Scott Tiernan

Scott Peter Tiernan

Resident of San Jose

53, public relations director, devoted husband and family man; a member of one of Northern California's oldest ranching families. Scott Tiernan was a man who found pure joy in the delight of others. He had a deep love for his friends and family as well as the family ranch in the redwoods of La Honda. As a public relations professional, Scott was happiest when he was celebrating somebody else's successes, and was quiet about his own good deeds. Scott died on Wednesday, September 22, after a brief illness, at O'Connor Hospital in Santa Clara.

Born on September 4, 1957, Scott was raised in San Jose, CA by his parents, the late Peter E. Tiernan, attorney, who passed away in 2001, and Maureen O'Connell Tiernan, who passed away in 1996. He was proud of his parents and their families' histories. He was an enthusiastic historian on the subject of cattle ranching, as his mother grew up in one of California's dominant ranching families, with extensive holdings in southern Santa Clara County, the Coyote Valley and San Benito County.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Michelle, whom he married in May 2002, and his brother Mark, with whom he shared a love of family, all sports, and the family ranch at La Honda. He also is survived by his large extended Irish Catholic family.

Scott attended school at Saint Leo's in San Jose, Bellarmine College Preparatory and graduated in 1979 from Loyola Marymount University in West Los Angeles. The influence of the Jesuit education he received in his school years remained with him for the rest of his life, and he often credited his Jesuit schooling for his own strong moral character and beliefs.

His wife Michelle remembers him as a man with big ideas and an even bigger heart. He could always find a way to make things happen; like bringing the rodeo back to the La Honda area, "his eyes twinkling with excitement as he talked about how wonderful it would be to restore this tradition." Thinking back on their life together, Michelle says, "My husband Scott was the light of my life. His love was steadfast and true, his kindness unsurpassed and his smile and laughter were contagious. I will miss him all the days of my life."

Scott's generosity was legendary. As much as he loved to get away to their cabin in La Honda, he loved even more to offer it to a friend or family member who needed a respite from the stresses of their lives.

His brother Mark says, "Scott truly believed the motto "Men for Others". He was a great brother, husband, son and uncle. We were excited about the future and looked forward to the years ahead."

His many clients who became his friends during his years with EMC Creative and Coakley Heagarty were often treated to a phone call from Scott that started, "I have this wild idea" Many of these "wild ideas" turned into memorable stories in print, radio and television during his long career. Scott was a champion of Home Aid, the Building Industry Association's non-profit group that provides housing to the transitionally homeless. His energy, endeavor and fearless pursuit of the next opportunity to cast light upon Home Aid's efforts will be long remembered. Just months ago, Scott led the PR efforts to help sell-out the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek for a one-night performance by Dana Carvey as a fundraiser for the organization.

A memorial mass will be held at Leontyne Chapel, Bellarmine College Preparatory, 960 W. Heddiing St., SJ, CA 95126 Monday, October 4th at 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Scott's name may be made to two organizations's close to Scott's heart: Bellermine Prep Peter E Tiernan Endowment Fund, www.bellermineprep.org and HomeAid Northern California, www.homeaidnc.org.