Scot Newell

Scot Anthony Newell died unexpectedly due to natural causes on September 28th, 2024, while visiting family in Seattle, Washington. He was 48 years old. Scot is survived by his mother, Sharon Minor, cousins Taralyn Anderson and Tevin Anderson, Aunt Debora Anderson, Uncle Rick Anderson and Ethos Bakery co-owner and close friend, Angela Kora, along with many friends and community members. He is preceded in death by his father, Lance Newell. Scot was born on May 7th, 1976 to Sharon and Lance in Richland, WA. Scot was a Class of ‘95 Richland High Bomber and a lifelong Richland High enthusiast.

Scot was driven by a belief in excellence, always aspiring to be better than he was the day before, to rise above mediocrity, and to never settle for good enough. That desire for excellence took many forms throughout his life, from his childhood love of drumming, which developed into a career as a touring musician in his teens and early twenties, to his work in business, on political campaigns, and as an avid car enthusiast, cyclist, friend, and community member. Scot’s inquisitive nature expressed itself in his love for travel. He enjoyed exploring new cities and meeting new people, whether that was nearby or across the globe. Scot’s compassionate side came out in his love for animals and rescue dogs, which were an important part of his life and a characteristic that he shared with his father.

Scot grew up in an entrepreneurial family, whose stepfather was a painting contractor and whose family owned an arcade for a number of years. Given his problem-solving skills and tireless work ethic, it was only a matter of time before he opened his own business. When he met Angela Kora in 2009, an engineer-home baker, the stars aligned. In 2011, Scot and Angela co-founded Ethos, an artisan bakery in Richland, Washington that makes handcrafted breads and pastries and has always featured locally sourced ingredients.

Their goal with Ethos was and still is to provide a place for community, where people of all backgrounds, political beliefs, faiths, and cultures could connect over thoughtfully crafted food. With Scot's vision and leadership, and Angela’s baking skills, the business grew from a wood fired pizza bistro to a farmer's market stand and then a trattoria (whose Ethos Burger was featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), before they returned to their baking roots. In their time as business partners, Scot and Angela turned their vision of a food business with deep local roots and a strong community ethic into a popular full-service bakery and coffee shop with two locations. Ethos now features ingredients from more than ten local growers and provides flour or bakery products to over 15 wholesale accounts in the region.

More recently, Ethos expanded, adding Ethos Stone Mill to the business family. Providing foods that nourish people and local economies was always a priority for Scot. The mill, which just moved into its new facility this spring, produces fresh flour from regional grain growers, a dream Scot was dedicated to realizing despite facing significant hurdles along the way. He believed in the work he did at Ethos and the business’s achievements are a testament to Scot’s passion, skill, and perseverance.

Scot had many plans for the future, including restarting his music career, traveling, building a sanctuary for stray animals, buying a house where he could build a full music studio (preferably in Boston, Australia, or London), and growing the Ethos impact. His goal as a business owner was always to use the business platform as a way to build awareness for the values that he held dear, and the causes close to his heart. He measured success in social impact as much as he did in sales.

Scot will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who knew him from Ethos and the Richland business community. He was a gregarious and mischievous person with a rich inner life who knew how to listen, support, encourage, and on occasion nudge/shove people out of their comfort zone. His greatest love (besides his dogs, Colmar for 11 years, and Toby for 7 months) was community. He truly loved people and their stories.

Services are scheduled for Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. PST. A reception will follow at the Plaza and Ethos Parkway (702 The Pkwy Ste A, Richland, WA 99352).

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Scot’s honor to the Friends of Tri-Cities Animal Shelter- or better yet, adopt a new pet. Cards and condolences are welcome at Ethos Bakery, 2290 Keene Rd, Richland, WA 99352.