Tribute to a Pioneer

Scott and Mary

In the early 1970s, Scott Wolfe was among the first five pilots of the newly formed aviation branch of (then) New Tribes Mission. Though he was a farmer, he learned to fly as a hobby. When he and his wife, Mary, left farming to pursue missions training, his hobby turned to a career of service for the Lord Jesus Christ, to make Him known in every way he could.

After overhauling a Cessna 185 to use in Panama, Scott and Mary and their two children moved to Panama, driving the daunting journey in their Chevy Suburban. With Spanish study completed, Scott set up a flight program, providing aviation service for church planters taking the hope of Christ to unreached people.

Upon finishing a four-year term there, Scott studied Indonesian, and he and his family traveled to Asia Pacific to set up flight programs in three different regions to serve church planters in remote areas. Having served 12 years there, with Scott accumulating some 8,000 hours, the Wolfes moved to the USA where Scott continued in leadership of the aviation organization, training new pilots as well as traveling extensively to oversee work in Asia Pacific and Africa.

June 16, 2025, Scott took his final flight to Heaven, greeted no doubt by “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”  Thanks resounds to the heavens for Scott’s dedicated life of service. 

When have you ever heard Matthew 28:19-20 as verses for a memorial service? Scott had lived his life personally and as a missionary pilot/mechanic to obey Christ’s command to make the gospel known to every person and nation.