Quality time with daughter makes him father of year

When it comes to what Carter Scott enjoys most about her father, the 10-year-old is happy just spending quality time with him.

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"He usually does fun stuff with me," said the rising fifth-grader at Lewiston Elementary School. "He spends a good amount of time with me, but he has to work, too."

They often fish, camp, ride bikes and debate over what to watch on television

Rance Scott, a contractor, was named The Columbia County News-Times ' Father of the Year. He has been married to Sherry Scott for 20 years. Carter is the couple's only child.

"He fixes skinned knees, bikes, fishing poles, broken toys and broken hearts," Carter wrote on her entry form. "He always makes things fun."

Scott was surprised and honored to learn that he won the contest. He said he didn't know his daughter had entered an application.

"There are a lot of dads out there that are just as deserving, if not more," he said. "I think dads today put a lot more emphasis on the children."

After 10 years of marriage and much effort, the Scotts had their daughter through in vitro fertilization.

"We realize that for her even to exist is a blessing to us," Scott said.

He noted how important it is for a father to spend valuable time with his children and tries to make each day enjoyable for his own daughter.

"That's what you remember the most as you become an adult," Scott said. "It's not the material things. It's the quality of time you spent."

When his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2008, Scott took on extra household duties to help his family cope.

"When my mom got breast cancer this year, he couldn't fix that, but he helped us make it through all the worst parts," Carter wrote. "He did everything my mom couldn't do."

Sherry Scott said she recently received good news that she was cancer free and added that she couldn't have made it through without her husband's support. She said Scott is an attentive, fun and doting father.

Though the past year was an emotional one, Scott said they tried to keep many aspects in Carter's life routine.

"We just tried to let her know what was going on, but also keep it as normal as possible," he said.

"I love my dad very much," Carter wrote. "He is the best dad ever. He helps people who need help."