IN MEMORY OF SCOTT SCHECHTER
February 26, 1961 - May 15, 2009

Scott with Liza

Note:
Right now I can't reply to each email received,
but rest assured that I will most definitely post everyone's contributions
within 24 hours of receipt.
Thank you everyone for being so incredibly supportive.
Scott B. (Liza site webmaster)

I am deeply sad and shocked at the sudden passing of Dear Scott, I am from the Liza Stepping Out blog & Yahoo site & met Scott for the first time a few months back at Barnes & Noble Liza cd signing, I found him to be gentle and kind with a wonderful smile. We also have been e-mail friends for some time, it would be an honor for me to be part of the Memorial page as I respected & admired Scott's many talents, he will be greatly missed.
all my Love & Blessings

Sam Miro.





This is very sad news. I met Scott several times and he never ceased being a fan of Lizas. I most recently sat right behind him for two separate shows Liza did at the Palace. He was as excited by her performance as the rest of us and I cant really even believe yet that when I see Liza next he will not be there in body to cheer and applaud...but surely in spirit cheering just as loudly.

what else can someone say except that he will be missed.

Sincerely
Fred Maller





Scott was an acquaintance through a mutual friend. I found it necessary to call on him more than a few times for clarification of news, etc, and he always greeted me as if he had known me for years! I will miss my interactions with him. This website will certainly never be the same without him, nor will this world.

I will miss you, friend.

Frank DeMayo





Thank you for sharing the news. We were very sorry to hear of Scott's passing. Please extend our condolences to Russell.

Sincerely,

John, Polly, Sue, Judy and Marie
The Judy Garland Museum





Scott will be missed!

Fondly,

Marc Charbonnet





Scott was very special to all the Judy fans. He will be missed.
Gordon.

(Scott with Gordon)





Though I did not know Scott my thoughts and prayers go out to Scott his family his extended family and friends it is never easy to loose a love one but take comfort that his memory will always be alive with you until you all meet again - God Bless

Bert Strong





Such a shock to hear about Scott's passing I have known Scott since the mid-1990's and he was such a wonderful and kind person and he had a wealth of knowledge with everything on Liza and Judy. He was the driving force of getting all of Judy's TV shows released on DVD, along with countless CD releases of Judy's Capitol catalog, Liza's Capitol and A &M Catalog and of course his wonderful book on Judy and the Liza Scrapbook. This is a big loss to the Judy/Liza community.

I will really miss seeing Scott at Liza events - I spent such good times with him at the Palace and other Liza concerts, the CD signing's - especially at the Tower event in 2006 for the Liza with a Z DVD, the stamp ceremony at Carnegie Hall for the Judy Garland Stamp and many others. He will really be missed.

My condolences to Scott's family and friends.

Mickie Esemplare
NYC





I am so shocked to hear of Scott ’s sudden passing, he was a wonderful keeper of the Judy and Liza history. Our paths crossed once in awhile over the past 25 years and he was always very sweet and sincere. I saw him last in New York at Liza at the Palace in December 2008. He will be greatly missed, too young to die. God bless you Scott.

Ann Joiner





I am devastated by Scott’s death. It brought me right back to the morning in 1969 when I learned that my beloved Judy had passed – and my life changed forever. I was lucky to be in NYC at the time of Judy’s passing and was blessed to be at the services and funeral.

What a loss to all of us who knew Judy and loved her. It is indeed the passing of another legacy. He devoted his love to Judy and all of us from the old Official Judy Garland Fan Club will always be grateful. May he rest in peace.

Allan O’Grady Cuseo




I'm forever in Scott's debt because of him I met my best friend...Angie.
Who is closer to me than anyone in my family, she is now my family.
Saying thank you will never be enough.

Before that we connected VIA When Liza started talking about her battle with encephalitis & how she fought to come back and recover.

In a few of the group email I mentioned how glad I was she talked about it, because when my husband had a stroke & was told he would never sail again(his lifeblood) but hearing Liza's story was a real inspiration to him.

