Scott Antone Ellestad

Scott Antone Ellestad, age 62, passed away at his home in Mesquite, Nevada on June 4, 2014 with his loving wife Barbara by his side.

Scotty was born March 5, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Donald and Claudette Ellestad. He graduated from Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1970 and immediately entered the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Ubon Airfield, Thailand, from 1972 to 1973. Scotty became a Loadmaster on C-141 cargo airplanes in 1974. He was stationed at McChord AFB, Washington for 12 years as a C-141 Aircraft Loadmaster, Instructor Loadmaster and Unit Standardization and Evaluation Loadmaster.

In 1986 he was assigned to Headquarters, Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, Illinois as the Command Standardization and Evaluation Loadmaster Manager. Scotty was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in 1990. In 1992 he was reassigned to Altus AFB, Oklahoma where he and his wife Chief Master Sergeant Barbara Ellestad both retired from active duty in 1994.

Scotty amassed 6,365 flying hours in support of C-141 missions that included Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Grenada, two flights to Antarctica, and backup support of President George H.W. Bush’s visit to Somalia in 1992.

Scotty earned an Associate’s Degree from Fort Steilacoom Community College, Tacoma, Washington and an Associate’s Degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

Scotty and Barbara were married in 1989. Even though he would have been a terrific father, he had no children.

After his retirement he and Barbara lived in Gallatin Gateway, Montana where he owned and operated a successful painting business. They moved to Mesquite, Nevada in 2001 where he worked for the Wolf Creek Golf Course for eight years.

Scotty loved playing golf and being with his family and friends especially all his golfing buddies. His kindness, care and concern for others, and honesty and integrity made him a giant of a man. He was as gracious in dying as he was in living.

Scotty was preceded in death by his mother Claudette in January 2014. In addition to his wife Barbara, he leaves behind his beloved father, Donald, North Las Vegas, NV; a brother Gregg (Goose), Big Sky, MT; and a sister Claudia (the Kid), Phoenix, AZ.

Scotty is now on his way to the Rainbow Bridge to pick up his three beloved dachshunds, Fred, Heidi and Gigi (Butts). Soon after he’ll be making tee times at the greatest golf course in the sky.

As long as we live in the hearts of those we love, we will never die.

A celebration of Scotty’s life will be held at the CasaBlanca Golf Course on June 14, beginning at 7:00 a.m. A limited number of tee times are available immediately following for those who want to play one more round with Scotty (please call Pete Donley, 702-345-2063 or Scott Sullivan, 702-346-6764 for tee times). In lieu of flowers, donations in Scotty’s honor may be made to the Virgin Valley Home Care and Hospice.