Scott Allen Tompkins, a proud Grand Rapids native, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished “Boppa,” passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026. At 62, he leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and a life well lived.
Scott was born on April 25, 1963, in Flint, Michigan, and raised in Grand Rapids, where his lifelong love of family, sports, and community first took root. He earned his degree from Baldwin Wallace College, where he was not only a student but a fierce basketball player and competitor. He later continued his education at the University of Michigan, launching his coaching career and embracing, with unwavering pride and loyalty, a lifelong devotion to the Wolverines.
Scott’s passion for coaching went beyond competition, rooted in mentorship, character, and the chance to shape young lives. He built his career at Capital University, coaching basketball, and then at Hardin-Simmons University, where he led both the basketball team and the women’s cross-country team. Returning to Michigan, he devoted 25 years to teaching physical education and coaching basketball at Catholic Central and East Grand Rapids. In the later years of his career, Scott continued to inspire student-athletes at Aquinas College and Caledonia before returning to Catholic Central, leaving a lasting legacy of discipline, integrity, and confidence that endured long after the final buzzer.
Scott’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife, Amy, his partner of more than 40 years—his constant companion, fellow adventurer, and the love of his life. Together, they built a life rich with devotion, laughter, and exploration, traveling across Europe, throughout the United States, and to more baseball stadiums than they could count. Their shared commitment to their children, grandchildren, and community was the foundation of their life together.
Scott was one of six siblings and valued deeply the bond he shared with his brothers and sisters throughout his life.
He leaves behind his three sons, each of whom he loved deeply: Dillon and Hilary, parents of Evey, Annie, Mason, and August; Austin and his wife Aleah, parents to Arlyn Jo; and Landon and his wife Kali, parents to Gatlin and Byron. To his grandchildren, he was not just a grandfather—he was Boppa, their biggest fan, their storyteller, and their steady source of joy.
Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Tompkins.
Scott’s legacy lives on in the countless athletes he coached, the students he taught, the colleagues he inspired, and the family he adored. His impact was wide, his love was fierce, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held on February 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Thomas Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Eastern Hall, 506 Eastern Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. A private gathering for close family will follow from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
23 Responses
So sad and sorry for everyone my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this hard time
So sorry to hear we have lost a Cougar legend.
A proud representative of every team he coached and every player blessed to be under
His leadership. Had many laughs at the AQ summer basketball camps with him and the staff. Prayers to his beautiful family and all others close to him. RIP Coach Scott
Terry Bocian
Thoughts and prayers was an amazing teacher for me at EGR we me truly missed
Our family was sorry to hear about Coach Tompkins passing. Remember going to his camps at CC as a kid, and then watching his run to Crisler at CC. Didn’t get a chance to play for him directly but he was someone people looked up to and would run through a wall for. Great teacher obviously. Sorry for your loss and prayers are with your family.
Our sincerest condolences to Amy and sons, Scott was such a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone. A rare and special blessing he was.
Mr. Tompkins was one of my favorite teachers at EGRHS. He was incredibly kind hearted and funny. He always looked out for me and made sure I was having a good day. When I had him as a teacher, we would talk about country music, Michigan sports or memories he had with my Dad at UofM. He will be missed!
To a life long friend of the family may you rest in peace my brother. I know you will be missed by many whose lives have been blessed with your presence.
As a teammate you were always one of the best with positive attitude and hard work. I will miss you but I will remember you.
God Bless you Amy and all your boys and Grands.
All my love and deepest sympathies.
Daane
To the Scott Tompkins Family,
I went to Catholic Central with Scott, he was a wonderful person a very great competitor in playing sports and just a human being in life. I saw him coaching later on and he kept on carrying his drive and Spirit with him.
May his soul along with his mother‘s rest in peace for eternity in Jesus name I pray
A M E N
✝️🙏🏻🕊️
Gregory Kurkjian
Jim and Maria Noonan express their deepest sympathy at your loss. Our prayers are with you and all the family.
