W. Scott Croft

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend

Walter Scott Croft, known to nearly everyone as Scott, 77, passed away on November 4, 2026, in Ogden, Utah. Scott lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, loyalty, and a willingness to help others.

Scott was born on October 25, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Walter Leslie Croft and Betty Ruth Scott. He grew up in Morgan, Utah, with his two brothers, Don and David, on family land where his early years were spent surrounded by the simple joys of country living. Those early memories remained close to his heart throughout his life, and even in his later years, he would often express a longing to “go home.” Scott graduated in 1967 from Morgan High School and went on to attain his Master Electrical license in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Scott proudly served in the United States Army. He trained with the 101st Airborne Division and made several parachute jumps during his military service.

Early on, Scott was married to Beverly Crouch and had two sons, Troy and Eric. Later, in 1977, he married Barbara Hansen and adopted her two sons, Matt and Aaron. Together, they had two daughters, Kelly and Hailey. Scott and Barbara built a wonderful life together shaped by hard work, friendships, laughter, and countless memories. They enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage and are devoted parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Scott had a natural gift for understanding how things worked and an uncommon ability to solve complicated problems, earning the nickname, “MacGyver.” He built a career as an electrical contractor and later as a construction superintendent. His work was challenging and his employers often described him as “the smartest guy on the team.” In his line of work, Scott took tremendous pride in doing things right. He was logical, methodical, and someone others could always count on.

Scott was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was an important part of his life, and he devoted many years to serving others through the Church. Among his callings, he served as a Scoutmaster, Bishop, High Councilor, and as a Temple Worker in the Ogden Temple. In January 2013, Scott and Barbara began their missionary service in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Mission where they loved and served the people on the Alamo Navajo Reservation. They stayed busy teaching the gospel, cutting and hauling wood, and delivering household water along with fresh-baked cookies.

Some of the best memories Scott and Barbara made with their family were outdoors. Scott loved boating at Lake Powell and local reservoirs. He also treasured time spent hiking and climbing mountains with family and friends. He summited Mount Whitney on two occasions. After raising kids and sending them off to their adventures, Scott and Barbara enjoyed just being together whether traveling or working on a project. They had the kind of relationship that found comfort in one another. They could talk for hours and genuinely loved being side by side.

Perhaps the best way to understand Scott is to know how much he loved helping people. If a friend had a project, Scott would show up. If something needed fixing, he would figure it out. He was happiest when he could make someone’s day a little easier. He wasn’t someone who needed a lot of recognition or attention. He simply loved to serve.

In his later years, Scott faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and declining health. Although the disease gradually took away many of his memories and abilities, it did not diminish the life he had lived or the man he had been. His family will remember the capable hands, steady presence, sense of humor, and generous heart that defined him for so many years. Even in the memory care facility, he maintained his core values and spent his time trying to fix things and help others.

Scott is survived by his wife, Barbara Croft; his six children, Troy Croft-Washington Terrace, Matt Croft (Robin)-Seattle, Aaron Croft (Diane)-Morgan, Eric Croft (Kym)-Seattle, Kelly Rees (Justin)-Morgan, and Hailey Goodwin (David)-Boise; his 22 grandchildren; his 8 great-grandchildren; and his brother, David Scott Croft (Julie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Leslie Croft and Betty Ruth Scott, his older brother, Don Scott Croft, and two of his granddaughters, Sydney and Macie.

Scott built his legacy the same way he lived his life: through years of hard work, pride in a job well done, and a simple willingness to help someone whenever he could.

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A viewing will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Milton Church (1255 N Morgan Valley Dr., Morgan, UT 84050).

Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm with interment at the Milton Cemetery.

Barbara and the family are deeply grateful to the kind and compassionate staff at the memory care facility. Those special aides know who they are and will forever be in our hearts as the angels that went the extra mile to make Scott’s final months as comfortable as possible while preserving his dignity and quality of life.