Tam Scott

Tam “The Judge” Scott, known in certain circles as “Bigfish,” passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family and his devoted caregivers.

He is survived by his daughter, Robyn; his sons, Fitz and Peter; his daughter-in-law, Holly; and his grandchildren, Stella, Fisher, and Will; all of whom were fortunate to grow up under his steady guidance, humor, and unwavering loyalty.

Judge lived a deeply full and beautiful life. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside his three sisters, he was an outdoorsman from the start,  hunting, fishing, and forever working to improve his golf game (at least in theory). After earning his bachelor’s degree from Yale University, he headed west to the University of Denver for law school and never looked back. He ultimately found his way to the Roaring Fork Valley, where he built the life that would define him: mountains, the law, and the love of his life, Sue.

He and Sue wasted no time. They embraced Aspen fully,  skiing hard, building a life rich with adventure, and forming a partnership rooted in loyalty, momentum, and deep respect. Judge served the communities of Aspen and Glenwood Springs as District Attorney and later as Aspen’s County Judge, dedicating more than twenty years to the bench before retiring in 1999. He believed in showing up, doing the job well, and never making a spectacle of it.

Away from the courtroom and the slopes, hockey was the cornerstone of family life. Judge had fast feet dating back to his Yale days and passed along both his passion and competitive spirit to his sons and grandchildren, who have proudly carried that legacy forward on the ice.

He loved his dogs….truly loved them. Over the years, each one was, without question, the best dog he had ever had.

Judge was also a pilot at heart. Flying his beloved plane, “SuperGrape,” he relished recounting stories of high adventures and a few “questionable” landings, always with a grin that never quite faded.

In retirement, he and Sue built new chapters in Bozeman, Montana, and Patagonia, Arizona, before ultimately returning to Strang Ranch,  their grounding place. Sue passed away in December 2023, a profound loss for him. The thought that they are now reunited brings great comfort to their family.

Judge was a mentor, an advisor, and a steady sounding board to many. If you sought his counsel, you received it,  clear, concise, and delivered with genuine care.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, sharp wit, loyal friendship, and a life exceptionally well lived.

A celebration of life will be held on March 28th at the Thompson Barn at RVR on Judge and Sue’s wedding anniversary,  a date he may have forgotten once or twice over their 55 years of marriage, but one he undoubtedly would have approved of.