Roderick “Waddo” Scott, Sr., a beloved husband, father, Nez Perce fisherman, community member and steadfast advocate for the rights and traditions of the Nimiipuu people, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Post Falls. His Indian name is Eagle of the Light.

Waddo was the son of Lyman Sr. and Clara (Ramsey) Scott. He made his home in Lapwai, where he remained deeply connected to his family, community, culture and the traditions of his Nez Perce ancestors.

He was the beloved husband of Tammy Scott and a proud father to Roderick Scott Jr., Derrick Scott and Rhonda Scott. He has 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The values he carried — strength, perseverance, loyalty and commitment to his people — were reflected in the way he lived and in the legacy he leaves to his children and future generations.

Waddo was particularly known for his connection to fishing and for his unwavering commitment to Nez Perce treaty fishing rights. His name became part of Nez Perce history during the 1980 Rapid River fishing rights dispute near Riggins.

At the time, Waddo was among the Nez Perce treaty fishermen determined to exercise their rights to fish despite a closure imposed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Tensions were high, and armed state and county officers were present as the Tribe’s fishermen prepared to enter the river.

When asked about the possibility of being stopped, Waddo famously made his position clear:

“They’re going to have to shoot me to stop me. I’ve been prepared to die for a long time. Are they ready?”

His words reflected the depth of his conviction. For Waddo, fishing was not simply about catching salmon. It was about honoring the treaty rights secured by his ancestors and protecting the cultural practices and way of life that had sustained the Nimiipuu for generations.

Yet Waddo’s legacy extends far beyond that historic conflict.

He was a husband, father, relative, friend, employee, fisherman and community member. He was a man who knew the importance of standing up for what he believed was right and who understood that the decisions made in one generation could affect generations yet to come.

His life was rooted in Lapwai and in the people he served. Through his work with the Nez Perce Tribe, his commitment to his family, and his dedication to protecting Nez Perce traditions, Waddo left an enduring mark on his community.

His story will be remembered not simply as the story of a young man who stood against a state fishing closure, but as the story of a Nez Perce man who understood the responsibility that came with the rights of his people... and was willing to stand firmly in their defense.

Roderick was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John Scott and Margaret Broncheau; his maternal grandparents, John Ramsey and Catherine Stevens; his parents, Lyman Sr. and Clara (Ramsey) Scott; his brothers, LaVerne Alfrey, Elisha Scott, Lyman Scott Jr., John Scott and Wilfred Scott, Sr.; and his sisters, Wanda Scott, Rhonda Scott, Benedicta Scott Holt, Darlene Loma, Sharon Navarro and Julie Ann Scott Crowe.

Roderick is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy Scott; his children, Roderick Scott Jr., Derrick Scott, and Rhonda Scott; his siblings, Lynette Scott, of Toppenish, Wash., June Pinkham, of Lapwai, Doris Thompson, of Pendleton, Ore., Theda Scott, of Pendleton, Louella Scott, of Pendleton and Harold Scott and his wife, Danielle, of Clarkston; Allison Scott, of Lapwai; David Scott and his wife, Yvonne, of Lapwai; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

He leaves behind a legacy of courage, family, service, cultural pride and commitment to the Nimiipuu way of life.

May Roderick “Waddo” Scott Sr. Rest In Peace.