Paul Scott Ostrom
September 13, 1947 – July 15, 2025

Scott Ostrom, beloved father, stepfather, husband, entrepreneur, and pioneer in Northern California’s diving and sporting goods community, passed away peacefully on July 15th at the age of 77.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 13, 1947, Scott spent his early childhood in Laie before moving with his family to California. Raised in Citrus Heights and had two younger siblings (Barbara Molen & Loni Brooks) He developed a lifelong passion for the water—becoming a certified scuba diver at 13 and setting regional records in competitive spearfishing during his teenage years. That passion became the foundation for his life’s work.

After graduating from high school in 1965, Scott studied marine biology and oceanography at Sierra College and Humboldt State University. While still a student, he became a NAUI-certified scuba instructor (NAUI Instructor #1254) and began teaching diving at HSU, where he also led multiple university dive trips to Mexico and along the California coast.

In 1970, Scott co-founded Pacific Marine Engineering in Eureka with a couple of dive buddies from HSU. Originally a commercial dive operation, the business began selling dive gear and quickly evolved into a full retail shop. Over the next several decades, Scott and his partners expanded the company into Pro Sport Center in Eureka and The New Outdoor Store in Arcata, offering outdoor gear, athletic shoes, fitness equipment, bicycles, snowboards, hunting and fishing supplies, and more. Scott also continued commercial diving during this time—raising sunken boats, performing underwater repairs, assisting in evidence recovery, and leading search-and-rescue dives.

In 2009, Scott and his partners opened a new store in Ukiah under the name Pacific Outfitters and soon after rebranded the Eureka and Arcata stores to match. His entrepreneurial vision and leadership helped shape these businesses into trusted local institutions, serving the North Coast community for generations.

In 1988, Scott married the love of his life, Marilyn Ostrom, blending their families and creating a warm, welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Together, they shared more than three decades of marriage, building a life rich with travel, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether exploring national parks, road-tripping along the coast, diving in exotic locations, or discovering new places together, Scott and Marilyn embraced every opportunity to live life to the fullest. Their shared passion for nature, family, and each other created a strong and joyful partnership that deeply touched everyone around them.

Scott was an amazing father — patient, hands-on, and always willing to teach. He shared his knowledge generously, teaching his kids how to work on cars, remodel houses and apartments, cook, and master countless other essential life skills. He believed in being self-sufficient and capable, and he made sure his children were, too. Scott also believed in balance. On weekends, he often packed up the family for trips to the lake, where they spent long days wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing, and enjoying the sunshine. 

Scott taught by example — to work hard, take pride in what you do, but also to make time for fun, and to create lasting memories. His love and life lessons continue to shape the lives of those he left behind.

In 2019, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Marilyn passed away, leaving a lasting legacy of strength, love, and resilience. Scott’s devotion to her throughout their journey was a testament to the bond they shared — one rooted in mutual respect, adventure, and enduring love.

Not long after, Scott met Joyce Graham in a grief support group. Their shared experiences brought them together, and they spent the next several years traveling the world as partners.

Scott is survived by his sons, Aaron Ostrom (spouse Leslie Ostrom) and Chris Ostrom Juvencio (spouse Lea Juvencio Ostrom); his stepdaughters, Lisa Gage (spouse Sonny Gage) and Jennifer LaFranchi; and his beloved grandchildren: Karlie Bibler, Alyssa Presson, Alice Ostrom, Tori Willis, Issac Ostrom, and Skyler Ostrom. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Molen and Lani Brooks, and their families.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy of business innovation, ocean adventure, and community leadership. He is remembered by countless former students, dive partners, employees, and customers whose lives he touched with his mentorship, generosity, and pioneering spirit.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge on September 21st (Sunday) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. All are welcome to come celebrate and honor Scott’s extraordinary life.