Longtime local CJ Tenner passed away peacefully the morning of February 9 at Vail Health. A huge presence in the community — he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, boss and friend. CJ and his family moved to Vail in 1993 where they continue to own and operate OrderFood by a la Car, Vail’s restaurant delivery service. He was also the publisher of several local magazines, including the Dining Guides of Vail and Telluride.
A former president of the local Jewish congregation, B’nai Vail, CJ was also a huge proponent of the valley’s interfaith model, becoming very involved and serving twice as the president of the Eagle Valley Religious Foundation. There he played a significant role in the creation of the Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center.
Born in France, to Robert and Gisele Tennenbaum of blessed memory, his family immigrated to this country in 1952. As a youth, CJ attended Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up primarily in the Weequahic section of Newark, New Jersey. He was featured in the Vail Daily’s “You did What?” series about the interesting lives people led prior to coming to live in Vail. In the article, he regaled readers with stories about his 20-year life in rock and roll, including his longtime friendship with the boys in Bon Jovi, and arranging travel and logistics for some of the world’s biggest bands, like bringing U2 into the country for their first U.S. tour.
Just prior to the move to Colorado he worked at New York City’s iconic China Club as a booker and promoter. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jessica, daughter Aubrey, son Eli, nephews Robert and Joshua, sister Edye, niece Mandy, her husband Michael Dorfman and kids Amalie and Milo. He was also fortunate enough to have been able to know and love his granddaughter Tiana, born last year on the Fourth of July, sharing a birthday with her cousins Rob and Josh and CJ’s sister Miki — also of blessed memory.
Funeral services will be held at the Vail Interfaith Chapel on Tuesday at 11 a.m., followed by a short graveside service and burial at the Jewish cemetery in Leadville. The family will be sitting shiva beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at their home in Wildridge, concluding with a short service each day at 5 p.m.
