He was gone far too soon following a valiant battle against melanoma. Our brother, Scott Haynes, passed in June of 1994 following four hard years fighting to “stay” with us. It started with a mole on his leg.
Lovingly remembered, never forgotten, Scott was a gorgeous, loving, compassionate, funny, passionate, knowledgeable man. He was an award-winning filmmaker who also taught script writing at Emily Carr University and travelled the world. Scott was a wonderful dad to Kai, beloved uncle, brother, nephew, and son. A friend to so many near and far and especially loved being “at home” in Clearwater in his hand-built cabin at Mount Terrace.
During his final year Scott honoured the passing of his “twin” brother and friend Nels Nelson and beautiful cousin Anne Miller knowing he’d be seeing them again soon. During that time, in those moments of reflection and grief, Scott counselled us to be “sun aware,” have biannual mole checks and to live our lives to the fullest each day. Honouring my promise to share that message (as I do each year), this year seems to be somehow more important to say “take good self-care in every way” so you will be here for the good of all.
Please follow Scott’s advice and check your moles regularly, if anything changes, seems itchy or different, go to your doctor and get checked immediately. Be mindful of your time in the sun. As the cancer society tells us, no tanning is good tanning. Use sunblock, wear U.V.-safe clothing and hats, and protect your eyes.
Wish we could celebrate your 67th birthday on May 13, sweet Scott. Missing you so much, Scott, and thinking of you with loving memories. Your amazing spirit lives in our hearts and knowing that you contributed to Canadian film with such significant and moving contributions such as Clouds with Fumiko Kiyooka and working with Bill Reid the famously talented Haida artist makes us so proud for what you accomplished during your lifetime before taken far too soon after your valiant battle with malignant melanoma.
The Knowledge Network, Open Learning, and Emily Carr University all benefited from your dedication, skill, creativity, and talent.
In keeping with Scott’s final request during his funeral that was held in the old Upper Clearwater Hall in 1994, we continue to convey that anyone is susceptible to skin cancer. Scott lived a healthy lifestyle, was in incredible physical shape throughout his life.
We started our lives in California and baked in the sun without worry or care. If you have ever burned - especially as a child and have moles that are changing, irregular, itchy, or just don’t seem “right” please get checked as soon as possible. If you feel unsure, get a second and third opinion. It’s your life.
Scott’s final request and thoughts were for others’ safety so they wouldn’t go through the horrific battle that he endured so bravely trying to live for his son, Kai who is now a very talented young man following a similar path as his father in the film industry.
Melanoma is a cancer that can be treated if detected soon enough. Don’t ignore the signs.