I was deeply saddened to hear of Bud’s passing. He was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to me and to so many of us at CH2M. When I first joined the firm and attended the old University of Michigan leadership training, Bud addressed our group. This veteran military man talked about leading with love, and it blew me away. I’ve tried to live up to his challenge ever since. His huge heart, Fighting Irish spirit, ready smile, and keen intellect will live on, as he joins his beloved Nona. My condolences to the family, and many thanks for sharing Bud with us. 

In the AF, my boss was MG Ahearn. All of us on the Air Staff saw him as a great leader, motivator and innovator. We also viewed him as being 9 feet tall.
When I retired and went to work at DOE’s Hanford site in Richland WA, Bud Ahearn had just joined CH2 and came to visit their Richland office.    He called me to join him for breakfast at his hotel.   I was delighted for the invitation.  
Remembering my protocol from the Air Staff days, I arrived at the hotel about 20 minutes early and parked myself where I could see anyone coming down the room corridors.  I saw him come out of his room and walked down the hall to greet me.  I looked at him dressed in civilian clothes, and when he griped my hand, I blurted out exactly what I was thinking at that moment:   “General, you’re not 9 feet tall after all”.   Being an Air Force Civil Engineering giant, is not about height at all; its leadership standing up


I have looked through all the digitized pictures trying to find the birthday party Nona had for Bud when my husband dressed up like Marilyn Monroe and sang Happy Birthday to him.  It was such a howl! 
The Glenns have so many fond memories of wonderful years living across the street from the Aheans. I felt like it was almost a blended family. My kid spent hours and hours at your house and all of you guys were at my house whenever you felt like it.  I have had a special place in my heart for each of you and for your dear parents. 
Bud's warmth and zest for life were infectious, and he was a man you wanted to spend more time with discussing world events, politics, religion, or philosophy because of his insightfulness.  Great times spent together will live on in my memories. Please know that we can't be with you in person at this most difficult time, but both Don and I are there in spirit. 

Bud was an inspiration to me in so many ways. At CH2M Hill, he mentored and coached me through the creation of a market leading business. He set the example for me and so many others as we learned what it meant to be a servant leader. Bud was also a great friend and devoted mentor. His humility,  worldly vision, and dedication to family will be with me forever. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be for a blessing.   

Reception immediately following internment at:

Vigil and Rosary

Mass of Christian Burial

Luncheon

Nona Maria (Fallon) Ahearn

Mary Ethel (Rinella) and Joseph Aloysius Ahearn

Vincent Zucchero

Stacia Ahearn Andrews

Robert Andrews

Gus Andrews

Gianna (Dave) Zeh

Nick Zeh

Cole Zeh

Trienel (Jim) Hickman

Lawson Hickman

James Hickman

Fallon (Abbey) Ahearn

Nora Ahearn

Oliver Ahearn

Marcia (George) Gemmingen

Mary Janice Zucchero

Mr. Ahearn also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.

OBITUARY

Joseph "Bud" and Nona Maria Fallon Ahearn

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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