Obituary - William Scott Sward

William Scott Sward was born Feb. 20, 1951, and died Aug. 8, 2015.

Scott was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and devoted Christian. He was born in Kalispell, Montana, to Doris and Elwyn Sward. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout under his father’s watchful instructions. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1969 with a scholarship to continue his education at Western Montana College, where he played football and threw discus. He received his master’s from Montana State University-Northern.

Upon securing his first teaching job, he decided he was done with sports, but God had other plans. He became an assistant football coach and later the head coach in Ronan, Montana, and never looked back. He was the head coach in Whitefish, Montana, and Havre, Montana. He had more than just victories on the field; he touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women wherever he went.

Coaching was only a part of his legacy. Having taught 25 years in Montana and 17 years in California before retirement, he influenced thousands of students to become better young men and women. He had high expectations of everyone around him, young or old, and gave everyone the opportunity to rise to those expectations.

He and his wife, Toni, moved to Bakersfield to be near their son, Danny, and his family. He continued his teaching career at Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, where he was able to teach all three of his grandchildren. It wasn’t long before his coaching reputation caught the attention of Stockdale High School, and he joined the staff and was a part of a run at the Valley Championship and a 12-1 season.

He rarely missed an opportunity to be with his grandchildren, watching them do anything. He could always be found at their soccer matches, softball games, football games, swim meets, and drama productions. He was their biggest fan as they graced the fields and stages, cheering loudly, beaming with pride, and quick with a hug at the end.

Scott is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Toni; their loving son, Danny; daughter in-law, Kim; and his three adoring grandchildren, Shelby of Missoula, Montana, Darby and Brady of Bakersfield; sister-in-law, Barb Sward, Springfield, Oregon; brother Mike and wife, Debra, of Kalispell; and brother, Tom and wife, Toot, of Bigfork; Aunt Dorothy McGlenn of Kalispell; and Uncle Ron (Roland) Sloan of Chelan, Washington; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

We will celebrate Scott’s life and going home at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, Saturday, Aug. 15, at noon; and at a graveside service open to friends and family at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, 6501 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, who worked so hard to make our Scottie well. For condolences please visit: http://www.greenlawnm-c.com.