Scott, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that you’ve moved on, leaving the rest of us to wander around on the Earth without your wit, good nature and grace. We became friends at Fort Collins High School in the mid-70s. I remember going to your house and seeing your bedroom plastered with movie posters. Even then, you were fascinated by the movies. And that “Scooter” nickname! Your dad used to call you that! Our friendship continued after high school as we both went a little further down the street to Colorado State University. We had many great times in college, but the highlight was making that movie. We shot it on 16 mm film. With the help of a musician friend, we recorded an original music soundtrack along with sound effects and then edited it and mixed it all together. It took us all summer. For a four-minute film. But we had great fun and learned a lot.

After you moved to California, we didn’t interact nearly as much, but I always looked forward to your Christmas cards with the neat and unique printing and clever discussion of the events of the prior year. When we saw each other occasionally in either California or Colorado, you told me about your various projects, but after that college film, we never worked together. And so, it is heartwarming to hear the reminiscences from your colleagues about how they held you in such high esteem, how you were a joy to work with and your outstanding expertise and ability in your field. I’m in awe that you were able to follow your childhood dreams of making movies, make those dreams come true and touch so many people in the process with your talent, skill and remarkable personality. 

I’ll miss you, buddy.

Scott's smile and laugh light up the room -- his generous spirit and kind heart put him a league of the best of the best.  I met him in the early 1980s at CalArts -- funny, smart, uber-talented a good guy to his loving core.  RIP, dear friend, Scott.

I wanted to share some memories of Scott, and send my deepest condolences to his family.
Scott was a wonderful person to work with—talented and thorough, yes, but also someone who just made the atmosphere better. I always felt more excited upon finding out we would be working on the same project. It was easy to feel happy and safe around him, knowing his work would be excellent and that he was a kind and fun person to hang out with.
I loved his humor and wit, his easy laugh, the way he got genuinely excited about things a lot of people would not notice.
We once were talking about happiness, and he told me that what he wanted most was contentment—that contentment was enough, and sometimes the most difficult thing to attain. I have thought of that often since he said that many years ago.
I admired how he took time for himself with his early morning rituals and tai chi practice, even during our craziest schedules.
I was looking forward to texting with him during the world series this year. We didn't communicate often but when there was something stressful going on during a Dodgers game I could count on him to be nervously watching or listening as well. I'm glad they came through for you this time Scott.
I'll never forget his Christmas parties—how relaxed and happy he seemed surrounded by family and friends, that warmth he brought to everything.
And what he said about wearing hats—that there's a point of no return, that you have to commit after a certain time because your hair demands it. I think of that almost every time my hair is matted to my head after wearing a hat too long.
I'm going to miss you, and the bits of wisdom gained from being around you. Thank you for being such a positive light for so many.

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Oh Scott... Hearing about your passing was truly a blow I was not ready for. It had been far too long since we got to hang out together. I am sorry that the circumstances of work and space and time conspired to keep us in different spheres for the last decade, but I so appreciated your warmth, kindness, playfulness, dedication and friendship.  I was especially shocked to hear of your passing because I honestly felt your presence the day before I learned the news. I was boarding a plane on the other side of the world when you popped into my head without warning. A specific conversation we had had probably 20 years ago suddenly entered my mind and I smiled thinking about those days. It was the next morning that I saw the news of your passing. I was shocked... But at the same time, I was deeply comforted knowing that we were connected enough that some little spark of your spirit visited me on your way through the door... Sending love and support to your family in their time of loss.

To Jill and your Family,
I was so incredibly sad to hear of Scott's passing. He was kind, warm, talented and had a inner compass that was always true. I guess I thought he would always be here and now he's not. Gerardo and I are praying for him and for you. We send you healing angels for your sorrow.

Scott you were one of a kind. We work with so many people in this industry and you stood out as cream of the crop. I was just thinking of you the other day and remembering your story of seeing Van Halen for the first time. The way you told that story made me feel as if I was there myself. I’m so sorry about your passing but I’m so happy that I got to meet you and know you. Rest in Peace my friend.

Scott is the best big brother anyone could ever have.  He teased my twin sister and me and had much fun doing this as we grew up.  I cannot imagine competing with younger twin sisters for attention.  Scott was called Scooter by us as kids and he was always very bright and smart and interesting.  I remember him doing fireworks in Hawaii and hoping he was careful with the firecrackers, which he was!  We did lots of swimming and jumping on trampolines on Kamehameha campus.  My Dad would leave us on the campus and Scooter was in charge and we either swam or dived off of Olympic diving boards or jumped on the trampolines.  We never got hurt and remained safe always.  It was so much fun on the Kam School campus.  We flew kites.  We had Poki and Clementine, our cats, while growing up. Scott ended up bringing Clementine to California as his cat in his early years in college and she lived a very long time for a wild and feral kitten we all started with when when we were young one Thanksgiving night.  

