December 28, 1940 — November 7, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that the family announces the passing of Scott Somerville following a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Scott, with his family by his side, passed peacefully from Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill to his eternal home. Scott was the cherished husband of Patty Somerville, the beloved father of Mark (Jacquie Tetrault) and MJ (Kat Malin-August), and the loving and devoted Papa to Alexandra and Lochlainn Somerville. As well, he will be deeply missed by his wife’s extended family and many cousins, colleagues, friends and neighbours. Scott was born in Sudbury, the only child of the late Audrey and Norman Somerville. He spent his early years between Webbwood, Espanola and Manitoulin Island which he loved and considered to be “God’s Country”. It was in Sudbury, early in his career, that he met the love of his life, Patty Travers, a girl from Southern Ontario who he attempted to teach badminton to but instead won her heart. They were married for over 56 wonderful years. Scott wrote to her last week, just after entering the hospital: “we are one in all conceivable ways…one together in marriage and in life and as best friends”. One couldn’t ask for more than that. Scott and Patty spent the last 45 years of their life in the City of Vaughan, mainly in the Kleinburg Community where they developed lasting friendships that they still treasure today. Scott started his career as a CPA, and ICSA and went on to develop a successful career in municipal management. He spent the majority of his working life as a City Manager: initially 25 years with the City of Vaughan followed by Aurora, King City and lastly Pelee Island which found a special spot in his heart. But his true passion was city building and the beginning development of the City of Vaughan became his legacy. He felt like a modern day pioneer. When he joined the Town of Vaughan, as its 3rd CAO, on December 1, 1978, the Town was 17,500 people. As a dedicated city builder, he created a strong organization with whom he oversaw the growth and development of a vibrant city and all the infrastructure and services needed to service the 240,000 people who lived in Vaughan when he retired. He left behind a legacy of innovation and leadership. He had an amazing talent to inspire and motivate others. Scott will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness, generosity and the respect he had for each and every person who worked for the city as well as all he interacted with beyond. Scott had the deepest respect, and an unwavering support for first responders, recognizing their constant bravery during the discharge of their duties. He was so appreciative to have his efforts recognized by Vaughan Council when they named Station 7-9 Fire Hall on Islington Avenue in his honour. Scott was a man with many interests and loves. In his youth, he was an avid adventurer captivating those around him with his tales of canoe tripping, his experience as a fire tower watcher apprentice and his adventurers as a Boy Scout, including attending a World Boy Scout Jamboree. He had a great love of sports, playing hockey in the winter and his favourite, baseball, in the summer. His shoulder and knees never let him forget his baseball catching years! Later in life, he and Patty were fortunate to have travelled extensively and especially loved birding in many different locations. Scott frequently referred to himself as the spotter and Patty as the paparazzi. The many acquired bird photos frequently found their way into calendars that were shared with family and friends. He loved art, particularly the work of the Group of Seven and Indigenous works which reflected his love of Northern Ontario. His love of music brought him much needed comfort in his latter days. Scott will be greatly missed by his family and the many lives he has touched. In his words: ”Be safe and God Bless”
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen St. S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday, November 16 from 5 – 8 o’clock; Friday, November 17 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 o’clock and on Saturday, November 18 from one o’clock until time of the Celebration of Life in the chapel at 2 o’clock. A reception will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice or Wounded Warriors Canada (www.woundedwarriors.ca); The Scott Mission (www.scottmission.com); Friends of Point Pelee (www.friendsofpointpelee.com). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Domenic Lunardo
Dear Patty and family
We were saddened with the news of Scotty’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with Scotty at Tim Hortons in Woodbridge where we often shared a coffee, a donut and stories and memories of Vaughan. Just a week prior to his passing I spoke to Scotty and you discussing everything and life’s joys, he seemed at peace.
Scotty was a true leader and mentor and in our retirement years a dear friend. He would always end our visits and phone calls with “God Bless Domenic Ok”. I now say to you “God Bless Scott Ok”.
Our time together will always remain etched in my mind and soul.
Love
Dom and Gwen Lunardo
Karen Campbell
Scott will forever be in my heart…
Isobel Burbidge
To the family of Scott Somerville,
I offer my sincere condolences and am sorry for your loss.
I will remember Scott as a kind, warm-hearted gentleman.
