Scott G. Stillings

Scott Gibbs Stillings, known to most as “Scooter,” died on October 26, 2021, at his home in Petoskey, MI. He is survived by his two daughters, Andrea “Andy” Stillings (Zak Jones) of Harbor Springs, Christine “Teeny” Stillings (Andrew Behrens), of Los Angeles, CA, a grandson, Theodore Behrens and a sister, Susan Stillings (Doug Smith), of Oakland, CA.  

The two greatest joys in Scott’s life were his daughters, Andy and Teeny. From music to skiing to all things sport, Scott introduced his girls to everything he loved. Much of their quality time was spent on the ski hill, attending sporting events and concerts, or playing and listening to music at home. Scott was beyond proud of the beautiful, strong women he helped raise. 

Scott was born in Ann Arbor, MI in 1956 to Frank and Jean Stillings. Scott’s passion for music was established early in life when he learned basic chords as a 3-year-old in violin lessons. He transferred those skills to classical and then electric guitar at age 11. Forever a student of the art, Scott was an accomplished musician. He was self-taught in countless instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, drums, and banjo to name a few. He also played and sang in multiple bands and knew the entire Beatles catalog front-to-back.

Professionally, Scott dedicated his life to the sport he fell in love with as a fifth grader, skiing. Spending nearly five decades in the ski industry, his influence on the sport and upon its culture is felt coast-to-coast. His spirit as a racer, instructor, coach, manufacturers’ representative, resort executive, ski school owner, and Bahnhof icon are some of the many footprints that will remain in our hearts forever. 

His lasting impression in Northern Michigan will be as the owner of the Winter Sports School at Nub’s Nob, where he and his team taught the next generation of skiers and brought countless hours of enjoyment to thousands of kids and families over the years. Scott was an incredible ambassador for the sport, and we will be reminded of his legacy with each snowfall.

Those who hadn’t met Scott likely knew him as the voice of Northern Michigan recreation, providing ski and beach reports across the state through his radio show. Who can forget “I’m Scott, you’re not!”? 

Whether you were a 9-year-old taking a ski lesson or a friend he ran into on the street, Scott made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. He truly loved people and never forgot a face or a name. He was cherished by all who knew him, and he cherished those he knew. While music and skiing were synonymous with Scott Stillings, his true gift was his voice and we’ll never forget it.  

The family is planning a celebration of life event to be held in 2022. Donations in remembrance of Scott may be made to Interlochen Public Radio, Crooked Tree Arts Center or Challenge Mountain.