Obituary of Robert Scott Gahn
Robert Scott Gahn passed away peacefully at home May 19,2023 following a six month battle with cancer. He was 62 years of age and is survived by Julianna Iles Gahn, his wife of 34 years, his three children Robert Scott Gahn Jr, Elizabeth Reed Gahn, and John Evariste Gahn. Also, his mother Mary Adelaide Gahn, brothers and sisters Roland Francis Gahn Jr, Kimberly Ann Sicola (Chuck), Margarette Erin Gahn, James Brendan Gahn (Kristy), and niece and goddaughter Marie Claire Sicola, nephew Joseph Anthony Sicola; father and mother-in-law Clint and Ann Iles, brother and sister-in-law Delma Ann Iles and Clinton Tucker Iles (Terrilyn).
Scott was born October 13, 1960, in Lafayette, Louisiana, son of Roland and Adelaide Gahn. He grew up in northern Virginia with two brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Virginia Tech University with a BA in economics and an MA in economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. Scott was a lifelong devoted Catholic. His faith was central to who he was and guided him throughout his life. Scott and Juli were members of St John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston where their children were raised in the Catholic faith. He has more recently been a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church which ministered to him throughout his battle with cancer.
Scott was a brilliant businessman, creative, well known, and respected in the energy field. He was the founder of the original Just Energy 2002 startup, which he developed into a large publicly traded company. After a professional break for family in 2011, he returned in 2012 as a member of Just Energy’s board of directors, and he was appointed CEO of Just Energy in 2019. Many who worked with Scott have shared that he was the most important mentor in their careers and that he was very influential both personally and professionally. He was the unique leader who was both loved and respected. He was known to be tough but also kind, and he never gave up.
Scott had a long history in the deregulated energy industry, having served on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas board from 2006 to 2008, and was involved in the sale of deregulated and regulated electricity and natural gas for over 28 years.
There is much more to Scott Gahn than Scott the businessman. He was known for his intellect and charm, his generosity and graciousness, his wit and great sense of humor. He was very funny and liked to tease. He was just fun to be with. An excellent athlete, he enjoyed sports all his life. Boating and fishing on Lake Livingston and pulling his children behind his boat on wakeboards were some of his loves. Scott was an excellent snow skier. A great outdoor cook, he enjoyed a good meal and was a wine connoisseur. Scott was a devoted family man who lovingly and thoughtfully advised his children and anyone who sought his counsel. Scott and Juli created a warm home where friends and family felt welcome. He truly enjoyed life and lived every day to its fullest.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to his all his faithful caregivers, but especially Juana Chavira and Clarice Thompson. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Neurological Research Foundation, Dr. David Baskin, 1656 North Blvd, Houston, TX 77006. The service will be held on Thursday, May 25th at 10:00 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098.