Friday, March 25, 2011

Attorney and Mayor C. Scott Shields Dies


Horrible News.

Media Attorney and Rutledge Mayor C. Scott Shields died today while skydiving in Monroe Township, N.J.

Details on what happened are sketchy but the Gloucester County Times posted this about a couple hours ago.
MONROE TWP. — A man died this afternoon following a skydiving accident at Cross Keys Airport, Monroe Township police Det. Lt. Joe Smart said.

He declined to identify the victim pending notification of family but said the man was skydiving at Freefall Adventures Inc., located at the airport on Dahlia Avenue.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the exact cause of what Smart said has been deemed an accident.

“At this point in time, we don’t know the cause,” he said. “It could have been a health issue, it could have been mechanical failure, it could have been human error.”

Smart added that authorities don’t believe the victim was a novice jumper. A first-time skydiver, or “tandem jumper,” would have to jump with an experienced mentor.

“From what we’ve gathered, we think he was an experienced jumper,” he said.

A friend of Scott's called me at home to see if I knew anything about it. Apparently, at least some members of his family have been notified. Messages of grief and goodbyes have been left on his Facebook page.

Scott was an incredibly nice guy who never shied away from taking on an unpopular client if he thought their constitutional rights were being trifled with.

He used to post comments on this blog under the moniker Pro Christ Pro Gun. Always the gentleman, even people who disagreed with his politics couldn't help liking him. He had a huge heart and was a principled man.

This is a terrible loss.

23 Comments:

Blogger Dannytheman said...

I am incredibly saddened! Mr. Shields was a quality attorney and the ultimate professional. He helped many local residents with many gun related issues in the county and was a highly regarded NRA recommended attorney.
I will miss him deeply!

RIP C. Scott Shields

March 26, 2011 at 6:08 AM 
Blogger steve mcdonald said...

this is horrible news. I always looked forward to seeing Mayor C. Scott get into the regular debates on the blog. He never stepped back from a debate, never changing his position, always remaining confident. Loved his attitude and the spirit he would bring to the blog.

My thoughts are with his family.

March 26, 2011 at 8:35 AM 
Blogger Bob Bohne said...

What a great time I had getting to know Scott. For years I woud read and reply to his letters to the times editor. I became more acquainted with Scott after numerous lengthy debates on Spencerblog, and then several years ago we accidently met in a bar and became friends. We had some wonderful debates over beers in Prospectors. I'm really going to miss this guy.

March 26, 2011 at 8:56 AM 
Blogger jake said...

I echo the thoughts of the other posters. What a terrible loss for his family and community.

I was always impressed how Scott remained true to his convictions without being reduced to stereotyping or name-calling.

Gil, maybe you could pull up some of the "Best of Scott" from the archives?

March 26, 2011 at 9:41 AM 
Blogger Spencerblog said...

Not a bad idea Jake.

But instead I found a column I wrote about Scott three years ago. I think it holds up. We'll run it tomorrow.

Danny, Here's hoping St. Peter didn't try to take Scott's guns at the Pearly Gates.

March 26, 2011 at 11:52 AM 
Blogger jake said...

Now I can see why Diano usually preferred to post anonymously. His liberal mindset is borderline sociopathic.

How about you say nothing at all rather than label the recently-deceased a bigot? It is not disingenuous to speak kindly of the dead, it is caring and civilized. These are the very attributes these supposed deep thinkers attach to their expensive intrusions into our freedom.

Many people knew Scott better than I did, but I think it's safe to say the last circumstance he would want from his passing would be a government bureaucracy checking parachute equipment, a TSA of skydivers.

So everybody, let's raise a glass to Scott and say, "Diano, don't touch my junk."

March 26, 2011 at 3:23 PM 
Blogger Spencerblog said...

Jake,
I decided to take down Diano's comments. Using a man's death as an occasion to slander him is simply beyond the pale.

March 26, 2011 at 4:57 PM 
Blogger steve mcdonald said...

When I heard of the news this morning, I thought about a lot of things relating to Scott, including whether or not diano would say anything. Based on the need to delete his comment, it appears that he did exactly what I expected him to do. So sad.

