Each day, while in college, Scott posted an “Official Writing of the Day” on his dorm door. This is one of our favorites.

The Official Date: November 5, 1991

“Fate”

If my fate is predetermined
By a force beyond comprehension
Where will I find myself?
What will be my destination?

Has everything I’ve ever done
Been decided before I did it?
Has everything I’ve ever thought
Been known before I said it?

It’s scary to think of my life
On a track I will never deviate,
And all the control I thought I had
Was always in the hands of fate.

Isn’t fate a fascinating concept? I’m sure you know what I mean. Well, live life to its fullest!

Later,
Scott

People always hear stories about why a person dies, and that every person is put on earth for a reason. Scott’s purpose must have been to be perfect, to put other before himself. He was never selfish or undeserving, but unfortunately for all of us who loved him so much, he found his perfect life earlier than most, on September 11, 2001.

By the age of twenty-eight, he already started a family with the most wonderful wife he could ever be matched with. Elizabeth, who we are so glad he brought into our family, and has helped my parents and all of us, get through this tragic time. She is our reminder of how wonderful Scott really was. Scott had a successful job, was respected by his peers and was envied by many. He was a great role model for his siblings, cousins, friends and many others who were lucky enough to know him. When looking upon his life we would tell our friends the wonderful things he did, just to make us look better because we were related to someone so perfect. Scott wrote an email to a friend of his and ended the letter by saying, “Everything else is good. I’m really happy with life, work and love – what else could you ask for?”

Knowing that Scott was happy with his life and lived the most of his short life puts us a little more at ease. The fact that we will never see him again, or hear him laugh or even make fun of us, hurts our hearts so much and that is pain that will never go away. We are grateful for the fact that all of us got to know and love this great man. It makes us know that someone so great really does exist. People like him are hard to come by and when you do find them, cherish the time you have with them.

“Somehow I know we’ll meet again, not quite sure where and I don’t know just when. You’re in my heart so until then, it’s time for saying good-bye.” -The Muppets

Renee, James and Kathryn (siblings)

Dear Friends and Family,

From the time they were born, our four children have been our number one priority. Each has had their own personality and has made us honored to be their parents. Our oldest child Scott was no exception.

As a child Scott was very inquisitive and often into things he shouldn’t be. He remained inquisitive in school, although his teachers referred to it as talking excessively and having trouble staying in his seat. By high school he began liking his siblings and stopped trying to convince us to sell them. As most children became rebellious (although he had his moments) Scott was into family. He loved vacationing together, helping his siblings into and out of trouble, and helping his dad do things around the house and working on cars. He graduated from high school as a member of the National Honor Society. After being away at college for four years, where he sang the National Anthem for his graduating class, he returned home to work in the computer field.

All was going well in his life. He remained very close to his siblings, continuing to help them through many “situations,” which loved to share with us years later. He loved is job with Marsh & McLennan, married a wonderful girl named Liz on August 4 and bought a house in our neighborhood. Scott and Liz wanted to be near both their parents. They always invited us to go house hunting with them, included us in their wedding plans and their future hopes and dreams. Although they had only been married a few weeks, they came over often to visit and chat, as we were often at their home (Liz is a wonderful cook). Scott and Liz always put family and friends first and wanted everyone to feel at home and happy. We will miss him immensely.

Our sadness is all encompassing, but endurable because of the support of our wonderful children: Renee, James, Kathryn and Liz, our terrific families who have been there for us twenty-four hours a day, all our wonderful friends and neighbors. Your love, concern and support overwhelm us. We are surviving because of all of you. Thank you and we love you all.

Nancy and Danny (parents)

I feel so blessed to have known Scott, even if only for a short time. His love, compassion, honesty and humor are qualities that I will always strive to imitate. I miss his gorgeous smile, contagious laugh, sarcastic comments, amazing voice and creative energy. I will always remember feeling lost on the Grand Canal, singing eighties tunes and staring into his pale green eyes. I will never forget the feeling of safety that came with waking up in his arms or my heart’s uncontrollable elation on our wedding day. I laugh daily at funny memories, smile at our romantic moments, and cry for my overwhelming sense of loss. One of my favorite songs that Scott wrote has a very simple message:

It’s love that makes me think of you, every time, every day. It’s my heart that makes me want to say, I Love You. So now you have gone away and there’s one thing I have to say. I Love You.”

