Tenney E. Fales

Tenney Emerson Fales passed peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Egremont, MA on Friday, October 4, 2024. He was the son of the late James Babcock Fales and Charlotte Alice Fales (Marshall).

His boundless energy and welcoming spirit will be greatly missed.

Tenney is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Hryckvich Fales; his two children: Alexcia Nicole Adams (Paul) and Alice Laura Davey (Nathan); his grandchild: Andrew Tenney Adams; his step grandchildren Simon and Oliver Alexander-Adams; and his four siblings James Fales, Susan Marzi (Marty), Bradford Fales (Lynne) and Mary Beth Webeler (Bob). He was predeceased by his son Justin and his sister-in-law Gigi.

Born in Norwood, MA on September 14, 1948, Tenney graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He met the love of his life, Linda Hryckvich, through his brother Brad’s fiancé, who worked with Linda, and needed Tenney out of her hair, so they set up a double date.  Tenney and Linda married on May 15, 1971 in Lenox, MA.

Tenney began his family and career in Danville, PA. In 1976, the family moved to Linda’s home town of Sandisfield, MA where he built his family’s first home. From there he expanded and started his company, T.E. Fales Construction.  He never retired.

Throughout his life, Tenney loved to be outdoors and wood working. He started with his first multi-story tree house at the age of 10 and proceeded to build over 200 homes in the Berkshires. Tenney loved building and helping others. He believed in doing what was in the power of his hands to help others. To meet Tenney was to meet a friend.

Tenney was an active member in the congregation as one of Jehovah Witnesses. He served as a pioneer and elder at Great Barrington Kingdom Hall for over 40 years.  He enjoyed volunteering in numerous kingdom hall and assembly builds and disaster relief projects. Hundreds of volunteers could hear his booming voice, from one end of the jobsite to the other.  And that was without a megaphone.

Working, teaching, volunteering or playing, Tenney was always busy.  Although, sometimes his play felt like work to the rest of us. He loved creating Tenneyland, his own style playground, which brought joy and thrills to many. It included a circus grade trampoline and huge rope swings with high in the air custom built launch platforms. Even a regular style swing became a game of who can get the highest without touching the ground.  Tenney loved a good challenge and a good laugh. Always gracious and never a sore loser. He made everyone feel included and at home.

His laughter and good spirit will be sorely missed.

SERVICE - A short graveside service will be held on November 9, 2024 at 1pm at the Sandisfield Center Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to a reception and celebration of his life at 2:30pm at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Great Barrington Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and/or HospiceCare of the Berkshires directly or c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com

In his memory, we encourage you to read a scripture, go outside and play, build something or help a neighbor.