Scott Owen Cawlfield, age 53, of Louisville, CO, passed away March 10th, 2025. He had a wandering childhood, but ultimately claimed Nederland, CO as his hometown. Scott is survived by his beloved wife, Taryn Lynn Cawlfield; his beloved children Emilee Sage Cawlfield and Tyler Tripp Cawlfield; his golden retriever, Argos; his sisters Andy Hartman (John), Kacey Cawlfield; his stepsisters Sharon Pomerantz (Jacob), Susan Edwards; his father-in-law Don Gillespie, his mother-in-law Judy Gillespie; his aunt Beth King; his brothers-in-law Donnie Gillespie (Roanna), Shawn Gillespie; his niece, Isabelle Gillespie; his nephews, Chris Hartman (Marisol), Moss Gillespie, and Ben Hartman. Predeceased by his brother Jonathan Cawlfield, his mother Lois Cawlfield, his father David Cawlfield, and his adoring stepmother Rita Cawlfield.
A graduate of Nederland High School, Western Colorado University (BA), and University of Northern Colorado (MA), Scott worked in Jeffco Public Schools as a physical education teacher for many years and then he moved on to be a committed administrator in Boulder Valley School District for over 20 years. Most recently, Scott enjoyed being an assistant principal for The Academy of Charter Schools in Westminster. Scott was a dedicated educator and fierce advocate for students to have a voice in their academic journey and to also have as much fun as possible while working hard to achieve their goals! He loved music and concerts – no matter the genre he was all in for a good show at Red Rocks, or any venue for that matter. A perfect day for Scott is a blue sky and a warm sun; to go on a bike ride with Emilee, go golfing with Tyler, walk Argos to look at Red-tailed hawks, head out on a road trip with family, a river to fish in, driving for hours with his wife up some mountain road just so they could listen to music and sing to each other… with Scott the options were limitless. He loved the ocean and the mountains, great food, and sophisticated conversation; however, he was also the first to crack a joke, drop a movie line and lyrics, make someone laugh, or brighten someone’s day. Scott was a loyal friend, collaborative colleague, inspiring teacher, and a lifelong leader; he made everyone he talked to feel seen, loved, and supported. Scott’s voice was iconic; it could move mountains. His dedication to his friends, parents, siblings, and extended family was unmatched. Scott’s unparalleled love for his wife, Taryn and his two children, Emilee and Tyler is eternal. He is now flying in the beautiful spiral of the cosmos where each fiber of his being is part of everyone who loves him. Shine on, love.
In lieu of flowers, gifts, or food, please consider donating to The Cawlfield Family GoFundMe.
I’ll never forget meeting Scott during my end-of-summer training to be an upper class welcomer (I’m forgetting the name of the program) for Freshmen coming into Monarch High School. He was fun, cool, and just serious enough for me to trust him. It was a joy to know Scott as a student and to remain friends in my young adulthood through my friendship with Taryn, who taught me 10th grade English. My heart is with the whole Cawlfield family in this difficult time, sending love and hope for peace from Oakland, CA.
Scott was a bright light of warmth
Scott was a funny joke
The best lyrics
Joyful rage and at singing out strong
Scott was the voice of Pride, bleeding purple and shining like gold
The safety net, calm adrift the seas
A Jedi of discipline. Shifting denial to apology with a look
Scott was mischief and hoodwinks, robust belly laugh and side glances
He was a brother to many, a father to any and a loyal friend
Scott loved love. He loved his wife, his kids, his dog, his family, his friends, his Jetta, his school and this whole crazy world.
Scott was a bright light of warmth
and its darker now.
💔❤️🩹
I was invited to sing at Taryn and Scott’s wedding, which was such an honor. “Leather and Lace” will forever be theirs in my heart. I remember when Taryn first told me about Scott. She spoke of this man that she thought she was in love with and it was so pure and true. She just knew, and as her friend, I was thrilled to see her so happy. I know that family was everything to Scott, and although his loss is devastating for Taryn, his kids, and extended family, I truly hope that his heart and soul is at peace. Thank you, Scott, for making our beloved Taryn so happy.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful description of my brother. He was a bright light!!
Scott was my daughter’s assistant principal at Boulder High. During a very difficult time with another student, he went out of his way to assure her safety. He gave both of us his personal cell number and told her to call him anytime she felt unsafe. He even left a voicemail for me that I still have saved—I’d be happy to share it with his family if it brings them comfort.
Hearing of his passing was devastating. The world is a much less bright place without him in it. I believe he lives on through his wife and children. The calm, grounded lessons he shared with me—as a fellow parent navigating tough moments—will stay with me indefinitely. I’m so grateful he was my children’s principal.
He was a wonderful human in a very difficult world