My guess is that the Good Mayor ended up arm wrestling St. Peter at the gate this morning, and WON.

March 26, 2011 at 5:15 PM 
Blogger Franny Ward said...

I am saddened by Scott's passing and amazed that David would stoop to such a level. I have sat back and watched from afar enough. David you should grow up.

Scott RIP buddy.

March 27, 2011 at 11:15 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Scott was the best guy ever! I wonder what he's driving in heaven?

March 28, 2011 at 9:12 AM 
Blogger Bob Bohne said...

The viewing for Scott will be Thurs. night 5pm at Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home on Middletown Road in Media

March 28, 2011 at 11:16 PM 
Blogger steve mcdonald said...

I've found it fascinating to read the comments to the articles regarding Scott since the 26th. Right alongside the traditional condolences are the comments from individuals who state that they never agreed with Scott's views but at one point or another they got to know the man and knew he would do anything for them. Their condolences seem to shine beyond the others as they truly understood what he really was about. I find that an admirable way to be remembered.

It got me thinking of the time Gil was planning a get together - Scott made it clear in his post that he wanted to attend and would be happy to meet everyone:

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5463472772679876402&postID=8773827620797183162

My favorite line: "You may find that with an open mind you will see that we all have more in common than you think." We all have our stances, we debate, we disagree, but in general, we're neighbors in this county - there's much more to our lives than left/right. Scott clearly exhibited that the people he disagreed with are still people in the community, not "enemies".

I will be out of town through Friday mid-day and will miss the viewing, otherwise, I'd be there. While it will be a somber occasion, I guarantee that those in attendance will have the fortune of sharing and hearing many more incredible stories of Scott doing what he did best - working for the people.

March 29, 2011 at 9:19 AM 
Blogger Spencerblog said...

Steve,

I'll be out of town for Scott's viewing as well. I'm sorry too.

As you probably noted (and requested) I took down your comments in response to Diano and, of course, Diano's as well.

He knows he is not welcome to post here for reasons I have more than made clear.

Interestingly, as you may have seen, Diano went back and dug up some comments of Scott's that he believes justifies his disdain for him.

How ironic that a couple of years ago Diano removed every single comment he ever posted here. Most of them were angry, nasty and insulting. It is ironic too that Scott was one of the few people who stuck for Diano's right to be mean-spirited jackass.

Here's hoping he doesn't turn up at Scott's funeral like some crazed ACT-UP or Westboro Baptist freak to protest the celebration of Scott's life.

He seems not to be able to resist going places where he is not welcome.

I am, like you Steve, quite impressed by the number of people who, since Scott's death, have said they disagreed with him politically but loved the guy. It reflects very well of on him -- and on them.

March 29, 2011 at 1:38 PM 
Blogger Bob Bohne said...

If you met Scott, it was hard not to like him. It's disagreeing without being disagreeable. He got a big kick out of calling me a liberal weenie and asking me if I was painting flowers on Thursday nights. And then he'd buy me a drink. Can you imagine how boring life would be if we were always in agreement?

March 29, 2011 at 5:56 PM 
Blogger Spencerblog said...

Bob,

I hope you're going to the funeral. I can't. When I get back into town I'll buy you a drink in honor of Scott's memory at the bar of your choice.

March 29, 2011 at 6:22 PM 
Blogger Bob Bohne said...

Gil - I'll be going to the viewing Thursday night, and I'll pay my respects for all of Scotts friends at Spencerblog. Looking forward to toasting Scott with you.

March 29, 2011 at 7:23 PM 
Blogger Bob Bohne said...

Scotts viewing was well attended. I signed the guest book "Spencerblog Friends".
I did get a chance to speak to his younger brother. I told him that I used to dabate politics and social issues with Scott, to which he laughingly replied "And you never won"

April 1, 2011 at 11:10 AM 
Blogger Spencerblog said...

Bob,

Can't think of anyone better to represent Spencerblog at Scott's wake.

Cheers!

April 1, 2011 at 1:26 PM 
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