Obituary
John Hall Scott was born in 1956 in Lynwood, California to Iris and George Scott. In 1958, the Scott family moved to Del Norte County to find their forever home. John grew up on a chicken farm on Elk Valley Road learning the ethics of hard work. He attended Redwood Elementary school and graduated from Del Norte High School in 1974.
While enlisted in the Navy at the age of 19, he became a father to son, Shane, and moved back home. This is when he started his career working in the mills during the boom of the timber era. In 1993, John met his forever love, Luanna, while they were both in their early 30’s. Luanna had three young children that John instantly took in as his own and they started a family. In 1995, John and Luanna were married and two years later welcomed twin baby girls, Kara and Karlie, into the family that forever imprinted true love in John’s heart. He double downed his love for his wife with the addition of his “Peanut Farmer” and “Ladybug”. John loved his children and he took pride in all of his children's accomplishments, especially his son Shane’s athletic ability. He could be seen cheering him on from the stands of DNHS and when he went on to play football at Sacramento State University.
With the timber industry coming to an end, John started a new career in Indian gaming in Del Norte County. With the opening of Lucky 7 Casino in 1996, John started his career as a blackjack dealer, and worked his way up into management, becoming first a shift manager, then human resource manager, followed by gaming manager and for the last eight years served as General Manager. John had a clear vision for Lucky 7 Casino. He was a meticulous planner and took a hands-on leadership approach that contributed to the success of the Lucky 7 Casino’s enterprises.
John was a man’s man, a mentor to many, exuded confidence, and was the hardest worker you’d ever come across. After working all day in a suit and tie, John would come home and change into his gardening attire where he would care for his beautifully landscaped yard.
He was known for spending most of his free time caring for his home and cooking dinner for his family. He especially loved his visits to Sacramento to see Shane’s family and looked forward to their annual 4th of July visits to Crescent City. John loved spending time with his family gathered around the outdoor river rock fireplace he built. A lot of laughter was shared there, while watching the moon rise. John spoiled Luanna and consistently showered her with love and flowers. He loved his family and prided himself on his ability to care for all of us. He had nicknames for all of us, from “Fireball” to “Rat Boy” and was often caught laughing, playing and cuddling with his grandchildren.
John passed away at his home on the Smith River on May 6, 2021 and is preceded in death by his parents George and Iris Scott, siblings Warren Scott, Cindy Freeman and son-in-law, Bud Smith.
John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Luanna and their children, Shane and Amy Scott and their children Preston and Siena; Briannon and long time partner Koiya Tuttle and their children Kokoy, Chvn-was-na, Smooch and Sekeenek’; Aleah Smith and children, Duu-ya, Nii-li, and Iris; Kara Scott and long time partner Hawk Mattz; Karlie Scott; Chris Vaughn and children Devan and William; sister Martha Flowers, sister-in-law Connie Scott, nephews Willie and Chris Scott and niece Cheyanne Schaad and Stephanie Markin. Pallbearers include: Chris Vaughn, Shane Scott, Preston Scott, Koiya Tuttle, Hawk Mattz, Eric Brundin, Josh Criteser, and Rob Miller.
The family will have a private service and a graveside service at the Howonquet Indian Cemetery in Smith River, California. In lieu of flowers please consider planting an iris in memory of John.