Scotts job was in set design, how perfect for him!  He loved scary movies and would wake Leigh and me up at 1 or 2 am and have us watch the Werewolf of London or Dracula or Frankenstein or some other scary move as we grew up.  He painted monster models and his profession clearly matched his wit and desire for adventure.

Scott is so kind and gentle.  He loved and was loved by his family so incredibly dearly.   Every member of my family absolutely adores Scott!!!  My God, I will miss our charming and interesting conversations.  We always ended our conversations with " I love you and Aloha!" He will be loved so intensely always and I cannot believe he won't grow old with Leigh and me as we age.  My heart is just shattered and I so appreciate the loving memories his friends have for him.  Please know you can reach out to Leigh and me any time to share anything you want about Scott.  Oh, how I wish he is alive.  Oh, how I need him for the rest of my old age.

Scott, 
You were so much more than a friend and colleague, you and Jill changed our lives. We first met through the Set Designers & Model Makers union local, when we were both Board members. When we moved to Burbank, Lo and behold, the Herbertsons were our neighbors. We raised our kids together, we carved pumpkins together, we walked in the neighborhood Fourth of July stroller/bike parade together and birthdays and . . . We wouldn’t be Unitarian Universalist if it wasn’t for your progressive politics, and it was at the UU church that  you became Godparents to both our kids.

We worked on eight films together. You were without a doubt one of the most talented designers I have ever known. But more importantly you were always a gentleman in the mayhem we called an art department, it was always a joy to work along side you.

Finally, there was our Union life together, when the president of the local decided not to run again they looked at us as duo and asked which one of us was going to be the next president of the local, I will never forgive you for giving me the push into union politics. Like I said before, you changed my life, always for the better. My lasting memory of you will always be that when Jill was pregnant with Audrey and Nicole was pregnant with Cody, it was recorded under Good & Welfare in the minutes of the IATSE Local 847 Board Meeting that “Scott Herbertson and Jim Wallis are having a baby.”

Thank you for being in my life, you will be sorely missed.

Scott was a treasure to all who knew him. His warmth was contagious and his smile was infectious. He was creative, humorous, optimistic, and a true friend. We will all miss him.

RIP: Scott Herbertson

Scott, you are a treasure. I knew you as a gentleman, an artist, a craftsman, and a consummate professional. You understood the deep importance of the set designer’s role—designing environments, crafting precise technical drawings, and shaping the visual worlds that bring stories to life. Your passion for the craft lifted every project you touched.

We came to know each other through the 847 Set Designers and the 800 Art Directors Guild, and through the projects we worked on together. Each morning, you shared a warm hello, welcomed us with joyful banter, and contributed thoughtful, constructive insights to every creative discussion. Your presence was both grounding and inspiring.

Your love for our creative community was evident every day, second only to the love you had for your family. I was fortunate to meet your beautiful family at your holiday gathering, and it was clear how deeply you cherished them and how proud you were. You were truly a blessed man.

Scott, your kindness, talent, humility, and professionalism will be sorely missed. We are better for having worked alongside you, learned from you, and shared this creative path with you.

With sincere sympathy and deep respect,
Your Friend and Colleague

My dear friend. We knew each other since 7th grade. So many wonderful  memories. He made his dreams of working in the movies a reality. Heart broken.

“Scott and I met in high school and have been close friends for 50 years. He was the Best Man at my wedding and we shared a love of life, movies, and heartfelt conversation. You were such a kind and caring soul my friend. Your passing diminishes this world and breaks my heart into tiny pieces. We had so much still to discuss and ponder. You carried joy with you everywhere and never hesitated to share it while lighting the world with your unabashed laughter. Until we meet again.”

I had the privilege of working alongside Scott Herbertson on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I’ll always remember his warmth, humor, and remarkable design talent. He had that rare ability to make every project feel exciting and every day in the Art Department enjoyable. Scott shared wonderful stories from his time on Avatar and other incredible productions, and I learned so much from his generosity and experience. He was a true artist and a kind friend. He will be deeply missed, but his creativity and spirit will continue to inspire all of us who had the honor to work with him. I only recently learned his childhood nickname was ‘Scooter’.  I deeply regret that I could not have teased him about that all these years.

Just heard this news and I'm stunned. Scott was such a wonderful human and lead by example. I am just at a Loss. Scott I loved you and I'm so glad I had the time that I had with you. I have lots of warm memories with you. This doesn't feel real. Rest in Peace, my friend.

OBITUARY

Scott Herbertson

March 21, 1958 – October 18, 2025

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

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