John Tiernan passed away suddenly on April 30, 2023 while on vacation in Hawaii with his wife Susan. He was running on the beach, which was one of his favorite activities.<br><br>John, son of Vincent and Frances Tiernan, was born in Mason City, Iowa. After proudly serving in the Air Force, he made his way to California, where he resided in Carmel Valley and then Salinas.<br><br>Throughout his life John was an avid and competitive runner. Two achievements he was most proud of was placing 1st in the mile run in the Iowa St. Meet, in 1965, clocking in at a record breaking 4 minutes and 34 seconds, and completing the Big Sur Marathon in 2005. He went on to compete in several half marathons. Most recently he placed 1st in his age division at the 4th of July 5K in Lake Tahoe.<br><br>He was a sports fan through and through! Go Giants, Go Warriors, Go 49ers!!! And let us not forget, Go Hawkeyes! Later in life, John picked up the sport of tennis.<br><br>There wasn’t a day that went by where he wasn’t at his “home away from home”, Chamisal, hitting on the ball machine, taking lessons, or playing matches with all of his friends.<br><br>John would always say "it doesn't matter what you do in life, it matters who you do it with". Whether it was through years in youth coaching, his 35+ years working on the Monterey Peninsula, or his wonderful friends and family, John had such an effect on those around him and truly cared about helping others. He had an infectious smile and the ability to light up the room.<br><br>John was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and his sister. He is survived by his wife Susan Griffin, son Ross (Carly) and granddaughters Westyn and Layla.<br><br>Also his step children Steven, Kelli and Jennifer, and step grandson Michael.<br><br>John led an amazing, active life and he will be missed by family and friends more than he’ll ever know.<div></div><br>