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BORN
1949
DIED
2017
John Tiernan Obituary
Candler - John Patrick Tiernan, 67, of Candler, NC died peacefully on May 27, 2017 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, NC surrounded by his beloved wife of 26 years, Claire, and other family members.
John was born on December 11,1949 in New Hampton, IA to Bernard and Agnes (Reilly) Tiernan. He was raised in Wisconsin and Illinois. John spent 34 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation in Atlanta, GA. He retired in 2005 as assistant state bridge engineer. After retiring, he worked part-time as a consulting engineer with Arcadis in Atlanta.
In addition to Claire, John is survived by his sister, Mary (Bill) Etchison of Bradenton, FL, and brothers Mike (Val) of O'Fallon, IL, Jim (Pat) of Benton, KY, BJ of Londonderry, Ireland, Tom (Kathy) of Danville, IL and Kevin (Aimee) of Troy IL, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his in-laws, Margaret and Walter Sellers, and Claire's sister Mary (David) Doyle.
The family sincerely thanks all the wonderful and caring friends who were so supportive, kind and helpful to both John and Claire during his illness. Additionally, the family extends a grateful thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at SECU Cancer Center, St. Joseph Hospital, and John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville who were so attentive and caring.
A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations for a Tribute Tree Memorial may be made in John's name to North Carolina Arboretum Society at: www.ncarboretum.org or by phone: 828-665-2492 (Contact: Winnie Hough).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tiernan
Sharon Choy
May 24, 2024
just so strange I saw this this morning was justthinking about him yesterday. Good thoughts of course. He was such a special friend and i hope he is resting in peace.
Sherry Choy
May 26, 2018
For so many years we ride shared together. He would drive one week and I would drive one week and then after that we started riding marta together. Shared lots os stories during those times. May you RIP John Tiernan.
Ann Morrow
June 10, 2017
John was a wonderful example of how we each should strive to live our lives. He was always positive, caring and a total gentleman. I also appreciated his wicked wit and sense of humor. I will undoubtedly think of him with incredible fondness when I come on to the NC Arboretum property where it was my privilege to work side-by-side with him. Claire, you and your family have my sincere condolences and I know in time your minds and hearts will be full of so many joyous memories of John that you'll always be smiling, just like John!
Robert Graham
June 6, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with John at ARCADIS and he was always the kindest soul. Never saw him upset the entire time I knew him. He will truly be missed.
Randy Hallman
June 3, 2017
John was a great friend and a great engineer.
Sherry Choy
May 31, 2017
John and I have know each other for 30 years plus more. We did ride share together for years then when Marta came to be we rode marta for a long time together. I remember the parties he would have every year sometime after labor day and always invited all of his bridge colleagues and always invited me. He was always the most gracious host. His life was complete when he meet Claire and the got married. Saw him once since he moved to North Carolina. They where so happy living up there. I have lost a great friend and heaven has gained an angel. Claire please let me know if I can do anything in any way and please let me know about memorial. RIP John Tiernan.
Sherry Choy
Nancy Christy
May 31, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Claire and the Tiernan family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the love of friends and family at this very sad time.
Bonnie Bynum
May 30, 2017
John was a fantastic human being. I am honored to have worked with him and known him. While he was working at Arcadis, I told him I was really nervous about having to travel on an airplane - He looked at me and asked, "do you "feel" like it's your time to pass?" Laughing, I said "No" - He smiled and said "You'll be fine." I think about this exchange every time I step onto an airplane and it brings me comfort. My sympathy to the family for the loss of an extraordinary man. Bonnie Bynum
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