Scott then sent me an email asking about my husband.

At that time didn't know me from adam! And there are hundreds of members in the group....the mass amounts of emails must have been CRAZY in addition to all the work he did!

I think that speaks volumes about the person he was!

Scott was a rare talent.
He was amazing at educating people about true treasures in our culture...Liza Minnelli & her Mother.
His work made certain it is preserved for generations to come.
He shared with the world the halcyon of their music.

And hence this world is a little less special,warm & bright without him.

My deepest sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.

N. Elizabeth





Scott was a good man. He tried very hard to be the kind of booster Judy would have been proud of, as is Liza now. Scott was my friend. Not the closest friend I ever had, but he was very generous. He saw some worth in me, and 'he raised me up to more than I can be ". I'd like to think that Scott is with Judy now. Both are at peace. My prayers are with Russell in particular.

Love, Wayne Lawless





My thoughts of deepest sympathy go to Russell and to Scott ’s family and friends. I was lucky to count myself among Scott’s friends around the world through a shared passion in all thinks Liza Minnelli. Through Scott’s passion, Liza fans everywhere benefited with an official Liza website and associated emails that kept everyone up-to-date with accurate information direct from the source. Thanks to Scott, emails popped into my email inbox virtually every day and I have thought of him and Liza virtually every day for the past many years. I met Scott in person in 1983, when we were very much younger, and we went to a Liza concert together and with other friends. Scott made his passion his life and worked hard to establish a successful entertainment business producing all manner of products to keep the legacy alive in all things Garland and Minnelli. Scott put out a call for images for the Liza Minnelli Scrapbook project and I and many others responded. I was lucky enough that Scott liked the images I provided and they made their way into the Scrapbook publication. My images will live on after I am gone and in a similar way – Scott’s legacy will live on through the fantastic publishing and music projects that he was associated with. I will miss him dearly. Blessings to Scott’s spirit on his journey.

Most sincerely in sorrow Glenn Conroy, Australia.





I was saddened to hear of Scott's passing, I thought he did a terrific job with the work he has done for Liza and for Judy as well. He was too young to pass away and my thoughts are with his friends and family. I am sure Liza is shocked to hear about this as well. She lost a great person who truly admired her as a person and for her work.

Breonna Bridges





A total shock. He was so young...so knowledgeable, and very thoughtful. Scott and I, as many of you, were "e-mail buddies". I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, though, I sent him a note, hoping to meet up with him at Liza's Hollywood Bowl gig this summer. Scott was so sharp, so considerate. I remember, years ago, I sent him an e-mail, going on and on about wanting to get a copy of Liza's Carnegie Hall album from 1979. Scott, the classy guy that he is, sent to me not only a burned version of this recording, but also a COPY of the Wintergarden concert as well! Class is class. Can't be bought or learned...

Dan Walters





Besides Scott Schector's tremendous work to preserve and celebrate the work of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, Scott was a wonderful human being. I will never forget his kindness or generousity toward me in a very troubled time. He was always kind and gentle wanting to be useful where he could be. His untimely death is a shock. He will be deeply missed.

Michelle Russell





Scott was a man of passion. He left no one indifferent. His devotion will be missed.

I remember returning with him at 1 AM, perhaps on the same train he died, after Liza’s opening in Minnelli on Minnelli. After waiting like kids at the stage door after the show, we took the train from Grand Central. We had an hour to talk, and his knowledge was second to none. Open to the ideas of others, he could listen and speak his mind, without denigration.

I am deeply shocked by his death. He had written just a couple of weeks ago concerning a quick trip I was about to make to New York . He was busy, but he responded in his email, and I duplicate the capitols, that he would ADORE to see me, but that day was not convenient. We never saw each other. Scott was a guy of Capitols.

I find it so strange that Scott died just a few days before the release of his new CD, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli “Live” at the London Palladium. Judy and Liza were the two passions of his life. I keep thinking that the release of the CD, the putting together of his two passions, was more than his heart could take. My second thought is that I am thankful that that CD did not appear in 2002, as it should have. Maybe we would have lost him in 2002 instead of 2009.

