Richard Tierney

Richard Raymond Tierney

Cary

Richard Raymond (Rick) Tierney, passed away on Nov. 16, 2013 from a long battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Rick was born Feb. 25, 1945 in Washington, DC to the late John Lester Tierney and Clementine Spurzem Tierney. Rick was preceded in death by his brother Robert Philip, and his son, Matthew John Tierney. He is survived by his wife, Lynnie and his daughter Karin Tierney Martinsen of Atlanta and her daughters Noelle Reese and Hadley Grace. A proud father and grandfather, Rick found joy in his immediate and extended family.

Raised in Arlington, VA, Rick attended a school outside London for his last 2 years of high school, which brought him fond memories of his youth. He graduated from UVA and received a Masters in computer science from Purdue. A 34-year career at IBM was a proud achievement. He was fascinated by the space program and it became a favorite project when he was assigned to write software for NASA's Voyager Space Craft. Rick loved his work and also served as an advocate for IBM. He married his best friend, Lynnie, in 1989 and they moved to Singapore with IBM. They shared a passion for travel and created special memories through their adventures abroad. Travel, along with his talent for photography, were hobbies he loved most.

Rick, a loving, involved father, enjoyed priceless time with his children and grandchildren. Daughter Karin always knew her father would be snapping pictures at her dance, gymnastics and cheerleading competitions. He enjoyed Indian Guides with son Matt, exploring the world and just hanging out at the beach. They shared a lifelong love of the water and fishing. Rick delighted being "Pappa Rick" to his only two granddaughters and had fond memories playing on family beach trips.

Journeying the waterways on his beloved trawler "Rickshaw" was his retirement adventure with Lynnie, boating from Maine to the Bahamas for five years. Many of those they met during those years became lifelong friends. Their on-the-water experiences provided many fond memories and great stories.

Rick was loved and respected by friends and colleagues, who brought him much joy. A kind, gentle soul, Rick had a charming sense of humor and quick wit, and didn't mind laughing at himself. He wanted to be remembered as someone who "always did the best he could."

He will live on through the cherished memories shared by family and friends. We will miss him dearly but always remember his wise and perpetually youthful spirit.

A tribute to Rick's life will be held at The Matthews House, 317 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 2-4 pm. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123 or the charity of your choice.