Skip to Main Content

In Memoriam: R. Scott Brundage

A friend and alumnus of the Purdue department of Forestry and Natural Resources has passed away. R. Scott Brundage, 84, who received his bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1958 and master’s degree in forest management in 1959, died Aug. 8, 2020, in Columbia, Missouri.

Scott Brundage
Brundage’s ties to FNR and the West Lafayette area ran deep. The son of Purdue Professor Emeritus of Forestry Roy C. Brundage, Scott grew up in West Lafayette and graduated from West Lafayette High School before earning both of his degrees from Purdue.

In 1960, Scott went on to conduct forest surveys for the state of Missouri. He remained involved in the forestry industry for the remainder of his career, acting as a farm forester for the state of Ohio, as a reclamation specialist for Peabody Coal Company and as a consulting forester. He was also heavily involved in the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association and the Walnut Council International.

Personally, Scott and his wife Ginny (Virginia Goben Brundage, married June 4, 1960 in West Lafayette) owned many tree farms, some of which were recognized by the American Tree Farm System program.

Sccot Brundage 2005In addition to Scott’s direct ties to Purdue FNR, the department awards the Roy C. Brundage Memorial Scholarship annually, which was made possible by an endowment established by Scott in memory of his father Roy C. Brundage, who began working at Purdue in 1930. The scholarship is available to students pursuing degrees in forest management or forest products.

The 2020 recipients of the scholarship were Rachel Brummet, Avery Cook and Krista Marshall.

“Scott was a force of nature. He lived life energetically, smiled broadly, and laughed heartily,” professor of wildlife science Rob Swihart said. “He enjoyed sharing stories from his escapades, usually with embellishment. His enthusiasm for forestry and Purdue (especially its students) was genuine and limitless. Scott was an ardent supporter of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC), serving on external advisory councils for both. His life’s journey enriched those of us fortunate enough to encounter him along the way.”

For more on Scott’s life and legacy, read obituaries in the Columbia Tribune and Columbia Missourian.

Memorials may be donated to The Walnut Council Foundation (1007 North 725 West, West Lafayette, IN 47906). Condolences may be left online for the family at www.ParkerMillard.com.

Featured Stories

Laura Bowling stands in a creek with students while teaching.
Agronomy professor Laura Bowling presented with 2023 Murphy Award

Just as her agronomy class was beginning on Monday morning, NRES director and Agronomy professor...

Read More
purdue pete group shot
Boilermaker Vegetable Season Pass returns for 2023 season

“As a family, we look forward to weekly pickups at the student farm -- everyone gets...

Read More
krystal hans
"Societal Impact Fellows and Scholarship of Engagement Fellows Programs" feat. Krystal Hans

The Office of Engagement offers multiple ways for Purdue faculty and staff to use their work to...

Read More
Dog on campus at Purdue University
Lack of canine COVID-19 data fuels persisting concerns over dog-human interactions

Early COVID-19 pandemic suspicions about the resistance of dogs to the disease have given way to...

Read More
2022 AFS Meritorious Service Award honoree Tom Lang, Dr. Eva Haviarova - a Society of Wood Science and Technology woman ambassador, and sophomore wildlife major Gabby Dennis with a glaucous-winged gull chick.
FNR Year in Review 2022: The People

The 2022 calendar year saw several FNR faculty, staff, students and alumni represent the...

Read More
Dr. Laura Bowling in the field with students
Charles B. Murphy Award presented to Dr. Laura Bowling

Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award presented to Dr. Laura Bowling, the...

Read More
To Top