Sadly, longtime, deepy-involved and beloved Des Moines resident, city councilmember, Realtor, photographer and local historian Carmen Scott passed away on Thanksgiving night (Thursday, Nov. 27). Carmen had suffered from numerous brain tumors, which were diagnosed in May, 2013. “Another light in our community is gone,” Mayor Dave Kaplan said. “It’s difficult to put into words what she meant to Des Moines … what she meant to a multitude of organizations in our town … what she meant to each of us personally. My condolences to her family, and to her many friends grieved by her passing. May memories of her be a blessing to us all.” The paved trail running from the Marina to the turnaround at the start of the Des Moines Beach Park Trail was recently re-named for her. She long ago recognized its’ historical importance, as well as the importance of the Beach Park to the community of Des Moines. A city proclamation said this about Carmen:

“The City Council honors Carmen L. Scott for her service to the Des Moines community as an outstanding citizen, dedicated community leader, steadfast historic advocate, revered photographer, and for twenty two years of public service as a member of the Des Moines Planning Agency and as a Des Moines City Councilmember.”
“My focus as a Council Member is of making economically and environmentally sound land use decisions, encouraging economic development, and using my photography to market the many features and unique assets of our beautiful and historical Waterfront setting on the shores of Puget Sound,” Carmen posted on her LinkedIn page. Here are some comments posted on Mayor Kaplan’s Facebook page:
Mark Proulx: “She was a citizen in the fullest sense of the word.” Sue Padden: “You say my thoughts exactly and so much better than I ever could Dave. I will miss my friend & mentor.” Janet Garrott Grella” “Thank you for sharing this news Dave. She was the best of the best!” Sue Padden: “She & Scotty are dancing together again. I am certain she will need him to carry her ladder in heaven while she takes photos of all the other angels.”
Here are some photos by David Sharpe of the city council honoring her in August: CarmenScott091414-1 Photo by David Sharpe. CarmenScott091414 CarmenScott081414-2 CarmenScottDMCouncil2
Carmen attended just about every Farmers Market, where she sold postcards of photos she had taken of Des Moines. Here are some of Carmen’s photos that she often shared with us: Everyone at The Waterland Blog sends their deepest sympathies to Carmen’s family, friends, co-workers and well, all Des Moines residents…]]>

6 replies on “Longtime, deeply-involved, beloved resident Carmen Scott passes away”

  1. Dear Friends of Carmen Scott and The City Of Des Moines….
    On behalf of our entire family, we wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of mom’s friends and the City of Des Moines. The love and support we have been afforded by everyone has been heartfelt and much appreciated. Thank you! Mom loved this little gem of a city on Puget Sound very much, it was her livelihood and provided much joy to her and our family.
    In the Spring we will hold in Des Moines celebration of life gathering in to honor our mother, Carmen Scott. More details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers should you feel inclined, please consider making a donation to the Des Moines Food Bank to assist those in need during the holidays, mom would like that.
    Again, on behalf of our entire family, thank you.
    Sincerely
    David Bonathan “son”

  2. Dear Friends of Carmen Scott and The City Of Des Moines….
    On behalf of our entire family, we wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of mom’s friends and the City of Des Moines. The love and support we have been afforded by everyone has been heartfelt and much appreciated. Thank you! Mom loved this little gem of a city on Puget Sound very much, it was her livelihood and provided much joy to her and our family.
    In the Spring we will hold in Des Moines celebration of life gathering in to honor our mother, Carmen Scott. More details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers should you feel inclined, please consider making a donation to the Des Moines Food Bank to assist those in need during the holidays, mom would like that.
    Again, on behalf of our entire family, thank you.
    Sincerely
    David Bonathan “son”

  3. Deeply saddened beyond words by this. Such an amazing beautiful woman.ni respected her soooo much. She meant a lot more to me than she probably knew.

  4. Deeply saddened beyond words by this. Such an amazing beautiful woman.ni respected her soooo much. She meant a lot more to me than she probably knew.

  5. Carmen Scott gave so much to this city. Her love and devotion for this city is unimaginable. She worked tirelessly for the Des Moines Historical Soceity. Not to mention the work done on the Des Moines City Council. The Beach Park Shows so much of her caring ways. She did all she could to preserve the historical values of the city. Carmen, you will be dearly missed. I’m not sure we have any one like you to carry on the volunteer duties you gave to this city. My friend, rest in peace…

  6. Carmen Scott gave so much to this city. Her love and devotion for this city is unimaginable. She worked tirelessly for the Des Moines Historical Soceity. Not to mention the work done on the Des Moines City Council. The Beach Park Shows so much of her caring ways. She did all she could to preserve the historical values of the city. Carmen, you will be dearly missed. I’m not sure we have any one like you to carry on the volunteer duties you gave to this city. My friend, rest in peace…

Comments are closed.