Stevensville – Michael “Mike” Tiernan, 76, of Stevensville, MT passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 29, 2014 at his home, following his ongoing battle with cancer.
Mike was born on October 2, 1938, in Richmond Hill, New York, to William and Mary (Loughlin) Tiernan. Mike grew up in the New York area, but as a young man eventually migrated west.
Mike attended college and received a BA in Arts & Sciences and later an MS in Zoology & Physiology from the University of Wyoming at Laramie in 1962. Following his formal education Mike joined the Department of Energy facility at the Hanford Nuclear Site in Kennewick, Washington. There he worked in the Biological Testing department for several years, doing environmental studies on the impact to the Columbia River as related to the plant. Following 30 years with the DOE, Mike retired and moved on to Western Montana and made a wonderful home for himself and his adored wife Linda. Together they enjoyed hiking and touring the mountain trails and roads of the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. Spotting and watching the many species of birds in the west was of special interest to both Mike and Linda. She preceeded him in death in July of 2003.
Mike is survived by sisters Mary Lee Tiernan of Arizona and Ginny (Mark) Carter of Kennewick, WA and brother Mark Tiernan of Deer Park, WA. Additionally, he leaves his close neighborhood friends, shared hobby enthusiasts he liked to spend time with and his very special and constant companion, curly haired cocker spaniel “Stubby.”
An informal Memorial of Life gathering will be conducted Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Whitesitt Funeral Home at 314 Church Street in Stevensville, MT. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.