Leander O’Neal Scott Sr. and Richard Edward Barrett Sr. both died on October 26th after having been in the pallet business for a long time. These men were early supporters of the Pallet Profile/Wooden Pallet Index and were active in the industry for decades.
Leander was a businessman, pulp wood dealer, farmer and self-educated historian. He was a true entrepreneur who started multiple forestry-related businesses over the last seven decades, some of which are still in operation today. His pallet company, Scott Pallet, closed a number of years ago.
Leander loved “buying dirt” as he called it. His parents put a tract of land in his name to manage when he was a young teenager, fueling his lifelong drive for timberland acquisition and management. He was a member of the Virginia Forest Products Association and a Lifetime member of Virginia Forestry Association. He was instrumental in the construction of the Amelia War Memorial Building and the founding of Amelia Educational Foundation and continued support throughout his life and beyond.
A WWII veteran, Leander left school early, telling his principal that the war was going to end and he had to go now. He was one of the Greatest Generation honoring God, country and liberty. He signed up with the Marine Corps, spending most of his time in the Pacific theatre. He even was part of the first group of occupational forces entering Japan prior to their surrender and was able to be an actual eyewitness to the signing of the surrender by the Japanese in Tokyo Bay.
Early in his business days, Leander started with a borrowed truck and saw to begin cutting pulpwood on land he bought from money saved while serving in the Marines. His varied business ventures and land acquisitions grew from there; even on the day of his passing Leander was still conducting business.
Leander leaves much family behind that will miss him every day; his children, Jo Anne Webb (Jim), Rebecca Bogese (Jimmy), Lanny (Tammy), William (Stacy). His surviving grandchildren are Michael, Alex, Stirling, Trey, Tom, Tiffany, Lee and Clay; and there are also five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Amelia Academy, 8741 N. Five Forks Road, Amelia, Va. 23002. You can also leave a message for the family at https://www.hillsmanhix.com/obituary/Leander-ScottSr/guest-book.
Richard Edward Barrett Sr. of Hanover, Virginia passed away on October 26, 2020, at the age of 78. Richard spent a number of years in the lumber industry before pursuing his dream of founding and running his own lumber and specialty pallet business, BC Wood Products, Inc. His success with his business was respected in the industry and for many years, he was an active member in the Virginia Forest Products Association. He served as an executive director of VFPA and in 2016, was recognized for his exemplary leadership and service by being awarded a lifetime membership to the association. He was also involved with the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association.
In 2000, when a potentially crippling fire ignited in his manufacturing plant, many believed that the company would close. But Richard and his wife, Carolyn, worked night and day to rebuild and continue providing the quality products to their clients. Richard considered this experience to be one of the most challenging in his life, and for many years used it as an example of how perseverance and hard work pay off. Barrett later sold the business and got out of the pallet industry.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Haley Barrett; and their son, Richard E. (Ted) Barrett Jr.; his daughter, Jenifer B. Saufley, her husband, Randy and their son, Ethan; his son, Jeffrey L. Barrett and his wife, Stephanie; his stepdaughter, Krista M. Davis, her husband, Keith, their son, Walker and their daughter, Grey; his stepson, Kenneth D. McArthur Jr., his son, T. and his daughter, Millie. Living siblings are Margaret B. Carter, Mary B. Blaylock, Julian E. Barrett and wife, Shirley, Marjorie B. Jewell and husband, Ron, Barbara B. Jackson and husband, Gordon. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
In 1992, the Barretts embarked on a renovation of the historic property, Dundee, in Hanover. His whole life, Richard was an avid hunter and active conservationist. Because of his love of the sport, he traveled many places, such as Argentina, Canada and South Dakota. But his favorite hunting grounds were always at Dundee. He was an enthusiastic member of the Newtown Hunt Club and Boulware Shooting Society, and will be remembered for his accurate shot with .20 gauge and his colorful embroidered corduroys.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123 or at cancer.org. Online condolences can be made at www.woodyfuneralhomeatlee.com.
