HBE League 8-13-26 - RIP Fred Scott 8/17/26

HBE Golf League - Thursday Night August 13, 2026 The weather the last couple of weeks, made the weekly HBE League seem as if it might never return. Rained out last week, and just a spattering of text messages didn’t give much indication of who was planning to play. I arrived early to work on my Linoleum block print holiday card, A foursome of ladies chattering on the patio are and politely “borrowed chairs” from my table, since I was alone. The pro-shop advised the ladies that they would be up after the 3:03 starting tee time. “Are you 3:03?” a lady asked me even though it was pretty obvious that I was not warming up. The ladies made their way to the forward tee box, still chattering socially. They waited as the two some made their way to the green and discouraged an older man with two other younger old men about cutting ahead. The Watlow league players started arriving on the putting green. “Didn’t they call you…Watlow is cancelled…” My ongoing joke with Tom Ferris, the Watlow leader I’ve come to know a bit. He tolerates my jest, suggesting that HBE League was cancelled. Ha. Michael Sims, another Watlow engineer offered Darryl Vandiver and me, each a cigar from a giveaway at Norwood Country Club where Michael works part time at special events since he lives in Florissant. 

Darryl Vandever is our hospitality chair who is my partner. Darryl arrives with a small cooler with beer for those HBEers wanting a “pre-beer”. Jerry Ornellas has the markers for closest to the pin contests on #2 and #9. So our players start to straggle in: George Robin, Mitchell Miller (making another special appearance from his home at Lake of the Ozarks), Jerry Petry, Marco Tocco, Tom Shaughnessy, Joe Voss. 

We’re ten golfers with only a sketchy schedule. Somehow we were somehow form into two five-somes. By now, we’ve learned our respective games well enough to be civilized as our shot attack each green. Scores and stories get re-play at the impromptu post game gathering under the tree adjacent to the parking lot and safely behind Hole #4. 

NOTE: I placed a call to Fred Scott on the weekend. It was good to hear his voice on Sunday 8/16. I assured him that our league is still swinging and always hoping for the best. I learned that on Monday 8/17/26 Fred Scott passed away. A visitation at Schrader Funeral Home (in Ballwin) is scheduled for Sunday 8/23/26 4-8:00pm and a Funeral Mass is set for Monday 8/24/26 10am at Ascension Catholic Church (Chesterfield).

This is a moment in time that I cannot help but reflect on the joy of relationship and friendships on our life's journey. (Above photo): Tom Shaugnessy has joined our HBE league this year. (Below photo): Fred Scott poses with HBE golf trophy (2010). I was an alternate on Fred Scott/Pete Conant team. The next year I was part of a three man team with Suki Majesky and Mitch Miller - and technically a champion again. 

Note: The NEW HBE League Champion Trophy unveiled at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin at Visitation on August 23, 2026 is our way of recognizing the inspiration, leadership and memory of an HBE veteran (44 years) and multiple champion winner.