Elder Richard G. Scott, tenderhearted member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1988 and dear friend of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, died Tuesday, September 22, 2015. Elder Scott will be remembered and revered by Choir members for his support and encouragement.

Elder Scott, a gifted musician himself playing both the clarinet and saxophone in a jazz band, loved the music of the Church, the hymns in particular. He was a drum major in high school and developed a love for South American folk music when he served a mission in Uruguay as a young man and in later years as a mission president in Northern Argentina with his wife, Jeanene. He particularly loved to listen to choir music, which he once said prompted “a feeling so sublime that it elevates my heart and mind.” 

Time after time, Elder Scott climbed the stairs to the Choir loft to thank the members of the Choir for their valued service, their musical contribution to the meetings, and the spirit with which they sang. He also frequently attended the broadcasts of Music & the Spoken Word whenever he was not away on assignment.

“The Choir treasured the friendship of Elder Scott and his quiet way of showing support for the choir’s contribution,” Choir President Ronald Jarrett said when he heard of Elder Scott’s death. “He will be missed for his messages of inspiration and thoughtful guidance. He will be missed, in particular, by the Choir.”

Elder Scott frequently taught of home, family, and love for one another. Described as having the “mind of a scientist” and “the soul of an apostle," he had a distinguished career as a nuclear engineer but will be best remembered by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for his soft-spoken, kind, and generous nature he shared so often with them.

Note: To facilitate preparations for Elder Scott's funeral, the Thursday night rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Sunday morning broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word have been moved to Conference Center.