Scott Jefferson Heaton passed away suddenly on June 19, 2025, at his home in Carson City. He was born on September 10, 1948, in Washington, D.C., to an Air Force family and spent his childhood living in different parts of the country, as well as spending time in France and Germany. His family returned to Virginia in 1960 and relocated to Palos Verdes, CA in 1963. Scott attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he made many lifelong friends, and continued his education at Hastings College of the Law, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 1974. Soon after, he moved to Carson City and began working at the Legislative Counsel Bureau, where he felt that he gained invaluable knowledge on the importance of writing concisely and precisely. He moved on to the Attorney General’s office, where he met his future partner Lou Doescher and soon became a partner in the firm of Shaw, Heaton, Doescher & Owen, followed by many years with Heaton & Doescher. Scott ended his career as a sole practitioner in Heaton, Ltd. He was a respected member of the legal community and always enjoyed the challenges and intricacies of his over 40 years of practice. He was, in his practice and in his life, someone who got things done!
Scott was a terrific athlete and never met a sport he wouldn’t try, although swimming was a constant from childhood. He loved football, played in adult basketball and softball leagues for years, and, of course, developed a mighty golf swing along the way. He found another passion in deep sea fishing, which took him to Cabo San Lucas many times over the years.
Scott’s children Carol, Christie and Rob were all born in Carson City and were active and accomplished athletes as well. They also spent lots of time in the pool! Scott was involved in all of their activities and was so proud of them and of their many achievements, which continue to mount up. He was also a devoted Papa and Grandpa as the years went by and the grandchildren made their appearances. Scott was a spellbinding storyteller with a great imagination and was so happy to have another generation to entertain. His sense of humor and his many key expressions will always be remembered by everyone who had the good luck to spend time with him.
In 1990, Scott embarked on another adventure when he and Raynell were married. An indicator of Scott’s character was that on their first date, which was a hike to Marlette, Scott’s elderly lab got too tired to go on, at which point Scott picked him up and carried all 80 pounds of Buddy the rest of the way. This is a good guy! Buddy was followed by a string of other best dogs, who have brought a lot of joy to their lives. Another of Scott and Raynell’s enduring enjoyments was music, and much to the surprise of many it turned out that Scott had played alto clarinet in his younger years. This discovery led to more than two decades participating in the Capital City Community Band and all of the friendships and fun that went along with it. Scott and Raynell were fortunate to have almost 35 years together and made many wonderful memories, and of course, they had so many plans for so many more.
Scott is survived by his wife Raynell, his children Carol Peterson, Christie (Aaron) Werner, and Rob (April) Heaton, as well as his grandchildren Bryce and Evan Peterson, Samantha and Madeline Werner, and Jeremy, Ben and JT Heaton. It was, and continues to be, such a shock that Scott’s big heart suddenly gave up. He was such a large part of so many lives and will certainly live on in all of our memories. He loved his family and his friends and those of us left behind are so grateful for all of the expressions of caring since his passing.
There will be a Celebration of Life on July 1 at 1673 Wellington West, Scott and Raynell’s home, from 5 pm until 8 pm. Everyone who knew Scott would know that this would be a fairly casual affair; shorts and golf shirts are required. It will be preceded by a viewing from 11 am to 1 pm at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home for anyone who would like to stop by.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. Scott would approve!