| Bringing to remembrance pleasant
events with classmates no longer here...
| Robert Edward Tierney - 12/25/33 -
10/17/08 |
| |
|
 |
Robert Edward Tierney
No. 22148
Died in Carmel, CA
|
| |
| |
Robert Edward Tierney died Friday night (10/17/08) in his home in
Carmel, CA of prostate cancer. Bob is survived by Sally Masterson
Tierney, his bride of fifty years, their four married children, eleven
grandchildren, and countless friends, whom he loved dearly. Bob led
an exciting and exemplary life, dedicated to service for his country,
family and friends.
An only child, raised in the Midwest, Bob's aspiration as a young
boy was to become a soldier statesman. In 1958 he graduated from the
United States Military Academy at West Point and began flight training.
He was a pilot in the Strategic Air Command during the Cuban Missile
Crisis and in 1965 he joined the Central Intelligence Agency where
he was awarded the Certificate of Distinction. Bob led a distinguished
career in the CIA serving his country in Laos, Singapore, Japan, and
ultimately in the U.S. Mission to the United Nations under Ambassador
Jeanne Kirkpatrick. Throughout, he earned a strong reputation for
integrity, independent thinking, and disciplined intelligence. As
one senior diplomat recalls with a smile "Bob was always the
one to ask the question that none of us wanted to answer..."
Bob was equally engaged and inquisitive with his family; at home his
favorite seat was at the family dinner table, where his probing inquiry
was balanced with wit, patience, and love.
During his career, Bob and Sally moved over fifteen times and engaged
in each community as if it were their hometown, setting roots and
"giving back." After retiring from government in 1983, Bob
and Sally moved from New York City to Camden, ME, where they opened
a family business, "The Maine Stay" Bed & Breakfast.
Gregarious by nature, a gifted conversationalist, and quick with a
(long) joke, Bob became a popular innkeeper and civic leader. He led
the Camden Economic Council and he created The Camden Conference,
a nationally renowned education and policy program focused on foreign
affairs, now in its twenty-second year. Bob was instrumental in the
development of the Institute for Global Ethics and, following the
suicide of a close friend, he co-founded the Depression Awareness
Program. Bob's ability to create institutions that continue to thrive
today derived from a unique balance of imagination and leadership,
optimism and discipline.
In 2000, Bob and Sally officially retired to Carmel, CA, to settle
in the home they had purchased in 1975, next door to Sally's parents.
The following year, Bob was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
Bob's enthusiasm for life and devotion to his faith, together with
the support of his outstanding doctors, sustained him and those surrounding
him for seven wonderful years.
With daily intent, Bob lived an authentic and prosperous life. He
served his country with honor abroad and at home. He helped to build
stronger communities. He delighted himself and others with his recreational
pursuits, as an adventurous sailor exploring Midcoast Maine, an outdoorsman
on weekly treks with his hiking club, and as an enthusiastic bass
singer in the Carmel Mission Choir.
Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
We will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service celebrating Bob's life will be held on Thursday,
October 23, 2008 at the Carmel Mission Basilica. In lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer
Center (415.476.3952), the Big Sur Land Trust (831.625.5523) or Hospice
of Central Coast (831.649.7750). |
|
|
 |
Comments from
John Palmer, G2, CCQ:
Barbara and I just returned from California where we attended memorial
services for Bob Tierney. We were joined by Brad and Janet Eliot,
Lee and Marion Fay, Bob and Pat Julian, Frank Wright, and Wayne Weiss.
On Thursday afternoon (October 23, 2008), Carmel's Mission Basilica
was filled with friends and family and we truly celebrated Bob's life.
Each of the three Tierney sons offered readings. Bob and Sally's daughter,
Patty Wilson, spoke on behalf of the family, and Brad Eliot did a
magnificent job of illuminating the man who many of us have known
since 1954. The Basilica Choir sang Bob's favorite hymns and Father
Griffin offered a wonderful homily, followed by an open communion.
Our Alma Mater was sung during the recessional to a courtyard where
Taps was played and Sally was presented with our country's flag.
Following the services, everyone gathered for a reception in an adjoining
building where our class flag was prominently displayed. There were
dozens of pictures plus a great slide show tracing the adventures
of Bob, Sally, their family, and their friends over the years. We
enjoyed a wonderful meal and lots of fellowship with people who had
come from all over the country.
Later in the evening, Sally insisted that classmates and their wives
retire to the Tierney home where we spent some time getting to know
the children and grandchildren, and giving them a peek into events
that occurred before their time. There were lots of great stories
(and smiles) as we shared memories. |
 |
Back
|
