Obituary

Scott Whitehouse

Former La Cañada resident Scott Whitehouse, 95, died comfortably at his Corona del Mar home on Jan. 29.

He was the son of a minister and a native of Kentucky. He attended Transylvania College, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth; both graduated with majors in biology and chemistry. Scott graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine (class of ‘42) and married Elizabeth on June 2, 1942.

He completed a Navy internship at Portsmouth, Va. and served as the medical officer aboard the USS Barton during World War II, participating in D-Day and the Pacific campaigns. After the war, he finished his training in anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic and served as chief of anesthesia at three naval hospitals.

In 1955, Scott resigned from the Navy and joined the McCuskey Group in Los Angeles where he practiced anesthesia for 17 years. He pioneered the approach to anesthesia for acoustic neuromas with Howard House, MD and modified devices to make anesthesia safer for infants. While in the Navy Reserve, he rose to the rank of rear admiral; he remained both baffled and humbled that he was selected. It would no doubt please him that “Taps” will be played at his graveside services.

Scott retired from practice in 1972 and he and Elizabeth left their La Cañada home of 20 years and moved to Corona del Mar. He loved reading military history and telling stories. He was a “joiner” of organizations and causes, many of them related to protecting wildlife and the environment. He enjoyed cruises with Elizabeth to Scandinavia, Greece, and Alaska. He also enjoyed trips in his Airstream trailer and taking photos in the great outdoors. He believed in working hard, showing up (on time), and the “three strikes and you’re out” rule. He loved his family and friends and will be sorely missed. He will be remembered for his great laugh and persistent optimism.

Scott is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, two daughters, Jo and Libby, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His son Jim predeceased him in 2004.

Visitation is scheduled for tonight. Friday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pacific View Mortuary in the Hamilton Room. Graveside services will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11:45 a.m. at Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar.