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TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

January 2002

In Memoriam

David TannehillMTC and the Bay Area transportation community are mourning the loss of longtime MTC planner David Tannehill, who died in December at the age of 46 after a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tannehill joined MTC in the mid-1980s, rising through the ranks to become a senior planner. Tannehill handled some of the most challenging assignments at the agency, including serving as project manager for the 1998 Regional Transportation Plan, the Bay Crossings Study and efforts to protect the region's air quality.

In the late 1990s, during a leave from MTC, Tannehill served as a consultant to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). He took another leave earlier in his career to capitalize on a unique opportunity to work for a year in the Metropolitan Planning Division of the Federal Highway Administration in the nation's capital.

"David handled each and every assignment, no matter how large or small, with thoughtfulness and sensitivity, gaining the respect of his peers, the public and the MTC Commission," said MTC Executive Director Steve Heminger.

"He was uniquely talented... kind, thoughtful and peaceful, but at the same time extremely hard working, productive and not afraid to confront controversial issues," added Martin Engelmann, deputy director of planning for CCTA.

Tannehill received a bachelor's degree in economics from Humboldt State University, and a master's in applied economics from San Francisco State University. He is survived by his wife Julia and twin daughters Sarah and Leah.
--Brenda Kahn

A memorial fund has been established; proceeds will be used to place a bench in the redwoods and for care of the children.
Checks may be sent to:
The David Tannehill Memorial Fund
c/o R. Mark
1788 Castle Hill Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94595

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