A MEMORIAL service for Australian IT specialist Scott McKay, missing in Niseko since late February, was held last week at the chapel of his old high school, Brisbane Grammar School.
Scott, a prefect in his senior year, graduated in 1998 with the top score possible. In his five years at the school he not only succeeded academically, but was also a keen sportsman and a talented musician.
More than 200 of Scott’s family, friends, teachers and work colleagues packed the school’s Great Hall with many mourners having to stand outside.
Among those who spoke at the service were his former teachers, a friend and former housemate, a work colleague and Scott’s younger sister Julie. All remembered Scott as a loyal friend, a hard worker and dedicated family member.
They also told of Scott’s passion for skiing. Sister Julie fondly recalled their first childhood ski trip to Smiggin Holes, in New South Wales – a trip that resulted in Scott returning home covered head to toe in bruises, but determined to go back and get better. Like many aspects of his life, once Scott decided to do something, he had to be the best.
Scott loved to organise yearly ski trips for himself and friends and the trip to Niseko had been much anticipated. Just days before his disappearance he made the comment on his Facebook profile that he “loved the 40cm fresh today. Best day skiing ever!”
Since he went missing, almost 100 people have left messages of love and support for Scott and his family on his Facebook profile.