Posted by John Palmer on November 13, 2008:

Posts like this often start with words such as “After a long struggle, Bob lost his battle with cancer.” Having spoken and visited with him frequently since he first learned about the challenges ahead, I would rather say that he didn’t lose the battle. He simply ran out of time. Bob called shortly after a meeting with a specialist who estimated 6 to 12 months remaining. That was in 2001 – and the “extra” years between then and October, 2008 were the result of Bob and Sally doing everything possible to beat the odds – all the standard efforts plus every experimental drug and protocol they could try. They didn’t look at the efforts as heroic – they just took it on the way they did so many other things in their life together. Bob called after deciding to suspend chemo and bring in a hospice team. He had his entire family with him and was at peace with his situation. We had a chance to talk and say our goodbyes. That was very special for me because we have been so close since 1954. We were in the same Beast company, roomed together for three of our four years in G2, and he was best man when Barbara and I were married the day after graduation. Since then we stayed in contact via visits, telephone calls, letters, and e-mail exchanges. He would never agree that he loved to argue, so at each of those intersections we “discussed” current events, politics, religion, foreign policy, economics, international relations, and anything else that struck his fancy. Bob never lost one of those discussions. He just ran out of time. He always referred to his cancer and the associated treatment sequence as just another of life’s challenges. In our conversations he often reminded me that adversity is what we make of it, and that the vast majority of our challenges enrich us – then he would change the subject to family, friends, and others who grace our lives. Not once did I ever hear him complain or engage in any self pity – an example that certainly inspired and will continue to inspire all of us whose lives he touched. Sally, his beloved partner for 50 years, walked with him through enough adventures to fill a very large book. She is a remarkable person and Bob never missed an opportunity to acknowledge her gifts. The two of them raised four children into delightful and responsible adults and, although their families are somewhat scattered and very busy, they and the grandchildren were able to spend a significant amount of time in Carmel while this challenge was drawing to a close. On 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 that 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. There were dozens of pictures plus a great slideshow tracing the adventures of Bob, Sally, their family and 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. I’m looking forward to more intersections and conversations with Bob – under circumstances that do not include the sadness of running out of time... Until then – we can all grip hands and say that he truly deserves our words “Well done.” John

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