| Bringing to remembrance pleasant
events with classmates no longer here...
| Robert Edward Tierney - 12/25/33 - 10/17/08 |
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Robert Edward Tierney
No. 22148
Died
in Carmel, CA
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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). | |
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 | 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. | |
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