Co-founder of the Allyn Scott Youth and Community Center dies at 86

Kenneth Scott at the Great Wall of China in March 2018.

Kenneth Scott, who co-founded the Allyn Scott Youth and Community Center in Marysville with his late wife, Allyn Scott, died Wednesday. He was 86.

The community center, across from Marysville High School, opened in 1998 and quickly became a popular gathering place for youths with the help of volunteers and donors.

A decade prior, the Scotts founded the Hot Dog Junction restaurant, which became the inspiration for the community center. When the center opened, the restaurant operated inside.

“They started Hot Dog Junction and had it for 10 years, and in 1998 they felt a community center was needed,” said daughter Tami Davis. “They made all the children feel welcome, they got treats for getting A’s and were very involved with the children. Kids could feel safe there, and it was a great place for them to stay until their parents got off work and were able to pick them up.”

The Scotts moved to Yuba-sutter in the 1970s, with Kenneth serving as the fire chief at Beale Air Force Base for about a decade before opening Hot Dog Junction.

“My parents moved here in 1973 and lived in the same Marysville house the whole time,” Davis said. “My father was the kindest, most honest and caring man you will ever meet – a true gentleman, who had the biggest heart.”

In March, Davis, her husband, Randy, and her father took a vacation to see the Great Wall of China, one of Kenneth’s long-time wishes.

“For the past 15 years, my dad, husband and I traveled to all over to place, like Greece, Italy, Canada, the Panama Canal, the Bahamas, and we drove across the country a few times,” she said. “He liked to travel with us and go fishing with my brothers.”

Scott is survived by his daughter and three sons, Greg, Jaimie and Bobby, as well as three granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.

Davis said her father was diagnosed with lung cancer three weeks ago and it had moved to his liver.

A memorial service is planned for Kenneth Scott on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. at 2911 Railroad Ave., Yuba City.