Donald Cobb Scott

Donald Cobb Scott, 92, formerly of La Grande, died May 16 in Beaverton surrounded by his wife and three children. A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. June 19 at the Atkinson Memorial Church, 710 Sixth St., Oregon City.

Following the service, a reception will be held and food will be served.

Don was the high school band director in La Grande from 1951-1965.

Don was born June 16, 1917, to Ralph and Susan Scott, in Spring Valley near Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 1936 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree (1940) and a master's degree (1949) in music education at the University of Oregon.

Don met his future bride, Pauline Ann Pengra, when he was brought in as the guest flute soloist for an operetta at Lebanon High School. Polly was the soprano soloist. They married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 20, 1941, in Eugene, and he shipped out to join the Army less than three months later.

After the war, they raised their three children (Sid, Cal and Ann) in Hood River, La Grande, West Linn and McMinnville. Wherever they lived, Don and Polly were members of the Methodist church, and church activities were a central part of the life of the family.

As a music educator, Don taught high school bands and supervised school music departments for more than 35 years. Those who knew him say Don will be remembered for his strong leadership and commitment to music during the years he taught in Hood River (1946 to 1951), La Grande (1951 to 1965) and McMinnville (1967 to 1982).

Don's contributions to music education extended beyond the classroom, through participation in regional and national music education associations. In 1954, Don was elected state president of the Oregon Music Educators Association. In 1961, he was elected president of the Northwest Division of the Music Educators National Conference.

Don is survived by his wife, Polly, of Beaverton; son, Sidney, and his wife, Shirley, of Naperville, Ill.; son, Calvin, and his wife, Sue, of Tigard; daughter, Annie, and her husband, Mick Mortlock, of Lake Oswego; and eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Music Educators Association or the Oregon Alzheimer's Association.

.