr. Chips. As such, he was respected, admired and most of all beloved by generations of students and colleagues.
Bill was tireless, tough-minded and tenacious. He was also a careful and considerate listener, a skilled administrator, a generous and loyal colleague and a wonderful friend. A Bill Scoones only comes around once in the life of an institution. We who were fortunate enough to know him, work with him and work for him will never forget him.
Bill was a true Renaissance man: a skilled hockey player and coach, a voracious reader, a master gardener, a lover of good food and wine. Several of us were fortunate to have spent many happy days sharing these pleasures and passions with mutual delight and satisfaction.
He was light on his feet—despite those size 13s—whether on the dance floor of the Ithaca Yacht Club (where he was Commodore) or the Otesaga Hotel or flying down the ice for his Hamilton College hockey team.
He could be stubborn and willful at times, but he was always considerate, thoughtful and kind. He had an old-world grace about him that was reflected in his impeccable wardrobe, his lovely manner of speaking and writing and his concern for colleagues and friends. He made and kept lifelong friends, all of whom will miss him deeply and dearly.
So, farewell old and good friend. You have run the good race and fought the good fight. You lived a life that truly mattered. And oh, by the way, some of us know how much you disliked—of all things—bagpipes. You were even heard to say on occasion that you “hated those things.” So, no bagpipes at your memorial, just the memories and moments that defined your life and by which we will remember you forever.
Tom Bohn
Retired Dean, Roy H. Park School of Communications
Please go here to read more on the life of Bill Scoones.