Message from Roger & Claudia

In memory of John…
We were friends for almost 42 years. Only our children are older than that, and they knew you as a family friend almost all of their lives. Our grandchildren have known you all of their lives. You were destined to touch and influence all of us. We can only imagine how many other lives you influenced and touched. The numbers grow exponentially.
You brought laughter, ideas, concepts to ponder, offered help when it was needed, and challenged us all to be better people, to occasionally think outside their comfort zones or within the parameters of science. You showed kindness and generosity to those you knew as well as those you didn’t. You were forever remaking yourself and stretching your limits. It often seemed to us that there wasn’t any goal you couldn’t achieve because of your determination.
It meant a great deal to us to be with you during your last days in this world. We know you are still a part of the universe and present in the nature that surrounds us. The memory of you gives comfort and meaning to all of us.
With love always,
Roger & Claudia

A candle was lit by Carolyn "Pokey CJ" Jones on June 17, 2017 1:16 PM

A candle was lit by Robert Sterling GDOT on June 14, 2017 1:40 PM

A candle was lit by Tatiana Rivest at The North Carolina Arboretum on June 13, 2017 10:07 AM

Message from Mike Moilanen

So sorry to hear about John. I was honored to know and work with him. Praying for you and your family.

A candle was lit by Sandy Zimmerman on June 10, 2017 3:05 PM

Message from Carol Bowler

Claire,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing, he was a person of such integrity and energy. I remember fondly the annual September parties. Take Care and God Bless.

A candle was lit by Carol Bowler on June 6, 2017 10:39 AM

Message from Carolyn Dishman

My Dear Claire, What wonderful pictures you posted of John's early life and of yours together. You both lived Life to the fullest that your possibly could. I am so glad you had your much anticipated trip to Charleston and that John was surrounded by your families at the end. He fought an incredible fight and the fact that he still led a tour through his beloved Gardens in those last weeks tells me that his Spirit and Joy were strong until the end. Let me know when we can get together...either you, here or me, there. Until then, know that you and the family are in my Heart, my Thoughts and my Prayers. With much love, Carolyn

Message from Pat Burdette

Claire, I am so sorry to learn of your husband's passing. I will be keeping you and the family in my prayers.

A candle was lit by Mark and Nanci Coleman on June 1, 2017 10:39 AM

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Dear Claire and all of the Tiernan family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of someone that I considered my friend and mentor since the first day I worked with him in the Bridge Office in 1983. He was truly an extraordinary person; so smart, so many interests and so passionate about everything he did, always so willing to help others. Nanci and I will always have warm memories of the many things we did with John during the years we worked with him. Claire, I know that his life was made whole when he met you.

He will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

A candle was lit by Mark and Nanci Coleman on May 31, 2017 6:30 PM

A candle was lit by Graham and Sheila on May 30, 2017 2:59 PM

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We are so VERY sad about John and absolutely heartbroken for you, dear Claire. John was SUCH a delight, and so amazingly talented, brilliant and generous in every way. Our lives are infinitely richer for having known him, and he will continue to inspire us to value every day that we're given, and to constantly seek to learn, grow and, above all, share. We've never known any two people more generous with their time, talent and energy than the two of you. We send you our love and hope to be with you again soon, sharing heartwarming memories of your dear John and our time together in the NC mountains.

Message from Chuck and Monica DeBates

Claire -- so sorry to hear about John. It was truly a shock because we thought he was doing better. You both have been in our thoughts and prayers, and will continue to keep you in both thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by Chuck and Monica DeBates on May 30, 2017 1:06 AM

Message from Brenda

Dearest Claire and the rest of John's family...We are so grateful for having known John since 2008, and for all of the wonderful memories we have of the times we spent together. John was a kind, thoughtful, and talented man and we will never stop missing him. The trips we took with you and John to Calloway, the Folk School, Biltmore, the meals, the passionate political discussions...I could go on and on. We will never forget any of those times. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to talking with you and remembering John with smiles through our tears. We love you.

A candle was lit by Bruce and Brenda Black on May 29, 2017 8:13 AM

A candle was lit by Ken and Rosa on May 29, 2017 2:00 AM