Community Rallies Around Bright Beginnings Co-Founder After Husband’s Death

Jun 4

By Joshuah Albert

Hood River, Ore., June 4, 2025 — After more than three decades of nurturing young minds at Bright Beginnings School, longtime educator Scott Rumsey died unexpectedly on Monday, leaving a profound impact on the Hood River community and an uncertain future for the preschool he co-founded.

Rumsey, who operated the school alongside his wife, Billie, for 31 years, was remembered by friends and former students as a warm, compassionate, and transformative presence in early education.

“Some people touch our lives and leave us forever transformed. Scott Rumsey was that person,” wrote family friend Jessica Sanderson on the GoFundMe page launched in support of Billie. “You couldn’t be in his presence without feeling the warmth of his bright smile, seeing the twinkle in his eye, or feeling the genuine nature that he exuded as a person.”

The loss has left an emotional and financial burden on Billie, who must now navigate her grief while managing the future of Bright Beginnings. In response, the community has stepped up—raising more than $16,000 within the first five hours of the fundraiser going live.

According to the fundraiser’s description, the campaign is intended “to give her relief from financial burden as she navigates a new normal for herself, her family and the future of the school.”

Organizers are asking the public to respect the Rumsey family’s privacy as they grieve, while still encouraging messages of support to be left on the GoFundMe page.

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-billie-rumsey-after-scotts-passing