Above all, I think it is important to think positively about Scott. I find the silence concerning him this Sunday night says tons about the person he was. Silence is the greatest form of respect.

It is hard to believe Scott is no longer with us. His pushing ahead, his imperfect desire for detail, his big ego, his refusal to be involved in useless battles, his refusal to pay dues to a Garland mafia, all that was who he was, and things will be somewhat unbalanced in a world without him.

All best and warmest, Scott.

LAWRENCE SCHULMAN





Dear Everyone,

I wanted to send in my love and sadness about Scott's passing.

I've had the honor and pleasure of emailing with him over the years, personally and through Liza's groups.

We were good friends in this computer world and I only wish I had met him in person.
To hear of this tragedy is overwhelming.
Scott will be missed everyday and will always be loved.

I will keep this short, but a "scrapbook" could be written about Scott.

Rest in Peace my friend...I will never forget you.

Angie Ross
Sarasota Florida

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Scott, he was an inspiration and devoted fan of our Liza. To lose such a young man is incomprehensible for his family and loved ones. My thoughts and best wishes go out to them at this time.

His ability to give up to date information and his wealth of knowledge on Liza was second to none, and the willingness and devotion to sharing this information with Liza's fans will never be forgotten.

this quote always gives me ispiration in times of grief

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." --- Kahlil Gibran

And he was a delight.

Yours

Walter Gaffney RGN





I am in shock here in Malaysia. Scott answered my email 2 weeks ago about why Liza's medley of Good Morning Starshine/Consider Yourself/Everybody's Talkin' was left out of the Tom Jones DVD boxset although it was included in the track list. He said he will work on getting a CD release for Liza At The Winter Garden in future. His passing is a big loss to the LIza community.

Terrrance Lee





I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Scott's passing. He and I corresponded several times lately and I found him to be a warm, intelligent and honest person. This is a true loss. He had a real dedication and integrity. My sympathies to those who knew him and to all of those he touched.

Tom Langdon





oh my god! i'm so very sorry... this is very sad news..


pat egiziaco





This is a piece of terrible and shocking news. My thoughts are among his family and friends.

He has done much big one, for Judy's memory and for Lizas Arbeit.Für fans he is a great loss. A trustworthy bridge to Liza has fallen.

Thank Scott for your fast answers and reports.

Cornelia Heilmann





It was with great regret and sadness that I read about Scott Schechter's passing. This is a huge loss, not only for the support and service he provided but for the beautiful writing that flowed from his very able fingers. Above all, he embodied a certain humanity, kindness and generosity that is in serious decline today. My sincere condolences to his close friends and family.

M. Mossanen
Toronto





Hello Dear Judy fans,

The world just became a sadder place with the passing of dear, sweet Scotty. My devoted friendship with him goes back to 6-7-85. Yes, I remember the day because we met before Liza Minnelli's invitation-only concert for friends, family and cohorts at the Edison Theatre in Manhattan. Judy Tucker, who worked for Liza at the time, introduced Scotty and me ... and it's been a wonderful, caring friendship ever since.

We've shared not only a deep, sincere love for all things Judy and Liza over the years, but we also shared a true devotion to each other that went deeper than any one shared common passion. Please know that Scotty loved Judy and Liza and his each waking moment was dedicated to enhancing their legacy and bringing their two-in-a-lifetime talents to fans all over the world. It seems Scotty was always working on a Judy or Liza project and at the same time thinking about or planning for the next one.

I've had the privledge to be involved with several of these cherished proejcts, and each moment helping Scotty was one of joy and absolute pride. I'm deeply saddened that many retrospective projects may now never see the light of day, like the Liza at the Winter Garden remaster Scotty was planning and hoping for after the Judy and Liza at the Palladium release. He was working on the liner notes for the latter just this week.

