Clifford “Kip” France Scott

Clifford “Kip” France Scott II passed away on November 1, 2023 at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri.

Kip was born on April 30, 1944 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Marjory (Hanson) and Clifford France Scott Sr. He spent his childhood years growing up on the family farm near Canistota, SD and attending country school. The family later moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where Kip attended Washington High School, then to Fort Collins, CO, where he graduated.

Kip earned a B.S. degree in History from Colorado State University and an M.S. degree in Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University.

Throughout his life, Kip remained steadfastly devoted to bettering the lives of others. Through his work in politics as the State Chair of the Democratic Party of South Dakota, he managed several local and state political campaigns for candidates and worked tirelessly to implement policies to improve the lives of those in his community. As a mental health counselor, Kip dedicated years of his life to empowering and helping to heal countless clients.

After serving on the Board of Directors at Kilian Community College, Kip discovered his passion for teaching, which proved to be his true calling in life. He began teaching at the college and later advanced to administration positions within the college, including serving as the Dean of Student Services and as the Dean of Academics. As a consummate educator, Kip touched the lives of every student who crossed his path, often leaving a lifelong impact.

As a diehard fan of the Denver Broncos, Kip could often be found loudly cheering for “his” boys – unless, of course, they were playing his wife’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs. When it wasn’t football season, Kip spent his time singing, playing the guitar, and occasionally performing. He authored three books of historical fiction and a successful college textbook. In retirement, Kip enjoyed learning new skills, including making delicious jams, salsas, pickles, and pies to sell at the local farmers’ markets. Above all, Kip never let his mind idle, avidly reading books on the history of Christianity, the Americas, and military engagements.

Kip is survived by his wife, Katie (Miller) Scott of the home; children Kate (Tom Chojnacki) Johnson, Casper, WY; Tara (Jerry) Stubbe, Worthing, SD; and Erik (Tamela Van Kals Beek) Scott; stepchildren Brian (Mary Bridget) Samson, Madison, WI; Laura (Patrick) DePriest, Little Rock, AR; and Brett Samson, Madison, WI.

Grandchildren include Kade Scott, Delaney Scott, Addison Stubbe, Jacob Stubbe, Jacob Samson, Kira Samson, Ant DePriest, Delilah DePriest, Noelle DePriest, and PJ DePriest.

Siblings include Jill Purdy, Fort Collins, CO; Bruce and Ayn Scott, Sedalia, CO; and Douglas and Sharon Scott, Denver, CO.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on November 11, 2023 at 10:30am at Grand Valley Lutheran Church, 28529 Hwy 11, Canton, SD 57013. Lunch and fellowship to follow the service.