Dec. 20, 1946 – Aug. 4, 2023
Scott M. Balcomb passed away at his home on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Dec. 20, 1946, in Boulder, Colorado, Scott was raised in Meeker and Glenwood Springs. He graduated from Glenwood Springs High School and went on to graduate with honors from Dartmouth and receive his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. After obtaining his law degree, Scott went to work with his father, Kenneth C. Balcomb, at the law firm, Delaney & Balcomb, P.C. (later renamed Balcomb & Green, P.C. after the retirement of Kenneth C. Balcomb and Robert Delaney), where he continued his distinguished 43-year career in water law matters and the general practice of law until his retirement. Scott was particularly interested in the interstate issues on the Colorado River and was appointed in 1998/99 to be the Colorado Governor’s Representative to the informal organization of Governor’s Representatives of States on the Colorado River and a more formal position as Colorado’s Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission, which positions he held until July 2008. During his tenure on the commissions, he was involved in the negotiations and recommendations to the Secretary of Interior for adoption of criteria to govern the distribution of surpluses from Lake Mead and the distribution and handling of shortages from Lake Mead which resulted in a modification of the Colorado River Compact.
Scott was a brilliant lawyer, smart as a whip and stubborn when he needed to be. At the same time, he had an uncanny ability to correctly assess a situation which would lead him to compromise when that was in the best interests of his client. Regardless of the difficulty of the situation, he approached it with honesty and integrity and maintained his sense of dry humor to the end. Scott enjoyed golfing until his wrists and knees rebelled; spending time working with and training his treasured Labs; hunting with his dogs, friends, and family; and relaxing on the porch at the cabin; however, his greatest pleasure was by far his family. He admired and loved his wife, was proud of his children’s and his stepchildren’s accomplishments, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Scott is survived by his wife, Janet Ann Balcomb; his children, Rue Balcomb and Stephen “Bo” (Janet) Balcomb; his stepdaughters, Jennifer (Scott) Goolsby and Jessica (Travis) Chapman; his brother, Mark (Lisa) Balcomb; and his grandchildren, Madison, Spencer, Blake and Peyton Balcomb, Brecken and Ashlynn Guccini; Benjamin and Bodie Chapman, and Jake and Luke Goolsby. Scott is predeceased by his mother, Carrie Nell “Nellie” Simpson, his father, Kenneth C. Balcomb; his siblings, Katharine Rippy and Kenneth C. Balcomb III; and his niece, Mollie Thulson.
The family would like to thank all his doctors and nurses that treated him throughout the years. We appreciate all the help and support you provided. A special thanks to Dr. David Lorah, Dr. Peter Rossi, Dr. Stephan Mayer and the nurses and staff at the Calaway Young Cancer Center.
There will be a celebration of life planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider helping a dog and make a donation in Scott’s honor to an animal shelter of your choice.