Love and Peace,
Liz

It’s a fight for tomorrow
A fight we must win
Let us reach to God in heaven
And save this world we’re in.

- Scott Bart

Eulogy for Scott Bart
Give by Elizabeth Bart

November 10, 2001

On behalf of myself and the rest of Scott’s family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming and sharing in our celebration of Scott’s life. On a very personal level, I would like to thank my family for their love and support and Scott’s family for adopting me and truly making me feel comfortable as a part of their family. Scott’s parents have given me and the world a most amazing gift in their son. I will always be grateful to them. Thank you.

Many people have asked me how Scott and I met. Friends and family, newspaper reporters have wanted to hear a very romantic story. Scott was the most romantic man I have ever known, however I’ve always found our first meeting a little embarrassing. I’ve decided to share it with you today.

We were at a bar called “Bucket of Brew”. I had gotten in with my fake ID and Scott, who was never shy, got down on one knee and asked me to be his pool partner. I’m not quite sure what possessed me to say yes that day, but I do know that somehow I was drawn to Scott’s exciting and daring personality – not to mention his stunning good looks. The next week he showed up at my house with a surprise picnic in the trunk of his 1979 Dodge Aspen, wrote and sang a gorgeous song to me and we spent virtually every minute together for a month. I went to live in Belgium for the year and we emailed every day. I was experiencing so many exciting things and my day was not complete unless I had the opportunity to share them with Scott. He often wrote to me about how I needed to recognize and enjoy my experiences, to live my life to the fullest and that he would be waiting for me. I believed him then, and I believe him now. Scott was in my corner from the very first day we met and continues to be my source of strength. The next time Scott got down on one knee, I knew exactly why to say yes. My most proud moment was when I became Scott’s wife.

Since our first meeting at “Bucket of Brew,” Scott and I have grown together and I have learned so much from our relationship. I have learned the power and need for laughter. For example, I now see that it is ok to be embarrassed, especially if it will make a group of people laugh and smile when they are so sad. Through Scott’s dedication to his job and his amazing work ethic, I have learned the benefits of hard work and the need to enjoy you job and the people that surround you there. We often imagined what it would be like to have children and wanted our children to inherit so many aspects of Scott’s family life and his relationship between his siblings. We laughed about how our daughters would fight over the room with the big closet in our new home and how much trouble our first child would bring us considering Scott was such a terror. My heart weeps so much, but I feel blessed to have learned what it is like to love and to be loved unconditionally.

When I decided to speak to you today, I first felt an overwhelming sense of pressure to say the perfect words that would illustrate the magnitude of Scott’s personality. Then I realized that if you had the opportunity to meet Scott even for a day, then you know how wonderful he is. I say, “He is” because he is still alive in all of our hearts! I don’t know of any words that can truly do justice to Scott. Instead, what I ask of you is to allow his strong personality to guide you, as I have through this very difficult time. Think of the funny memories to make and others around you smile. I believe that whenever we smile, he smiles down on us. Strive to do good for others as he always did, for it does truly make you happier. Work towards success in all aspects of your life so that you can live with the pride and joy that he had throughout his short life.

Thank you again. Although this is a very painful time, we have found solace in the support and love that so many people have shown to us. Although Scott’s life was taken in a very evil act, his memory will live on through all of us, and he will continue to bring peace and happiness.

SHARING

What an interesting word. To some people it means when it’s convenient or easy. To other the word may not even exist. To my son Scott, it meant the world to him. He would share his thoughts, his beliefs, his ideas, his finances, his achievements, his pitfalls, and anything else the two of us could think of. In return, I shared the same things with him. This openness between us allowed each of us to continue to grow and mature. It gave each of us the insight into each other. We shared these moments every day on the telephone when he would arrive early at work. I’m glad we shared that morning together just a moment before that frightful disaster and I will always remember that conversation. We also shared in doing things together, whether it was planting shrubs, digging out tree stumps, going to picnics, going to concerts, going to games, repairing cars, shopping, buying, investing, vacationing, travelling, bagels on Sunday morning, and even blood donations. We shared so many moments together but had so many more moments to share.

If Scott was writing this, I’m sure he would tell everyone not to let life pass you by. Enjoy life with your loved ones’ now. Do not make excuses for not attending your loved ones’ events or achievements. Share these moments in life when you can.

Scott lived life to the fullest. His goal was to help everyone.

GOD BLESS YOU

-Scott’s Dad