Scott D. Vance memorial (by Nancy Ellen Vance, his family, and friends)
Scott D. Vance was the oldest of three boys in a single-parent home. He was a caring and precocious child. Scott knew all the states and capitals and could identify where they were located on a map before he started school. During his elementary school years, Scott enjoyed creating number puzzles and word search games. In middle school, he began performing in plays at Oakland University. In 1993, Scott graduated from Rochester High School with top honors in computer science, government, and mathematics.
Scott began working at the age of twelve and continued to work throughout high school. He gave ALL his paychecks, during this period of time, to his mother to help cover family expenses, reflecting a generosity of spirit and love of family that was very characteristic of Scott.
Scott’s artistic abilities led him to Oakland University for the study of theatre. He performed in many plays at OU and GMI Engineering & Management Institute and was skilled in many aspects of theatre production. Scott spent thirteen years with the Michigan Renaissance Festival as a hawker, stilt-walker, and juggler.
It wasn’t long after enrolling at Oakland Community College (OCC) that Scott’s ability as a tutor and enthusiasm for math came to the attention of Professor Jeffery Parent, who hired Scott as a Supplemental Instructor. In this role, Scott’s talents were quite evident. “I literally had to book Scott 5 months in advance because his talents were so well appreciated by the other faculty” noted Professor Parent. A supplemental instructor meets with the class separately and helps go over the material from class and for additional practice. Scott’s ability to explain math, at any level, really did shine in this role.
After finishing his studies at OCC, Scott continued to tutor for OCC while he earned degrees in mathematics and economics from Wayne State University. Scott appreciated his knowledge of math and applied mathematics to nearly everything he did – including his custom fantasy football league.
Scott volunteered for The OCD Foundation of Michigan for many years. He edited the newsletters, entertained children at Camp Redwing, and helped move seniors who were evicted from their homes. His assistance was priceless and he is sorely missed. Scott also volunteered for POWER Org Math, a math program that provides “opportunities for youth to WIN WITH MATH.”
Scott tried diligently to rise above the many difficulties he faced in life. Although Scott often struggled during manic episodes and endured many surgeries to correct a cleft lip and cleft palate, he accomplished a lot in his thirty-nine years. Scott never stopped trying to improve himself – he wanted desperately to be a better person than he realized he was. Scott is remembered for his thoughtfulness, politeness, and genuine love and concern for others and animals.