Walter Thomas "Scott" Gleeson III

Walter “Scott” Thomas Gleeson III passed away in the early morning of October 17th, 2024, in Butte, Montana, surrounded by his children, with love pouring in from family and friends afar. Scott was born in Los Angeles, California on September 17, 1947, to his loving parents, Betty and Walter. The eldest of eight children, he was a devoted son and brother, always reminding his siblings that he was the oldest. He was an enthusiast of the musical counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s and a lover of baseball. In 1966, Scott joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas during the Vietnam War. A man of strong principles, he even participated in an anti-war protest while on active duty. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Southern California, where he was introduced to his former wife, Brenda Belli. Together, they were blessed with two children, Joseph and Amanda, whom Scott adored from their first breaths to his last. He was endlessly proud of their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to brag about them. Scott’s greatest joy came with the births of his grandchildren: Brady, Noemi, Holter, and Felix, as well as his bonus granddaughters, Kaedance and Kaelie. His grandchildren will tell you he had many entertaining stories, which they’d heard countless times but always listened to with affection. He would proudly share endless pictures of his grandkids because, as he would say, they were “a total trip.” There never was, and never will be, a prouder or more loving “Papa.” In the last eight years of his life, Scott lived in Butte, Montana, where he formed deep friendships and became part of the local community. However, his heart always belonged to Ventura, California. Scott was a legendary figure in Ventura County, known for his sharp attire while serving drinks for over forty years. He worked at many beloved establishments, including The Foothill Club, Olivias Park Golf Course, The Sportsman, O’Leary’s, and Billy O’s. He was even honored with a People’s Choice Award as “Best Bartender” in Ventura County. He had a special gift for befriending anyone who sat across from him, sharing stories about his family, his 1960 white VW Beetle, the music he loved, famous people he had met, or the meaningful tattoos that adorned his arms. If you knew Scott, you know he had a way of impacting your life in vibrant, unforgettable ways. Whether it was his uncanny ability to recall the exact year of an event, introducing you to new music, offering you a Mexican beer or brandy, or inviting you to watch his beloved Dodgers (Go Dodgers), he made every encounter memorable. Scott is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Betty; his sister, Della; his two infant brothers, Mike and Eddie; his brothers-in-law, Roger and Steve; and his first grandchild, Brady Scott. He is survived by his children, Joseph Gleeson (Siera) and Amanda Charon (Dan); his treasured grandchildren, Noemi, Holter, Felix, Kaedance, and Kaelie; his siblings, Kathleen “Dee Dee” (Mark), Nancy (Ron), Mary, and John; and his nieces and nephews, Amy, Dennis, Sarah, Jesse, Michael, Annie, and Conner, along with their families. He will also be dearly missed by countless others, including extended family, friends who became like family, colleagues, customers, neighbors, and everyone who was touched by his life. In accordance with Scott’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. His family is planning a special celebration of his life in Ventura, California, in the summer of 2025. “I did my best, it wasn’t much I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you And even though it all went wrong I’ll stand before the Lord of Song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah” - Leonard Cohen

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Walter Thomas "Scott" Gleeson III

September 17, 1947 - October 17, 2024