Obituary of Dr. Francis (Frank) Martin Tierney

Frank Tierney passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2024, in his 94^th year, surrounded by loving family.

Frank was born in Sandy Hill, Ottawa on August 2, 1930, to Francis William (Bill) and Mary (Minnie) Tierney (nee Brennan).  He was predeceased by his beloved wife and sweetheart, Audrey Curran Tierney (nee Gardner), and he was the cherished father of Susan (Graham), Stephen (Joan), Frank (Mary Ann), David, Dana (Terry), Catherine (Roger) and Kerry.  He and Audrey have nineteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

During much of his youth, Frank lived in what was then known as the Village, now Little Italy.  He was an only child, and throughout his life he was grateful for the love and support of his Aunt Viola, Uncle Wilfred, and cousins.  He also appreciated the time he spent at the Ottawa Boys Club (now BGC Ottawa).

Frank attended St. Patrick’s High School, but he was unable to complete school because financial circumstances required him to work.  In addition, Frank excelled at hockey. He played for Junior and Senior League teams in the 1940’s and ‘50’s but chose to forego a promising hockey career to pursue his true passion in life - education.

In 1950 Frank commenced working at R.L. Crain where he met the love of his life, our mom, Audrey, and they embarked on their remarkable journey.  Frank’s work required them to move to Montreal, Halifax, Saint John and back to Ottawa.  During this time their seven children were born, and Frank obtained his B.A. and M.A. (University of Montreal) in English Literature

In 1965, Frank became a professor at the University of Ottawa, where he attained his Ph.D.  During his career at the University of Ottawa, he served two terms as Chair of the Department of English, authored seven books of poetry, seven children’s books, and numerous academic works.

In 1972 Frank co-founded, with Dr. Glenn Clever, Borealis Press (devoted to new Canadian writers), and Tecumseh Press (academic publications including the Journal of Canadian Poetry).  Frank continued to operate both presses along with our brother David, and they will continue under David’s guidance.

Frank also served for many years as the judge and adjudicator for Reach for the Top, the long running CBC quiz show for high school students.

In 2013 Frank was awarded the Order of Ontario for his contribution to Canadian Literature.

While these are some highlights from Frank’s career, Frank would be embarrassed that we have listed them, and more importantly they fail to define him. Frank was the most humble, selfless, loving person you could be blessed to meet.  He committed himself to the ethic of treating everyone the way you would want to be treated.  He did so with humour and empathy.  He and mom created a home in which all children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends were loved.

At work his passion was not academia- it was teaching and nurturing students of all ages to gain the confidence and skills to pursue and achieve their education.  He worked hard to make each lecture interesting, welcomed questions, accepted late assignments, brought mom’s cookies to exams, and always had an open office door.

Outside of work he was constantly pursuing charitable initiatives, whether it was starting breakfast programs in grade schools while relentlessly chasing us for donations, or bringing flowers to the geriatric ward at the hospital at Christmas and Easter.

The YM/YWCA was a second home to Frank.  He was a lifetime member, and he served on the Board of Directors.  He greatly valued the friendships that he formed there, and he would stop and talk to anyone he met, because he genuinely cared.

Of all his accomplishments, his greatest was his love for and dedication to his family.  We are all eternally grateful for Frank and Audrey’s wisdom and guidance.

A huge thank you from all of our family to our brother David, for his sacrifice and love in caring for both mom and dad in their final years.

An informal reception will be held on Saturday January 11^th, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Amberwood Lounge and Eatery (ALE), Amberwood Village Golf Course, 54 Springbrook Dr., Stittsville.  We welcome anyone who would like to drop in and celebrate Frank’s life.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Ottawa Mission, CHEO, or the Ottawa Food Bank.