Comfortable in his own skin, which lately was covered with knee-high socks decorated with an eclectic rainbow of neon colors and a collection of tennis shoes to match. Known for his messaged t-shirts and a closet full of Lululemon joggers. But that is just part of Scott’s charm and swagger; never afraid to express his own sense of style. So, if you’re coming to his Celebration of Life, keep it casual and fun.
Born in Hutchinson, KS, on August 4, 1959; the first-born son of Reba Jean Schafer and Earl Wayne Boles, where he held the title of favorite son for almost two years. Delivered by Catholic nuns, because the doctor was late, laid the foundation for his future concept of time.
Scott spent four years defending his favorite son title; his parents welcomed two more brothers into his world: Brian and Conan. They lived at the Kansas Bible Camp where his father was the assistant director and his mother the head chef, forming his earliest love of the restaurant industry.
In 1966, Wayne hung up his frock and moved the family to Lincoln, NE. Scott’s favorite son title ended with the birth of his brother Eric in 1969. Which was quickly followed by Wayne and Reba’s decision to pursue separate life journeys. In 1971, Reba remarried Mike Schafer and went on to add another brother, Jeremy Schafer in 1975.
In 1977, Scott started his restaurant management career when he was promoted to dining room manager at Valentino’s located at 70th & Van Dorn. To this day we refer to Tony Messinio as the Godfather of Scott’s restaurant career. Over two decades, Scott traveled the country, honing his chosen trade skills. Until March 20, 1991, when he opened Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket with his brother Brian and his lifelong friend, Jay Jarvis. Nebraska’s very first brewpub brought brewing back to Nebraska since the closing of the Falstaff Brewery and started a revolution of new breweries in the state that now numbers over 50.
Lazlo’s altered Lincoln’s dining experience with from-scratch recipes, wood-fired cooking, and teamwork service that is still unparalleled today. Numerous employees will attest to how fond they were of him, except for a couple of times when he belittled them – deservedly – for doing something stupid.
Growing up with four brothers meant you suffered through your share of snuggies, nuggies, the occasional swirlie, and plenty of insults. We only tease the ones we love. It’s when we stop that you should worry.
He was the consummate Wingman. Whether it was the tequila factories in Guadalajara, Mexico, a Hostess Bar in Tokyo, or the beaches of Aruba, he was there for you. Of course, you had to pay for the trip, but by gawd, he was there.
He taught us the importance of rituals. That repetition is the way to mastery. That music is medicine; his library of musicians is unrivaled and rarely found on any Top 40 radio station. Always drawn to a good storyteller and loved his Waylon and Willie and the Boys. So much so, he named two of his dogs after the famed musicians and another in remembrance of his grandmother Lucile; known to Scott’s social media following as Lucy (Squish). Social media has suffered a tragic loss of a truly great poet.
Scott’s body may have failed him, but his love of life never did. He found joy traveling with his brothers and caregiver Brandy in search of the Holy Grail. And like those before him, to no avail.
Left to celebrate his life are his parents E. Wayne Boles, Reba Schafer (Derald Kohles), Mike Schafer (Marlene Brondel), his four brothers: Brian Boles (Jennifer), Conan Schafer (Rebecka), Eric Schafer (Renee), and Jeremy Schafer (Jaime Jorgenson). Two dogs Waylon & Squish. And seven or eight nieces and nephews depending how you look at it.
No flowers, please. Donations can be sent to the Capital Humane Society Pieloch Pet Adoption Center, 6500 S. 70th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for brothers, sisters, and friends of the revolution at Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill Haymarket, located at 210 N. 7th Street, Lincoln, NE on Monday, February 7 from 5PM-10PM. Masks required.