Michael Scott Fern

Michael Scott Fern (“Scott”) died from stroke complications on October 10, 2024 at the age of 70. Scott was born on May 29, 1954 in Oklahoma City. He was the only son of Kenneth Roy Fern and Mary Janice Hardin (née Leary). Scott graduated from Putnam City High School in 1972, received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1978, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1980.

Scott spent the first decade of his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General of Oklahoma and devoted the remainder of his legal career to the higher education sector. He served as General Counsel to the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges in the late 1980s, and for the largest part of his career—over three decades—he acted as counsel to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. During that time, he also taught several courses to undergraduate students at Oklahoma State University in the subjects of higher education law, administrative law, and constitutional law. Scott’s career culminated with his being named Executive Vice President of Oklahoma City Community College in 2022, a position he held until unanticipated health events necessitated his retirement.

Scott was married for 34 years to Cheryl Ann Fern (née Nelson). Though their marriage ended in divorce, Scott had fond memories of their time traveling together and raising their two daughters, Tierney and Riane. Scott was erudite, sharp-witted, and contemplative; but those who knew him well know that he could also be quite nostalgic and sentimental. Scott was fascinated by military and political history, was an avid Sooners football fan, and enjoyed all types of media and culture. He maintained an extensive (and meticulously organized) collection of films, records, CDs, magazines, and books. His favorite film was Casablanca, he loved the short-lived 1960s TV series The Prisoner, and his favorite musical artist, by far, was David Bowie. One of Scott’s favorite quotes, which was framed and displayed in his office for many years, was from Will Rogers: “We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.”

Scott was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Tierney. He is survived by his daughter Riane (Salar); granddaughter Laila—as well as Leighton, Korie, and Emma, to whom he was also known as “Grampy”; and siblings, including his sister Kim (David). Scott’s family is in the care of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Cremation is planned per Scott’s wishes, and his immediate family will be privately celebrating Scott’s life and scattering his ashes in a place meaningful to him.