Scott Kohl Titzler

Scott Kohl Titzler, from Grants Pass, Oregon, age 57, passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 29, 2007, in his home with his loving wife Sandi by his side. Also present during his final days were his only child Hetta, family, and close friends.

Scott will be remembered for his strength and commitment in his beliefs. It was that strength that allowed him to fight the good fight to the end. His passion for life became enhanced during his last year, often being the one to assure family and friends he was okay. This was never more prevalent than what was witnessed three weeks prior to his death at the June 2007 Relay for Life.

Leading a full life, Scott enjoyed many successes during his 57 years, both in his personal life and career. He was known as a man of his word.

Scott graduated in 1967 from Palos Verdes High School in California. He graduated from the University of California at Irvine earning his Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology degree in 1972. From 1973 to 1975 Scott worked towards his Masters Degree in Marine Biology at the University of Oregon, attending the Marine Biology Institute in Charleston, Oregon, a satellite University of Oregon program. Even as a teenager he valued hard work and being a good citizen as shown by obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

While attending school on the Oregon Coast, Scott became interested in commercial fishing. He took time off from school and joined ranks with the commercial fishermen. Scott fished the Coast of Oregon to Alaska for 10 years, fishing the Bering Sea in Alaska, bringing his boat through the Panama Canal, and was Chairman of the Cordova Planning Commission of United Fishermen of Alaska for three years. Those were exciting and rewarding years.

The Sentinel, Scott’s fishing vessel, was sold and Scott returned to Oregon to pursue a law degree from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. In 1987 Scott received his doctorate of law (J.D.). Scott worked for Acker, Underwood in Portland from 1987 to 1990 where he met his wife Sandi.

Scott and Sandi moved to Grants Pass in 1990 when Scott accepted the position of Deputy District Attorney for Josephine County where he remained for 16 years until his retirement in August 2006 due to health concerns.

Scott worked his way up to Chief Deputy District Attorney. No case was too small or too complicated for his interest or skills. He successfully prosecuted several high profile murder cases. Scott was instrumental in creating the Josephine County Drug Court Program, which became a model for the entire state. He was passionate about enforcing the law, bettering the community, and helping people that needed a second chance.

Scott volunteered his time to coach the Hidden Valley High School mock trial team which was a huge success. He was so proud he could help again.

But Scott’s passion did not end there. Some of the activities he enjoyed most were camping, backpacking, hiking, and fishing, and he had an endless love for the ocean.

Survivors include Scott’s wife Sandi, daughter Hetta, mother Muriel, sister Barbara Ranstrom, and brothers Henry and David Titzler. Scott was preceded in death by his father Hank.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to “Impact Theater” for the benefit of Drug Court, c/o Southern Oregon Defender, 215 S.E. 6th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526