Scott W. Crook

Scott W. Crook, 72, departed this world for his next adventure June 10, 2019 at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones and family. Scott was born February 6, 1947 in Atlanta, Georgia to James and Mary Crook, who raised him, his brother and two sisters in an Air Force family moving all over the country during childhood. He was preceded in death by his parents, both sisters and his beloved pet squirrels throughout the years. Scott earned a degree in Chemistry from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, he moved to Fayetteville to pursue a post graduate degree in Organic Chemistry at the University of Arkansas, where he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn while she was pursuing post-doctoral research. They were married on September 30th, 1971 by Judge Cummings at the courthouse. He loved the outdoors and animals. Scott's father started him fishing from the time he could hold a pole, and he pursued becoming an Eagle Scout to be outdoors as much as he could. Growing up, Scott's family always had small pets, including flying squirrels. Carolyn and Scott have kept up the Crook tradition of keeping flying squirrels as pet to this day. Barney and Simon are both about 10 years old. After a backpacking trip with some friends in Wyoming, Scott and Carolyn realized the nearest outdoor outfitting store was over two hours away in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wanting to bring outdoor supplies closer to home, they opened their Pack Rat Outdoor Center in 1973. The Pack Rat is a Fayetteville icon and has become one of the most influential and philanthropic local business in the Northwest Arkansas region. Scott was one of the original members of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association and with Carolyn, he remained committed to the outdoors with his involvement in the Southern Utah Wilderness Association, the Nature Conservancy of Arkansas, National Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, the Sierra Club and a life-long member of the Ozark Society. Scott made Northwest Arkansas and the world a better place because of his passion and devotions to the outdoors. His contributions will be remembered and missed. He is survived by his devoted wife, friend and business partner Carolyn Jolley Crook; his brother Ronnie Crook, long time partners Chally Sims, Kevin Fendley and Rick Spicer, his friend and caretaker Samantha B. Mills and many friends. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday June 13, 2019 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Southern Utah Wilderness Society, the Arkansas Natural Conservancy River program or the Nature Conservancy the Central Appalachian whole system and West Virginian program focusing on flying squirrel habitat conservation. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the nursing staff at Washington Regional, Fayetteville Health and Rehab, Willard Walker Hospice Home and Ms. Kay Coley for their kind and compassionate care. We were truly touched by your words and actions. To place an online tribute please visit www.nelsonberna.com.