David Scott Palm, age 63, of Everett, WA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, of Cardiac Arrest.
Scott was born on May 21, 1961, to Donna Pratt in Cumberland, Wisconsin. He entered the world as a healthy baby, but an unknown accident deprived him of oxygen for five minutes, resulting in Cerebral Palsy. After being born in an old farmhouse, he was placed into an incubator and for reasons unclear, the cord that supplied oxygen to Scott became unplugged for 5 minutes, resulting in his disability. This condition left him unable to speak or walk and bound to a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, Scott lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, advocacy, and compassion.
He was raised not by his mother, but by his grandparents, Ed and Bette Palm. While his cousin Amy discovered the truth at 14, Scott remained unaware of his real mother's identity until he turned 18. Bette revealed the truth as he prepared to move from Wenatchee to the Seattle area, a transition necessitated by her inability to lift him and his need for greater care.
Scott graduated from Wenatchee High School and then went on to earn a business degree from Shoreline Community College and landed his first job working for Congressman John Miller. His intelligence and determination opened doors for him to become a public speaker, inspiring others with his unique perspective. Using his PRC Accent 1400 communication device, Scott served as an ambassador for Prentke Romich Company, supporting individuals who relied on similar devices.
In 2005, Scott founded Palm Tree Enterprises to advocate for and support individuals with disabilities. Despite facing immense challenges himself, he lived with strength and purpose, dedicating his life to empowering others. Through PRC-Saltillo, he taught individuals how to use communication devices, inspiring them to gain independence. He also worked with elementary school students, serving as a role model and showing them an adult who navigated life with similar experiences.
He was a tireless advocate, and in 2012, his efforts were recognized with the Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of Snohomish County.
A devoted Trekkie, Scott's love for Star Trek went far beyond fandom. In 2018, he partnered with actress Chase Masterson to co-launch the Pop Hero Coalition, an initiative dedicated to combating oppression and bullying while promoting mental health and social-emotional learning for people of all ages.
Scott also shared his passion for the Star Trek universe by co-authoring an article for StarTrek.com, where he reflected on the joy of attending his first Star Trek Las Vegas convention and celebrated the series' timeless values of inclusion and hope.
In addition to his work with Chase on the nonprofit she founded, Pop Culture Hero Coalition, Scott created his own program, H.E.R.O.I.C. (Healing, Empathy, and Resilience for Orthopedic Children), further extending his mission to uplift and support others.
Scott cherished the time he was able to spend at the local beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Family and friends recall fond memories of enjoying fish and chips with him by the ocean and searching for seashells as the tide went out. His love for animals also shone through, especially in his close bond with the cats he cared for throughout his life.
As a child, Scott embraced the simple joys of life on a farm in Edmonds, where he adored the chickens, geese, and a beloved pony that brought him so much happiness.
Scott was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward Oscar Frances Palm (1977); his grandmother, Elizabeth Lavonne Bultman (1988); and his uncle, James Edward Palm (2022). He is survived by his cousin, Amy Fulton; his 1st cousin once removed, Pattie Whitley; his 2nd cousin, Jenny Vanetta; his mother, Donna Pratt; her husband, Jim, and their two children, Julie and Aaron Pratt; as well as many friends, caregivers, and extended family members who loved him dearly.
Scott's favorite quote, "I might do it differently, but I get it done," perfectly embodies his unwavering spirit and the positivity he brought to every aspect of his life. His family, friends, and community will forever cherish the light he shared with the world.
Here is a video of the day in the life of Scott Palm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9nOhcJuTq0
You can find Scott's Original Obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/everett-wa/david-palm-12240354
We have started a 2nd Obituary here:
https://cascadememorial.com/obituary/665357/David-Scott-Palm/
Palm Tree Enterpriseshttps://palmtreeenterprises.com/
Here is a highlight, an article by Scott on StarTrek.com:
https://www.startrek.com/news/chase-masterson-scott-palm-guest-blog-in-real-life
Words from Karren
TO MAKE A HAND
“Will he make a hand?” the others discussed.
Well, each time he landed, he never did cuss.
He just located his hat, and dusted his shirt.
Climbed back in the saddle and never looked hurt.
He’s got persistence reported old Bob.
Tink said “he’s going to need it, if he’s taking this job.”
The years flew by and the kid’s now a man.
His persistence paid off. He’s now a top hand.
His wits are sharp. His eye is keen. He reads a herd like a book.
He’s never gruff or ever mean. But, you know his meaning by his look.
In this world there’s a host of men, who take a job and do it well.
But, few are they who rise above, leaving a story to tell.
There’s something inside that kind of man. It’s something you can’t explain.
But it causes the world around him to know, he’s anything but plain.
The wise will listen. The fool will smirk. The lazy will drift in his mind.
Once again I’ll repeat my former words. His cut is hard to find.
He’s generally quiet. He’s usually kind. Not often is he brass or rude.
But you’ll pick him out of a noisy crowd. He’s mostly silent while reading the room.
He glories in the sunsets. He rejoices in the rain.
He keeps his feelings tucked inside, rarely showing his pain.
He’s just a man, but a man he is. The kind this world needs.
Content upon his horse’s back, mostly free of lusts and greeds.
“To make a hand” is to become a man. The kind we all can trust.
We sure could use more who’ll get back up, each time they hit the dust.
By Del Shields, Cowboy Music and Poetry
Service
Monroe, WA, United States 98272
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