Newcastle Says Goodbye to 'Larger Than Life' Media Identity Paul Scott
Friends, family, and colleagues have gathered in Newcastle to celebrate the life of beloved media figure Paul Scott, who was farewelled in a moving service filled with scotch, laughter, and heartfelt tributes. The Newcastle Herald columnist, University of Newcastle academic, and Surfest stalwart passed away peacefully on January 30 at age 64, having chosen voluntary assisted dying after a courageous battle with terminal brain cancer.
A Service Filled with Personal Touches
As guests entered a Mayfield chapel on Thursday, they were each handed a shot glass of scotch, setting the tone for a celebration that perfectly reflected Scott's vibrant personality. The sounds of Wide Open Road by the Triffids filled the hall as loved ones clinked glasses and shared memories of the man they described as intelligent, charismatic, adventurous, and truly larger than life.
Celebrant Matt Nichols noted that Scott was a man of many names among those who knew him best—affectionately called Scotty, Seedy, Salty, Paulo, Uncle Poo, and even the grumpiest man in Newcastle by different circles of friends and family.
Remembering a Devoted Family Man
Scott's daughters, Grace and Emma-Jane Scott, stood together to honor their father, with Emma-Jane reflecting on the many roles he played throughout his life. "Whether it is remembering him as a rock in our family, a friend, a lecturer, a journalist, a surfer, golfer or swimming enthusiast, an advocate or a pain in the arse," she said with characteristic honesty.
"We are all going to miss him and we are grateful for his life and that we got to be a part of it," Emma-Jane added, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the family. Tragically, both she and her sister Grace, now 33 and 32 respectively, have now lost both parents to cancer, having said goodbye to their mother Sharon in 2018.
A Courageous Final Journey
Scott was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in January last year and underwent surgery to reduce the tumour's size. However, with no cure available for the stage four cancer, he faced his diagnosis with remarkable courage and clarity. In a September interview with the Newcastle Herald, Scott spoke openly about his decision to pursue voluntary assisted dying, stating, "I'm more afraid of being in shocking pain."
His partner, Victoria Jack, addressed her emotional tribute directly to Scott during the service. "You were larger than life," she said. "You were extremely intelligent, charismatic, adventurous and cheeky." Jack remembered her partner as her best friend and soulmate, sharing that during their final days together they enjoyed oysters, watched the news, and drank Glenmorangie Scotch.
A Life Fully Lived
The service featured photo collages tracing Scott's life from childhood to adulthood, accompanied by his favourite songs including Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run and Talking Heads' Road to Nowhere. Friend Russell Cheek recalled their years of driving around Sydney and playing golf together, noting Scott's enthusiastic approach to everything he did.
"He jumped right into everything he did in life, be it surfing, cricket, golf, writing, or riding a trail bike around Cambodia," Cheek said. "If you told anyone that Scotty would be gone at 64, they'd say, pull the other one mate, he is life itself."
Fond Memories and Lasting Legacy
Scott's niece Ellise Chalk fondly remembered her "Uncle Poo," a nickname born from his love of poop and fart jokes during her childhood. "We could all always rely on him to have us in fits of laughter," Chalk said. "He was always the one to crack a joke in a time of need but he was also the most level-headed rock for our family."
As the service concluded, Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp played—a song Scott had listened to frequently during his final year. Celebrant Matt Nichols noted the lyrics' poignant relevance: "It was an early morning yesterday, I was up before dawn, and I really enjoyed my stay, but I must be moving on."
Victoria Jack captured the sentiment shared by all who knew Scott when she said, "You truly valued friendship and had more best friends than anyone on the planet. It was an absolute privilege to help care for you with everything in my soul. You never made me more proud of you than in the past year as you handled your diagnosis with extraordinary positivity and acceptance."
