Michael A. Stott, 75, of Ho-Ho-Kus, died July 26, 2012 who was beloved husband of Alison (nee Walker) Stott. Loving father of Timothy Stott of Wyckoff, Amy Tominovich and husband Rod of Wyckoff, David Stott of Chicago IL, Gregory and wife Dana Stott of Haworth, Thomas John “TJ” Stott of Ridgewood, and the late Michael Jr., who passed away in 1997.
Adoring grandfather to Carly and Max Tominovich, Cole, Emma, Lillian, Quinn, Preston, and Madison. Devoted brother of Betsy Kimmerle of Wyckoff and William R. Stott Jr., of Oak Hill, VA and the late Susan Stott, who passed away in June.
Also devoted Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Michael was a parishioner of St. Gabriel R.C. Church, Saddle River, a member of the Knights of Malta, belonged to the Mission Committee Society for the Propagation of Faith, a member of Arcola Country Club, and the Ekwanok Country Club of Manchester, VT. He was an avid race car driver and collector.
Michael was on the Board of Directors of the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY, and on the Board of the Southern Vermont Art Center. He had been a Financial Advisor at UBS for over 50 years.
My friend Mike Stott
On July 31st, 2012 at St Gabriel’s Church in Saddle River, NJ, we said good bye to our good friend Mike Stott. Our love and thoughts go out to his wife Allison, who Mike always called the “love of my life.” We also extend our condolences to his sons David, Gregory, Tim, TJ and to his daughter Amy Tominovich and families. Sadly, in 1997 Mike and Allison lost their oldest son Michael, Jr. My first memory of Mike Stott was back in 1997 just after I purchased SVRA. Vintage racing is about collecting, preserving and driving the race cars we have all grown to love. Vintage racing can be both frustrating and fun; however what is most important are the friendships we make along the way. One of my most meaningful friendships was with Mike Stott. Just after making the announcement, Mike was the first person to step up, stick out his hand and say “Congratulations! I’m excited about what you are doing and if I can help, please ask.” Over the next 15 years, SVRA asked, asked and asked again. Mike NEVER said NO. Later in the fall of 1997 when SVRA made a commitment to help with the fundraising for the International Motorsports Racing Research Center, Mike was the first person to step forward with a generous contribution. Beyond his significant financial support, Mike brought great enthusiasm and passion to vintage racing. As a member of the IMRRC Board, Mike continued his generosity. Preserving the history of motor racing in the US was important to him and I know that he took pride in helping leave this legacy.
But way beyond all of this positive energy was something much more important. Although he was a very private person, Mike and I developed a deep friendship. I admired the intense commitment and love he had for his family and for his success, as a business executive. Mike was a man of great integrity and he was my loyal friend.
We seem to have come full circle. I mentioned before my first memory of Mike was 15 years ago when I bought SVRA. My last memory was seeing him a few days before he died. We talked about me selling SVRA and about him selling his Cobra which seemed like the end of an era. In vintage racing tradition, Mike’s family buried him wearing his red Cobra tie.
I will miss my old friend Mike driving his big red Cobra on the track and we will all miss his racing passion and enthusiasm in our paddocks!
Peter McLaughlin
Chairman SVRA