There isn’t enough words to print or say about Scott & his family. Memories are many, coaching with our stops at Michigan, Hardin Simmons and helping one year at Aquinas was a great start to the program. Will always remember basketball games we played at Crisler & on the road at Big Ten arenas.
Rest well my friend.
So sorry for your loss to the family , although I did not know Scott, I have come to know Austin by way of Aleah and in a short time can see what exceptional person he is with his true authentic intentional connection with people. Knowing this is something exampled to him gives me a great feel for who Scott is and the legacy of him that shall live on. My hearts break for you all that his physical presence will not be available to you all and the members of yet to come as I know all to well what that looks like , but we still get to hold those loves ones by sharing our experiences with them with others. Love 💕 and prayers to you all as you move through this new way of life.
Amy, We can’t find words to express our shock when we heard this news. We hope that you can get home this summer to get hugs from the family. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Coach used basketball to teach far more than the game. He taught life — through discipline, accountability, hard work, and genuine care for his players. He shaped people, not just teams, and that is his true legacy. His teachings will continue to impact generations to come, and his presence as a mentor, leader, and role model was truly irreplaceable.
I will always be grateful for the lessons he taught both on and off the court.
My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. The world lost a great one, but the influence he had on so many will never fade.
Rest in peace, Coach. Thank you for everything.
We send our deepest sympathy to Amy and her family. It was a pleasure to know Scott. What a fun-loving and welcoming guy he was! He and Amy have a knack for embracing everyone. What a huge loss for you all.
Lovely man, Beautiful spirit!
Rest well young man, I will miss your smile and your friendliness.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. Scott sounds like the kind of person who left lasting legacies with so many people throughout his life. Ron remembers hearing of him while he was coaching at Catholic Central and EGR. He was acquainted with Scott through another baseball coach at Catholic Central named Rick Billings. Ron used to play softball for Eastern Ave Hall. He worked there and met Scott through the Barcheski’s. Very fond memories of him. Always a kind word. Praying for peace and comfort.
Both my son’s, John and Andrew Myers played under Scott and I worked with him at EGRHS. I watched Amy bring babies and toddlers to games and watch them play at half time as young children. My boys and I are so very sad to hear this. Both still play basketball and are coaching their boys too- one at EGR. Scott had unwavering integrity , joy and dedication to his family, and his students. My heartfelt prayers for the family to somehow find peace in the time to come. Scott’s legacy will never be diminished.
Having known Scott since he was in high school, I can say one thing for sure: from the first time I met him, he never changed. As much as anyone I have known, he always made an effort to be his best as an athlete, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, an advisor, a friend, and I am sure, as a husband, father, and grandfather. It was such a pleasure to have worked with him and learned from him in a sport and profession he loved and so well performed. A life well lived and shared, he will be missed. My deepest thoughts and prayers for Amy and family.
My sincere condolences to Amy and entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the privilege of going to high school and graduating with Scott. Non-stop fun for the class of ’81! He was always such a kind, caring and fun loving person. I don’t ever remember “Scotty Doo” not having a smile on his face. He was always trying to make others laugh and feel comfortable to be around. I loved his competitive spirit. May Scott rest in peace while enjoying some heavenly basketball!
My condolences to the extended family, Scott was a great person and coach. Fond memories.
The world lost a good one.
This is heartbreaking and my sincerest condolences go out to the whole family. I’m truly blessed to have had Scotty as my uncle. He was my go to guy in Florida when I wanted to go grab a drink and always fun to be around whether going on a trip or just reconvene with family. Uncle Scott will forever be missed and will always be loved.
Scottie Doo
What a fantastic teammate and more importantly a dear friend. Although after leaving High School our contact and communication was rare, the Brotherhood Never Dies. You’ll be in my thoughts until we meet again. My dearest sympathies to Amy, your children and grandchildren. Gone far too soon but only a thought away. Love u bro. 💓
Amy and family – Mom and I send our deepest condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. I still have a memory from your wedding, at sunset, with the light glowing behind both of you. May your memories of Scott be a blessing.