Scott Wheaton Anderson, of Concord, died unexpectedly on the afternoon of March 9, 2023, after walking his beloved dog.

Scott was born in Winona Minnesota on August 4, 1953 to Glenn Anderson and Joann Wheaton Anderson. He spent most of his early life in St. Paul Minnesota. His father's career in agricultural education grew into a position as leader of cooperative businesses, necessitating a move to Wisconsin. Scott completed junior high and high school in Madison, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1977 with a joint degree in English and Anthropology.

Scott held many jobs through high school and college, including assisting in a veterinary office, serving as a page in the state legislature, and becoming a skilled cook and restaurant manager. Scott met his wife Wendy when he got her name off a ride-board, and they set off from Madison to New England, Wendy to Cambridge, and Scott to Maine. They married in 1982 in Madison, and lived together in Allston until buying a home in Concord in 1983, where they have lived ever since. Meg arrived in 1984 and Ken followed in 1987.

Scott was a skilled credit manager for a lumber company and then for a forklift company – stressful jobs where there was a tension between his empathy and need to meet the bottom line. Then in 1999, Wendy went back to work full time, and Scott had his turn to be the full-time parent. He was a pioneer in being the primary caretaker, and he excelled during a time which did not yet validate a man in this role.

Scott also found time to work on writing, and focused on mastering the structure and pacing of effective screenplays. He sold several screenplays, taught screenwriting and was a co-leader of Harvard Square Scriptwriters with Steve Gianino from 1998 through 2011. (HSSW was founded in 1986 by Laura Bernierie, and continues to operate under the direction of Genine Tillotson.) Members meet monthly to review each other's screenplay drafts with the spirit of helping each author reach his or her vision. Scott helped many aspiring screenwriters to progress in the field, and sometimes assisted on local productions. Being concerned that academic screenwriting programs did not prepare students for actually working as scriptwriters, Scott started an Emerson College course on the Business of Screenwriting, which focused on helping students understand the film industry and preparing them for actual jobs. Scott also started working with his close friend, Rick Johnston to plan and draft many genre novels, taking advantage of the expanding ebook market.

In his personal life, Scott loved to laugh and he loved his family dearly. He lost his father, brother and mother before he turned 50, and took great joy in maintaining connections and caring for his loved ones. Through the darkest days of the pandemic, he stayed COVID negative and made weekly dinners to bring the family together. He could never really say no to a direct request, often to his own chagrin, but to the great benefit of anyone lucky enough to know him.

Scott also loved dogs, from his boyhood onward. The family had three Satos, street dogs, rescued from Puerto Rico, (not all at the same time) and he wasted no time in training them….to jump on the sofa. Scott also loved the imagination and camaraderie of his group of friends who gathered regularly to play games (like Dungeons and Dragons). He also loved to fish and taught Ken to be a skilled fisherman.

Scott was not ready to go. On Wednesday he bought a new winter coat to replace one with a broken zipper, and an air fryer. On Thursday he ate his breakfast, emptied the dishwasher, and at 3:00 he walked the dog. At 6:30 when dinner was ready, he had passed. Our little family misses him dearly, and we are learning how much he meant to others. Thanks to all who are holding us in your hearts. It helps. We have a hard road ahead as we learn to live without him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Scott's life during a memorial service in First Parish, 20 Lexington Road, Concord Center on Saturday, March 18th at 11 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall. To attend the service remotely, please access the following church Zoom link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86270340563?pwd=dmVDajV5RGp5U0xRRVhNVFdURDNIQT09

Meeting ID: 862 7034 0563, Passcode: 577537

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Save A Sato or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.