My throughts and prayers go out to Russell and Scotty's beloved Tigger. Their loss is unimaginable. And for his friends all over the world, this is a sad day. He will be missed and loved forever.

Scotty, thank you for a lifetime of laughs, tears and love. You'll forever be in my heart. Not a Judy or Liza note will be heard and enjoyed the same way ... I'll always feel your sweet, tender essence when I listen.

Your bluebird-blue eyed pal will miss you forever. Give Judy a hug and belt out a song of joy for us.

Forever,

Don Berry
xo





I am saddened and shocked to hear the news about Scott. I have known Scott through many Liza concerts and the Official Liza Minnelli Fan Club for 30 years. The dedication Scott had for not only Liza but also us fans will never be forgotten. Scott went above and beyond and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family and friends.

Cathy


I had the pleasure of meeting Scott Schechter through Scott Brogan of The Judy Room. I will forever treasure the memory of his phone call to me to discuss the "Lost Decca Recordings". He always treated me with respect and made me feel good about this incredible discovery. For that, I was forever grateful. As I write this, I hold his beautifully written books on my lap, "Judy Garland /The Day by Day Chronicle of a Legend" and "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook". Hearing this sad news brings tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart, as part of my life was touched and forever changed by Scott. My heart goes out to his loved ones...Cynthia





Dear Scott,


You was an incredible and a great fan of Liza. You gave all the news and dates for Liza's concerts, and your book "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" it's a bible for all the fans of Liza all around the world.

Thanks for all.

A french fan,

Véronique.





Words cannot express my sense of loss and shock over losing my wonderful, cherished friend, Scotty. I treasured all Scott was to me; to Liza and her fans; to so many who barely even knew him. He lived to make others happy and treasured feeling he had done so.

Scott loved what he did, to build the legacy of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli and to ensure that their body of work be enriched through his many and varied projects over the years. I'm not sure who else will or can fill the void on that level, and we fans have all been blessed to see his dreams come true and fill our collections. He didn't take on projects for himself - he did them for the world to enjoy. And I was one of few blessed to be on the "inside" of some projects and help make them possible in my own way, long before they saw the light of day. I will miss that deeply. Scott loved ever detail of ensuring that Liza, and her fans, would hopefully be pleased with his work.

The OfficialLizaMinnelli.com site was maybe one thing he was the proudest of....it took a huge amount of dedication, perseverance, time and devotion to make it happen, to see it blossom, and to have Liza's cooperation. I was fortunate to see this seed get planted, grow and blossom to what it is today, and was honored that he chose me to help "Start Spreading The News".

My condolences to all who care for Scott and care about him. Scott must surely be happy knowing he made a difference in this world to so many in so many ways. I am blessed to have been given the gift of his friendship and
know he made a difference in my world that today feels a lot smaller and emptier.

God bless you, my dear friend!

Steve Snyder





Scott and I met when I was 14 years old. My brother had been standing near him one day at school when he was rearranging his wallet. My brother noticed Scott had a membership card to Liza's fan club. Knowing that I would be interested my brother told him about me and came home with a piece of paper with Scott's name and ph #. "You should give him a call. He said he'd love to tell you about the fan club."

That began a friendship that lasted until the day he passed. From our first conversation, we bonded over our deep love of Liza and spoke on a regular basis about all things Liza. We would fret over the slightest perceived slight in the media and revel in any triumphs. Sitting next to each other during Liza's concerts was "our thing" and I can't imagine how many concerts we attended together.

We always said we were very lucky to love Liza as we did as it grounded us. We'd feel bad for people who didn't have a passion in their lives the way we did in our own. And I was lucky to share a passion with somebody who also instinctively loved Liza. I will miss Scott very much and loving Liza (a tenet of my life) will never be the same.

Scott Gorenstein





This is all just too much of a shock. I hadn't spoken to Scott in a couple of months but there was a time where we would communicate on a regular basis. He was always a kind guy and was always a reliable source when answering any Liza questions I had. I am going to really miss him.

Jared Kenwood