Scott Phillip Wilber

Scott Phillip Wilber, 63, died at his home in Eugene on Friday, February 12, breaking the hearts of his daughters, family, and the legions who loved him for his generous, quirky, and fun-loving presence. Scott was born May 31, 1957, to Helen and Fred Wilber in Phoenix, Arizona, the third of four children. Scott was just a teenager when his father was killed by a drunk driver, an event that deeply affected the entire family. Helen held the family together tenaciously, teaching her children resilience and helping them find their way back to life without their father. She promised them that they would again experience fun and joy. And that’s a lesson that young Scott learned well as he always found or fashioned fun for himself and those in his orbit. Scott’s industry in creating art started as a kid, and he always had a leather works project going. Just about everyone in the family has one of Scott’s beautiful wallets, lighter holder, or some whimsical creation. A ceramics class at the local community college sparked Scott’s love of working with clay. Scott earned his accounting degree in 1981 at Arizona State University then he went on to practice public accounting in Arizona and New Mexico for several years. He also married and the couple had two daughters, Kristin and Jessi. Through unforeseen events, Scott raised his two girls alone for many years and did his best to be the father that delved into girl issues unafraid. In 1998 Scott and his girls journeyed north to Eugene, Oregon, where Scott acquired a stake in an available accounting firm and eventually branched out on his own. And thus was born Scott P. Wilber, CPA. Scott’s clientele included well-known local businesses and non-profits as well as a raft of individual tax payers. He was unlike any accountant most of his clients had ever encountered. Although precise and principled, Scott was no mere bean counter. Nothing made that more evident than the historic bungalow that served as his warm and comfortable offices on Charnelton Street in Eugene. The paintings on the walls and the ceramics throughout the rooms all pointed to his eye for and love of beauty. Scott had a brilliant mind for numbers that he applied to accounting, and beyond the numbers he possessed a profound artistic sensibility that he applied to leather working, ceramics, and his absolute passion for music and live shows. His offices were welcoming and reassuring to those perhaps distracted by worry over penalties and late fees. Tax consultations always featured sound advice and Scott’s hearty laughter. Beyond his work, Scott contributed much of his time and energy to the Eugene Southtowne Rotary for more than 20 years. He served as Treasurer of both the club and the Foundation, working to help fund more than 20 local and 10 international Rotary projects that changed the lives of countless local and foreign people. Much loved and respected by his fellow Rotarians, Scott was a consistent and persistently generous donor to every fundraising event, and then worked behind the scenes to shepherd the efforts, making sure that every dollar was spent wisely and efficiently. As a Master Leatherworker, Scott shared his talents by bringing others to the craft, with a leadership role in the Emerald Valley Leather Crafters. Just as in his youth, friends and family were blessed with a gift of his work, and every tool mark on each item, is a memory of the gentle, talented hands that shaped both the leather and the lives that benefitted from his generosity. Scott’s passion for life spread beyond his service to his community, manifesting in art, music, great food and beverage. He loved nothing more than sharing a meal, and drinks of his choosing, with every choice of special wines and spirits curated for the occasion. Quality and abundance were the hallmarks of his hospitality. Scott is survived by his mother, Helen Ruddell, brother Fred Wilber, and sister Dorene Walton, all of Prescott Valley, Arizona; brother Randy Wilber of Camp Verde, Arizona; and sister Sara Walmer of Perris, California. Scott leaves his beloved daughters Kristin Lidbom and Jessi Wilber, both of Eugene, Oregon. Scott is gone too soon for his treasured grandchildren, Kristin’s children: Brayden, Mason, and Kaelyn. All of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews will miss him tremendously. He had an impact on all. Owing to COVID-19 restrictions, a party in Scott’s honor will be announced at a later date.