Scott Goetchius’s Life of Service

At the age of nineteen, Scott Goetchius was unsure of what path to take in life, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was 1973, and just as the Vietnam War was winding down. The military offered him direction, structure, and a chance to figure things out. He was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, where he worked as a clerk for the 181st Transportation Battalion Headquarters. His role involved processing security clearances for officers both commisioned non-commissioned officers.

Germany became a meaningful chapter in his life. During a leave, he returned to the U.S. to marry his wife, Susan, and together they spent over a year living overseas. It was a time that felt more like an extended honeymoon than a duty station.

When Scott's time in the Army ended, Susan was expecting their first child. They considered staying a little longer to cover the hospital bills, but ultimately decided against it. With support from family, they found their way forward. It wasn't a smooth transition, but it wasn't a struggle either — just the next step in building a life together. With help from family and a sense of responsibility shaped by his service, he began working various jobs before finding a long-term career in firefighting.

The fire service turned out to be a perfect fit. After joining Multnomah County Fire District 10 and later transitioning to the City of Portland Fire Department through a merger, Scott served as a firefighter for thirty-two years. The high-pressure nature of the job, along with its community focus, gave him both purpose and fulfillment.

Scott began volunteering with the Canby Adult Center in 2012, while still working with the fire department. He delivered Meals on Wheels on his days off. He later expanded his role by driving veterans and seniors to medical appointments through the county's TRP (Transportation Reaching People) program. After COVID-related restrictions paused that work, he stepped into a new role as a bus driver for the center and has continued that job for nearly a decade.

Throughout his life, Scott has remained grounded through family, faith, and a steady rhythm of service. He and Susan raised two daughters and now enjoy a large, growing family that includes eleven grandchildren. Music has always played a role in his life as well. He sings and plays guitar at church and previously performed with a family band called Flip Side. They played regular gigs for a time and wrapped up with a final and special performance at a military retirement party.

Whether in uniform, turnout gear or behind the wheel of a senior center bus, Scott Goetchius has spent decades showing up for others — quietly, consistently, and without fanfare.