Vauxhall, AB –
It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a former Jet – Scott Hornstra (Rocky Mountain House, AB). Scott was tragically killed in a snowboarding accident on December 31st in Whitefish, Montana. Scott is survived by his mom Rhonda, father Robert, brother Mark and sister Carly. In lieu of flowers the Hornstra family has asked donations be made to the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball where a scholarship will be awarded in his honor.
Scott played for the Jets in our inaugural year before moving on to a have a tremendous college career at Colby CC in Colby, Kansas then Mississippi Valley State. Hornstra was a huge part of the Jets success in 2006/2007 as a standout shortstop and closer. At Colby Scott was a 1st Team All JayHawk, 2nd Team All JayHawk, First Team All Region VI and Freshman of the year. He was also a star basketball player that helped lead Vauxhall High School to the provincial championships.
Scott will forever be remembered as a loyal and passionate competitor who thought of others before himself. RIP Horns (Mr. Clutch).
Mark Clauson (former Jets teammate, Colby teammate and best friend of Horn’s had this to share of facebook):
My hearts heavy writing this but I wanted to say some words about Scott. Im going to do my best to define who this man was and what he stood for. Keep in mind, words always fall short when it comes to matters of the soul.
Scott had a diverse list of interests and an equally long list of aspirations.
He loved to travel and explore, go to concerts and sporting events.
He loved to play sports, among them was baseball, where he made many life long friends.
He loved to snowboard and gallivant through the backcountry during the winter and he recently enjoyed a love for the open water.
He found joy in spending time with friends and family and was always willing to crack a cold one to good times.
I think his heart was always in Alberta but that didn’t stop him from travelling all over the world.
He was a fierce friend who showed loyalty regardless of the situation.
I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Scott and witnessed first hand his endearing love and enthusiasm for life.
Scott was snowboarding in whitefish on Saturday where they received a foot of fresh over 24 hours. I know he was with friends, it was a beautiful day, and that he was without question getting his fill of face shots. I can hear him hootin’ and hollerin’ on his way down.
I took this photo of Scott a few years back on top of Parker’s ridge. This is how I picture him leaving us, with arms wide open, soaking up the warmth of what’s going to be a new adventure. Cheers to you my friend ❤️
Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa shared this memory of Scott:
Sorry to hear – sad that Scott Hornstra, the second of our VAB Alumni had suddenly/unexpectedly passed away. We, Barbara and me, really only have a scant memory of him, however, Scott being a dominant figure on an athletic stage, we recall how he played the shortstop position on the inaugural roster of the VAB in-on short, like a “Vacuum Cleaner“. In 2006, we went especially to Coaldale to watch the Vauxhall Basketball team during their playoff run. Scott impressed us by his play on the floor, seeming to be the Quarterback directing the offensive play. Understand the entire Vauxhall Basketball team stayed at the Hornstras Rocky Mountain house, during their provincial playoff run. Again illustrating what a “Team Guy“ he was on the Baseball diamond, Basketball court and off the playing surface.
Rest in Peace Scott!
Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa, VAB Ambassadors
A Celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 2 pm at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rocky Mountain House, AB.