John 'Scott' Jaqueth

John “Scott” Jaqueth, 49, of Troy, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

He inspired many by his relentless research to find alternative treatment while maintaining his dignity as the disease progressed.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1958 in Libby, the son of Kenneth “Corky” and Kathleen (Radcliffe) Jaqueth. He enjoyed being raised in Libby where he was free to explore, play, and fish near the family home along the Kootenai River. At an early age, he began working at the family auto business, Jaqueth’s Inc. (now known as Cabinet Mountain Motors) and continued working there on a part-time basis until he graduated from college.

After graduating from Libby Senior High in 1977, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Montana State University in 1981. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was hired by Morrison Knudson upon graduation, trained by the company to do electrical engineering work, and began his first job as field electrical engineer in the power division on a coal-fired power plant near Price, Utah.

He continued working for MK for several more years, residing in seven states and working on diverse projects such as two separate nuclear energy plants. He also worked out of the country for MK in Colombia, South America, during the mid-1980s on a project to develop a large coal mine and port facility.

Mr. Jaqueth returned to Libby in 1987 and was hired by Champion International as a plant engineer and later took on duties of Central Maintenance Supervisor as well. In late 1993, he started his own business, Northwest Automation Inc., which provided industrial automation and controls to a variety of industries including municipal water and waste water plants.

He enjoyed bow hunting, riding horses and hiking the Cabinet Mountains. He was known for owning two classic cars, a 1957 Chevy convertible and a 1968 Chevy Camaro, which he had planned to restore during his retirement years. At different times in his life, he had interests in boats and snowmobiles.

On Aug. 19, 2006, he married Gayle (Lykins) Spencer at their home in the Yaak. She was the first girl he ever kissed, dating back to seventh grade.

Mr. Jaqueth was preceded in death by his father in 1990 and his sister, Nanette, in October 2007.

Scott is survived by his wife, his stepson, Marine Sgt. Tim Spencer and wife, Kelly, Oceanside, Calif.; his mother, Kathleen Jaqueth-Watson, his brother, Rick and wife, Leslie, and their children, Zach and Alyshia, all of Libby; his in-laws, Leroy and Frances Lykins, Liberty Lake, Wash.; sister-in-law, Suzanne Schmidt, and husband, Dean, Spokane, Wash., and their sons, Mitchell, Robert, and Matthew; sister-in-law, Cindy Lykins, Seattle, Wash.; his aunt, Wanda Jaqueth, Libby, and cousins, Mark, Jan, Lynn, Brooke, and Amanda.

Mass will be celebrated in Libby at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a reception to immediately follow in the Parish Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice or to the Troy Food Pantry.

Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.