Isobel Burbidge
Pat and John partington
Patty
John and I are very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you.
Pat and John partington
Joyce Epstein
Dear Patty and Family.
Our hearts are shredded. We have lost our leader, our mentor, our confidant, our cheerleader and our beloved FRIEND.. Our “special “ lunch group met a short while ago at one of our old favourite places and of course we reminisced,, laughed, and as always loved being together.
He made us all better people.
I will miss him for always. “God Bless.”
Hugs and Love
Joyce and Art Epstein
City of Vaughan 1985 – 2003
Susanne Treadwell Keffer
Mr Somerville was one of the kindest gentleman I had the pleasure of knowing.
He was so well respected by so many people in Kleinburg. My childhood memories of Mr Somerville was his infectious smile and his kind soul. I feel blessed to have had Mr Somerville as a neighbour and friend.
The love Mr and Mrs Somerville had for each other was a wonderful thing to see. When Mr Somerville would leave for work at the City Of Vaughan Mrs Somerville would stand on the front porch as the two would wave goodbye to each other. It was so sweet and pure to watch. And their love for their children made them a very special family!
My condolences to Patty, Mark, MJ and family.
Susanne Treadwell Keffer
Diane Anderson
Dear Patty, I am so sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. He was a true gentleman and a really nice fellow too. I hope that you and your children and grandchildren will be comforted by all the good memories you have of Scott. I am thinking of all of you and sending my condolences.
Angela Di Martino
Scott Campbell Somerville, a true leader!
anna debartolo
Dear Patty and family,
My Sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all.
Scott was an inspiration to so many, I will personally miss our conversations and shared love of F1 and cycling. He was a very kind man.
Sending hugs,
Anna & Aldo DeBartolo and family
Joy Treadwell
My condolences Patti. Mark and M.J.. and all family on your great loss. Scott was a favourite Kleinburg neighbour always taking time to have a cheerful chat. Rest In Peace Scott.
Joy Treadwell
Dorothy Whitehead
Patty, I was so saddened by this news. My thoughts are with you, Mark and MJ.
I have such happy memories of the early years in Kleinburg when the children were growing up and we had wonderful progressive dinner parties, with your great cooking and Scott’s always warm and welcoming ways.
He will be greatly missed.
Betsy Archer
Patty, I was sorry to read that Scott had passed away. You had a wonderful life together and I hope all the memories will be of great comfort to you, your children and grandchildren.
Thinking of you!
Betsy Archer
Cheryle Leechman
Dear Patty, Mark, Jacquie, Alexandra, Lochlainn, MJ and. Kat:
We share you sadness in the loss of Scott. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed .Know that you are in my thoughts at this time and always.
We had so many wonderful times shared with friends and family in the Kleinburg days.
Be at Peace as we know he is now.
Love to you all
Sherry Leechman and Family
Paul Reinhardt
DearPatty and family, please accept our deeply felt sympathy. Scotty was well liked and well respected by people who had city dealings with him. He was an extremely successful Chief manager because he could reconcile different ambitions by city staff and politicians that many predecessors could not. Because of the unusually high turn-over in this this high position before him it was known in the 1970’s the job with a built-in revolving door. Carole and I share the sadness of his loss.
Paul Reinhardt
julie salvatore
Dear Patty and family,
Joe and I send our heartfelt condolence to you at this time. Scott greeted all with such a friendly and warm greeting when upon occasion one would meet him either at the library or at the cenotaph Nov. 11 each year. Scott knew his community and remembered us all. He was a wonderful presence and a pleasure to have known. Our prayers Patty are with you and your loved ones and we wish you peace and comfort in the love and support of your friends and family.
With sympathy,
Joe and Julie Salvatore
Betty Lou Vanderpost
My deepest sympathy to the entire Somerville family. No one was more helpful, kinder, or generous of their time than Scott at the time of my father’s passing , Garnet A. Williams, He was a gentleman to work with, and so much appreciated.. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Rest in peace Scott.
Betty Lou Vanderpost. nee Williams
Barb Schnier
Scott was a mensch, in every sense of the word. Truly a kind, decent and warm-hearted man who lit up any room he entered. God bless, Scott.
Ann Mitchell
I was fortunate enough to meet Scott as a fellow CAO in Ontario. I was present at a dinner at Prince Edward County, where Scott was given a sink because our jobs involve everything but the kitchen sink. He was a true professional and a great human being.
