Scott Chris Alter

Scott Chris Alter “Scott’s work ethic, business mind and conservation efforts were astounding.” Kevin Haskin Scott Chris Alter was born in Wichita, Kansas, on October 12, 1942, to Evelynn M. Alter and Dick S. Alter. Scott’s family consisted of his parents and little sister, Sue Ann, who now resides in Half Moon Bay, California, with her husband, Carl Bolton. Scott also had a loving grandmother, Evelynn Alter, who taught him how to read and write before he entered kindergarten. Scott also had Grandfather Walter Shanks and his Grandmother Moi Shanks who were actively involved in his life. His grandfather owned Trailer Parts Supply, which started Scott’s love for business. Moi encouraged Scott to love family history along with general history, and she would not let this cute little boy be lazy but helped instill a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. Scott was motivated to succeed; he found a job at 14. With his paychecks, he insisted that he pay rent to his folks even though they did not ask for it. He would save for whatever he wanted to buy; he did not ask for help from his folks. He also became an Eagle Scout at 16. He graduated from Wichita North in 1961 and enrolled in WSU even though several of his teachers told him he was not college material and should go to a trade school instead of earning a higher education. In short, he proved them wrong: due to his excellent memorization skills, Scott often set the curve on tests. During his time in college, he also worked for his dad at the family business Trailer Parts Supply, Inc. Over time, he learned the intricacies of the family business. He was also an “active” member of the shenanigans that occurred in the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and did his best to lose a lot of brain cells. After his graduation with a Business Degree from WSU, Scott became very active in running Trailer Parts Supply, Inc. with his dad. Scott became the Road Man, and with his charm and boyish looks, the customers he called often virtually adopted him. Through years of his constant work, the business flourished and achieved levels of success that could not have been reached without Scott’s skill with people and his knowledge of his industry. By the end of 1989, Scott had completed buying the business from his parents. In his personal life, Scott met Marcia Haskin in September of 1969. She was the love of his life, and in January of 1970 they were married. They had Kristin Leigh, March 16, 1974, and Matthew Stark, October 8, 1976. These two children were Scott’s pride and joy, and he often commented about their intelligence and how both kids exceeded him intellectually. Though Scott sold the family business to Matthew in 2005, he never stopped coming to work at the company both to help his son and to help the customers and co-workers that he had befriended over the years. Scott was overjoyed when grandchildren, Peyton Scot, Taryn Grace, and Roby Stark came into his world. He always loved being around them, especially on fishing trips, and loved watching their accomplishments. One of his last cherished memories was of a family fishing trip, where all kids caught scads of fish, but what tickled him the most was Krisie catching fish and yelling for Matt to get them off the hook. Scott had many hobbies, which included hunting, skeet shooting, field trialing, raising hunting dogs, restoring cars, collecting art, and fishing. He enjoyed buying land and making habitats for animals and birds. Most of all Scott was a loyal friend, a great husband for over 51 years, and a devoted father. Whenever his friends were going through rough spells, Scott was there for them. He could always be counted on for support, advice, and help. Throughout his 79 years, he touched many lives. Though he is gone now, his memory will live on in those that he cared about. Scott’s memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 6, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. In lieu of flowers, memorials established with National Headache Foundation, 820 N. Orleans, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60610 and A Living Tribute, 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, CT 06830 www.alivingtribute.org.