Zachary Allen Scott

Zachary Allen Scott, age 33, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on September 29, 2024 after spending the day outdoors surrounded by family in the Colorado sunshine. Zachary was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, on August 30, 1991 and lived most of his life in this community. After experiencing a neonatal stroke at 12 days old, Zachary was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy and a profound seizure disorder. This diagnosis launched him on a journey into uncharted territory. Instead of a life limited by disability, loneliness and isolation, Zachary’s life was defined by profound relationships built in unexpected ways. With the help of his parents and many others, Zachary traveled to 21 states, including seven national parks. He participated in adaptive ice skating and downhill skiing at eight resorts. In 2008, Zachary helped launch Athletes in Tandem, a nonprofit organization that allows anyone, regardless of physical ability, to compete in outdoor events. He and other athletes competed in more than 50 triathlons together. Zachary graduated from Fossil Ridge High School in 2009 and was often greeted around town by past teachers, staff and peers. As an adult, Zachary spent his time with friends and family doing yoga, swimming, creating art, and watching sports. He loved live music, nature, sports bars and spending time with people willing to take risks, mess around, fail and learn. He lit up when people were deeply in the moment; especially when it involved movement or sounds with their body. He also showed pure joy when sitting on the porch with others. Zachary never walked, talked, rolled over or ate on his own, yet his life thrived because of the “who’s” that showed up fully with ideas of “how” to convert a vision or idea into action. A big thank you to the physicians, clinicians, caregivers, family, and friends who helped him thrive for all of his years. A special thank you to the team at Mosaic of Northern Colorado for the constant support of Zachary and many others. Zachary is survived by his parents, Sandra (Yocum) Scott and Michael Houdek; brother Taylor (Emily) Scott; nieces Hazel Scott and Lucy Scott; aunts Kathleen (Yocum) Michie and Kristin Yocum; father John (Cheryl) Scott; and sisters Jaden Scott and Kaley Scott. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Mary Yocum; grandparents Dale and LouJean Scott; uncle Allen Scott; and uncle Kevin Michie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family, with a vision of building an adaptive bench with an epic view in northern Colorado.