Barry Tierney, 89

November 3, 1928 — January 18, 2018

Barry Tierney, of Fernan Village, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away at the North Idaho Hospice Schneidmiller House on Jan. 18, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Barry was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Butte, Mont. to Henry “Pudge” Laughlin and Loretta Ann (Bell) Tierney. Barry attended St. Ann’s Catholic School and Ramsay Elementary. He graduated from Boy Central High School in 1946. Barry attended his first year of college at Montana School of Mines, in Butte. The following year he transferred to Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., receiving a Naval ROTC Scholarship. While attending Marquette University, he met Mary Ann Sheeley. On Sept. 17, 1949, Barry married Mary Ann at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Milwaukee. They moved out west where Barry completed his studies at Western Montana University. Barry and Mary Ann moved to Philipsburg, Mont. where Barry taught school for several years and then went to work for the Trout Mining Company.

The family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where Barry was employed by the Bunker Hill Company for many years. They resided in Kellogg for 15 years until moving to Fernan Village in 1985. Mary Ann and Barry celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary and Mary Ann’s 87th birthday on Sept. 17, 2017 with their family. Mary Ann passed away Oct. 5, 2017. Barry said, “the greatest gift he received was his ability to care for Mary Ann until the final days of her life.” Sadly for his family, Barry passed away 15 weeks later.

Barry loved his years working at the Bunker Hill Company. He enjoyed the challenges of his job and greatly appreciated all the amazing people he worked with throughout his career. During his years at Bunker Hill he held a variety of financial management positions. After Bunker Hill closed, Barry became president of Pintlar Corporation, a subsidiary of Gulf Resources. He oversaw Gulf Resources’ holdings and interests, and the management of the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Barry retired from Gulf Resources in 1991.

Barry and Mary Ann enjoyed their retirement years in Fernan. They enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Highlights of their retirement were spending numerous winters in San Diego, and visits to Ireland where they found their ancestral homes.

Barry was a consummate outdoorsman. In his early years he enjoyed backpacking, hunting and fishing in the Pintler Wilderness area in Montana. Eventually he shared his passion with his children, grandchildren, and others who befriended him. Barry had a curious mind. He loved to read and study extensively about current events and a wide range of topics. One of his most cherished pastimes was his rich conversations with Mary Ann and their children. Barry was proud of his children’s accomplishments and supported every grandchild in all of their endeavors.

Barry is survived by his children, Kerry (Peggy) of Walla Walla, Wash., Kathleen (Joe) Chaffee of Surprise, Ariz., Tom (Mary) of Richland, Wash. and Eileen (Mike) Ayersman of Spokane, Wash; his brothers, Lee (Mary Louise) of Butte, Mont., Brian (Eileen) of Falls Church, Va.; his sister, Lou (Albert) Molignoni of Rocker, Mont. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barry was an exceptional husband and father. As far as his children were concerned, he was “bigger than life.” He served as an inspiration to his four children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. Barry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ann; brother, Keith Tierney; sister, Colleen Gleason and two grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A reception and gathering of family and friends will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Resort following the Memorial Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Barry’s memorial page and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com