Scotty’s Overview

On March 18, 1989, Scott Robert Banke was born to Bob and Carmen Banke. Upon his arrival, he bonded immediately with his older sister, Leslie, to make their family complete. As he grew, Scott loved all the things young boys love to do: camping, hunting, fishing, playing with his little dog; Gracie. He also enjoyed, R.C. cars, collecting Hot Wheels, participating in various sports and, of course, teasing his big sister.

In his spare time, Scotty developed a desire and the skill to learn and perform ‘magic tricks’. He frequently entertained family and friends with the tricks that he learned and, at the same time, was able to share his Christian love openly with his audience.

When Scotty was ten years of age, a physical check up confirmed that he had developed a bone cancer called, Osteosarcoma. Life for him and his family changed dramatically. The first course of treatment for this condition was chemotherapy. With determination, he began the treatments. Following this, Scotty underwent several surgeries to correct the problem. Eventually, he underwent the ‘stem cell transplant’, in hopes that this would overcome the cancer. Through it all, Scott’s attitude was cheerful and upbeat. His positive attitude during his 2-year struggle kept his family and friends from falling apart many times. With his loving spirit, mischievous eyes and his unique ability to entertain, he would make smile and laugh, even when times were tough!

Scott wanted people to know that, with Jesus, he was OK with having cancer. He felt that it gave him an opportunity to share the Love of Jesus with other kids, their parents and even the medical professionals that cared for him. Scott’s legacy is best summed up in one of his trademark smiles along with his loving phrase… “See ya later.”

While Scott was still with us one of his dreams was to have an area for McMinnville kids to play when it is wet. Unfortunately, it is wet a lot in McMinnville. Scotty’s playhouse was just a dream, that eventually became a reality.

Scott’s struggle with cancer ended on May 6, 2001. And, though our tears still fall, we know that in heaven he is alive and well. Scotty’s desire is for each of you to come to know Jesus so that he will… “See ya later”.