Amanda Guida
My sincere condolences to Patty and the entire family.
Scott will forever be a legacy to those that worked with him at the City of Vaughan.
Brian Denney
Dear Patty and family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Scott. I had the privilege of working with him when I was at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Scott was instrumental in the planning for the rapid growth of Vaughan with a particular interest and concern for protecting and enhancing the valuable green spaces that remain. His leadership was inspirational. Mary Anne and I also enjoyed getting to know Scott and your family in the Kleinburg community. We will treasure our memories of Scott. We pray that you will find peace in your memories of all that you accomplished together.
Crew C-5 Richmondhill Fire
Dear Brother Mark and Family.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Father.
Although we did not know him personally; its clear that amazing positive impact he had on yourself and so many others he touched in his life, We’re here for you!
John, Bryan, Stacey, Amanda
Michelle Feltz
Patty and family,
I had the pleasure and honour to work with Scott on Pelee Island. A wonderful person and caring mentor who became a cherished friend.
The Mayor and Council of Pelee Island recognized Scott at the November 14, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council. God Bless my friend.
Michelle and Paul Feltz
Joan Richardson
Dear Patty and family, I was sorry to hear of Scott’s passing . Thinking of you
at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Pam Law
Dear Patty,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family for the great loss of a beloved husband and father.
As an employee of Vaughan (1984 – 2013), I had the pleasure of working within “Scott’s Hall” in the old building. Scott knew every employee’s name, no matter which department they were in. Always approachable & so very kind.
Scott will always be fondly remembered.
Glen & Debbie Adams (DiFilippo)
Mrs. Somerville, Mark and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Scott. May you find comfort in the many memories you shared.
Gloria Hardychuk
Dear Patty and your entire family:
We were so shocked and heartbroken when we heard of the untimely passing of Scott. His wonderful, kind, generous soul and his contagious laugh will remain cherished in our hearts forever. Ever present, Scott was a true gentleman. I had the honour and privilege of working for the Town and then the City of Vaughan for 26+ years and have so many memories of Scott’s warmth, compassion, honesty and sincere soul.
Patty, you and Scott were forever soulmates. You were his purpose and his strength. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived! Scott will be missed but never forgotten.
Our sincere and deepest heartfelt condolences ❤️ With love from: Gloria & Dan Hardychuk together with our family, we send our deepest sympathies. xoxo
Taflyn Maynard
Dear Patty and family. I am so sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. I have wonderful memories of his kindness and generosity. Our trip to Point Peelee especially. The wonderful thrill for Ken when a whole flock of Redheaded woodbeckers came swooping down just as he said that was all he wanted. It was a wonderful weekend. Scott was a very special person and it was a privilege to know him. Much Love to you and your family. Taf Maynard.
Pat Moyle
Many years ago Al Solski and Dave Weldon organized a group of former CAOs and senior public officials who were either born in Sudbury or worked in the north. We who would convene for an annual dinner celebration at one of Al’s favourite Italian restaurants. There was always talk of families, the state of local government and the repetition of the same stories, slightly embellished with the passage of time. Scotty always had the best stories and while they were entertaining, there was also a lesson or something to learn from them. He was a good friend and a great mentor who was generous with his time and knowledge. Many careers were successfully launched because of Scotty’s desire to help make the community a better place. We will miss him at our annual dinner next year and well beyond. Thank you Scott, you were one of the good ones. Rest in peace.
Joandice and Tony Marshall
Dear Patty and family, we were sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. From our lovely afternoon with you and Scott at Hillman’s Marsh, we felt your love for each other and deep devotion to conservation of nature especially of the Blanding’s turtle that you helped keep safe. May Scott rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.
Tom McKay
Scott and I worked together in London and after pursue life long careers as City Managers. Over the years we crossed paths and shared advice and fellowship. Maggi and I offer our sympathies to Patty and family.
Mary G Corcoran
Bill and I are very saddened to hear about Scott’s death.
He was a great and valued citizen, enriching the community with your joint participation in many good projects, from tree planting to Bindertwine. I remember how quickly you became part of the woven fabric of our town, and especially Glengarriff Farm.
Our most sympathies to you and your family.
Mary & Bill Corcoran