EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated to more accurately reflect Scott Hogarth's relationship with wife Tammy.
Among his countless accolades, Scott Hogarth was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame in 2014.
As part of the ceremony, he was gifted a commemorative t-shirt that reminds one of the touring schedule found on the back of a music band’s T. It’s a fitting association for someone who held rock star status in his chosen practice and profession.
An 11-time world champion and black belt in seven martial arts disciplines, the highly-respected and beloved local teacher passed away peacefully this morning (Oct. 28). He was surrounded by family, including wife Tammy.
He was 72.
“We will all miss his larger than life presence,” said daughter Danielle Hogarth-Comeau on Facebook, asking for a little space and time before details on arrangements are announced.
The posting set off a flood of social media reactions and postings from colleagues, students and admirers for Sensei/Hanshi Hogarth, a member of the inaugural induction class of the Milton Sport Hall of Fame (2016), who became a staunch advocate of the organization and welcomed newcomers to the "110 per cent club" with each subsequent ceremony.
“I don’t ever want to stop teaching, don’t ever want to stop connecting with people,” said Hogarth in his MSHOF tribute video. “It’s the people connection that’s important.”
Among those honouring their teacher/mentor was Mark Foreman, Hogarth’s first-ever black belt student and friend for nearly 45 years.
“I cannot believe this great man is gone,” he said Monday. “Few people are lucky enough to have 2 fathers. One biological and the other teacher! He (Hogarth) gave me access to experiences that will last a lifetime.
“He gave me everything.”
During a tough adolescence on the rough streets of Vancouver, Hogarth began his martial arts journey that allowed him to “channel” all his addictions into a more positive and ultimately meaningful pursuit.
From there, he’d go on to guide thousands of students – including wife Tammy, who went on to train with him and become a fellow Sensei – in Oakville and later through Milton’s Fighting Griffin.
Beyond the dojo, he was an avid supporter of many community events and often brought his students along to add some excitement to celebrations like Canada Day and the Santa Claus Parade.
His martial arts prowess and captivating personality would also make him a sought-after consultant, stuntman and fight choreographer in close to a dozen action movies.
He’d even try his hand at acting a few times, including in a popular candy commercial.
His resume includes awards far too many to mention. Among the more notable are his Masters Hall of Fame Golden Lifetime Achievement Award and the Sport Karate Museum Dragon Image Fighting Award.
“It’s nearly impossible to distill down into mere words what Hanshi Scott Hogarth meant to Milton,” said friend and MSHOF vice-president Rod McLachlan, who recalled the martial arts master regaling young athletes at the hall of fame’s first summer camp with his stories about Japan and his acting roles. “He was a great sports advocate, a great friend and he represented the very best of Milton.”
Said fellow MSHOF inductee Neil Teague (2019) on Facebook, "The Town of Milton, the Martial Arts World and Scott's family and friends lost a great one this morning. To be welcomed by Scott into the 110% club was a very special moment and honour indeed."
Speaking to his connection to the community leading up to his MSHOF induction, Hogarth offered a simple but impactful response.
“Milton’s been good to me, and I’ve been pretty good to Milton.”
Yes indeed.