Scott Lance

Scott Lee Lance was lovingly released from his earthly battle of Early-Onset Alzheimers and was embraced by his Savior on October 24, 2018. Scott was born on October 29,1958 to Lee & Jean Lance at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Scott grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Scott enjoyed Little League football and baseball, especially when his dad was coaching. He was an All-Star who played many positions, including full back, line backer, defensive tackle, catcher and pitcher. He attended Brighton High School and played football into his sophomore year. Scott had always dreamed of being a Police Officer. Shortly after he graduated from high school, he made the decision to enlist in the Military, until he was old enough to become a police officer. Scott loyally served in the Military as military police and also in the National Guard. While serving as an MP in Germany he met a beautiful girl from the Philippines named Susan Mercado.  He later married Susan in the LDS Switzerland Temple in the summer of 1979. A few months later they welcomed their first baby girl, Dorothy Ann. After returning back to Utah they had their 2nd baby girl, Melanie Ann. Scott finally was able to attend the Police Academy and became a Police Officer for Sandy City Police Department. Being a Police Officer was his passion and dream. He not only LOVED his career, but also made for an incredible police officer. Dad loved to take his girls on ride alongs and we were endlessly bombarded with compliments from other officers about him! We are incredibly proud of our Dad’s dedication to serving and protecting our country and community. After Scott and Susan welcomed another baby girl, Kimberly Jane, the Lance family moved to West Jordan, Utah to the new home they built. There they had another baby girl, Cynthia Summer. Four Girls!! He loved his girls, they were his world. Scott has always been quiet and sometimes intimidating, but under that tough exterior was an enormous teddy bear. He truly had the most amazing heart. Scott also loved his firearms, and often took his girls to the shooting range to enjoy his prized hobby. The day he brought home his AR-15 assault rifle is a day that we will never forget. According to Dorothy, he would have all his guns laid out on the kitchen table to clean them when her dates would come over to pick her up. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around and make us laugh. Often times, Dad would use water guns to wake us girls up in the morning. There was never a dull moment with Dad around. Scott was incredibly handy and could just about fix or build anything. Along with his firearms he loved his tools. He enjoyed teaching his daughters to be handy, including how to do many things in the yard, around the house and with our cars. Scott loved to give and do things for others. One of our favorite memories is of Dad picking four angels off the angel tree at ZCMI during Christmas. He bought all four of those children everything they asked for. Scott had an enormous amount of integrity and taught us by example.

In September of 2016, we received a phone call from the hospital that Dad was there. After seeing him we knew something was wrong. We asked for several tests, after which Dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. As hard as this transition has been, it has also been a huge blessing. Due to suffering greatly from Mental Illness, Scott & Susan’s love story ended in Divorce in 2001. Scott then moved to Sandy City. The next several years were tough and full of trials. As Dads Alzheimers took hold of him, we were able to have our Dad again. As often as he could, he told us how much he enjoyed being a grandpa and loved each of his 9 grandkids. After having four girls, 8 out of 9 of his grandchildren are boys! Fancy that! His grandchildren adore him and we are so grateful they had the opportunity to know their grandpa. As a family we are so proud of Scott and all of his accomplishments. We are grateful for all he has taught us and the blessing he was in our lives. It was our pleasure and honor to take care of him as he did for all of us for so many years. We love you Dad.

Scott was survived by: Eternal Companion Susan Lance, Parents Jean and Lee Lance, Brother Dennis Lance (Jackie), Sister’s Pam Hancock (John) and Suzy Hanson. Daughter’s Dorothy Hendricks (Tony), Melanie Lance, Kimberly Lance, Cynthia Boyadjian. Grandchildren: Zion, Elijah, Zadok, Asher, Cozette, Ezra, Cyrus, Ethan, and Thomas.

Special thanks to Brookdale SLC Memory Care and the VA of SLC for taking such wonderful care of Dad during this tough time. To Bristol Hospice Care for helping tend to his every need and ensuring he was comfortable. Also, thank you to Independent Funeral Services, Ashby Home Health and Larkin Sunset Gardens.

Funeral service will be Friday October 26 at 10am with a viewing one our prior to the funeral service. LDS Church Westbrook Building 6364 South 3200 West Taylorsville, UT 84129.

Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens.