Thomas "Scott" McDonald

Thomas Scott McDonald, whose lifelong quest to find, make, and share art to enrich the lives of family and friends, passed away on Feb. 5, 2021.

Scott was a traveler who always sought out new experiences. He shared everything he loved - music, books, movies, ideas - with everyone he knew. His sincerity, sense of humor, and open-mindedness left a lasting impression with family and friends near and far.

And to everyone who knew him, Scott was an artist. He started drawing cartoons as a boy, took up watercolors early in high school, and eventually devoured every medium he encountered: acrylics, oils, sculpture, film, claymation and spray art. In addition to art, he loved music and was a talented musician and creative soul.

Scott had a great smile - broad, toothy and infectious - that perfectly matched his sense of humor. He had a knack for impersonations, improvisations, one liners, puns and pranks. He was charismatic, which was good, because he also liked getting into mischief - and mischief is never much fun without the company of friends.

To his friends, he was Mickey D. He was never bored, and because of that, always fun to be around. He was always excited to share whatever book, album or movie he was into. He encouraged people to try new things and pursue their passions. Just as often, he wrangled them into helping him with his.

He was open-hearted, nonjudgmental and never got angry. He balanced the social side of his personality with fruitful time spent alone with his hobbies.

Scott was born to Elana and Thomas McDonald on Nov. 24, 1979 in Bakersfield. After graduating from Shafter High School in 1998, he went to college at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied English and visual arts. In 2008, he earned his teaching credential and worked as a substitute teacher throughout Kern County before landing an art position at Haven Drive Junior High. His fellow teachers remember how proud he was of his students, and many of his students remembered him years later for his talent and enthusiasm. He also was involved with the Arts Council of Kern County, and his paintings were exhibited in a showcase of local artists.

Scott will be lovingly remembered by his family, including his sister, Kibbe McDonald Rubin; her husband, Brad; and their children, Megan and Zack. In addition to his family, Scott also will be fondly missed by the numerous friends he made throughout his lifetime.

To honor Scott's legacy, a Celebration of Life is being held at Tin Cup Coffee on Sunday, March 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.