This week the world seemed a bit quieter. Columbus is saying goodbye to a favorite, truly beloved, adopted son. His name is Scotty Daniels. Most of us knew him as Scotty D.
The loss of one diminishes us all. In many ways all humanity is connected. This is more true in a small place, one where we feel that we know everyone. Everyone knew Scotty. He was a Columbus enthusiast, a supporter of every event, every cause, every charity. We lost him too, too soon, at age 45.
Scotty was known as a radio “personality.” Few radios were large enough to contain his immense persona and huge heart. I never saw him sad or gloomy. And I saw him often — at fundraisers, tourism meetings, benefits. He was a local celebrity without the arrogance of ego. Scotty made Columbus a better and brighter place to live.
When Chris and I planned our first “Ghostly Gallivant” at Halloween, he graciously invited us to be interviewed on his early morning show. Scotty laughed when I wore a costume for a radio program. He was funny and fun and willing to share the spotlight.
This week the air waves were filled with songs that made me think of Scotty. The radio is truly the soundtrack of our lives. Jackson Browne and Dylan, Tom Waits and Emmy Lou Harris, all were singing only to me. We know about your loss, they seemed to say, we understand.
The loss, of course, is not mine alone. Scotty truly belonged to Columbus and to his beautiful partner, Brennan. Thankfully, there was enough of him to share.
We have one more chance to say goodbye. Today, at 2 p.m., there will be a memorial service at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. This is not a funeral. That was last Monday, in Alabama. This will be a gathering to honor a remarkable man.
Nathan Best will lead the service, with music by some of Scotty”s friends. That is fitting. I suspect that there will be a few tears shed, probably not what Scotty would have wished. But, all his friends and fans are welcome. You may need to bring a hanky.
I am going to turn off my radio for a while and listen to the world. Birds and sirens, barking dogs, the bits of words snatched from conversations of passersby: All will be my soundtrack.
I am also going to tell the people I care for how much they are appreciated, how much they mean to me. I am going to say “thank you” more, and “I love you.”
Columbus lost someone wonderful last week. He belonged to us all, and to Brennan. Bye bye, Scotty D; you have no idea how much you will be missed. You have no idea how much we loved you. I wish I had told you. I hope you get to read The Dispatch in heaven. Maybe then you will understand how precious you are to our city and our citizens.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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