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BORN
1935
DIED
2018
Daniel Quinn Obituary
1935-2018
Daniel Quinn, best known as the author of Ishmael, The Story of B, My Ishmael, and Providence, died of aspiration pneumonia on February 17, 2018 at Houston Hospice. He was 82.
When they left Chicago for New Mexico in 1979, Daniel and Rennie Quinn never imagined they'd find a home in Madrid, a tiny former ghost town, or that they'd start a weekly newspaper that would serve a Rhode Island-sized territory east of Albuquerque and south of Santa Fe. They certainly never dreamed they'd spend 30 years in Texas–first in Austin and finally in Houston. It was here they discovered, in 1997, the newly-built loft in the Montrose District--their ideal kind of living and working space. It was like coming full circle, back to a city neighborhood akin to the one they'd left in Chicago when they set out on their westward journey.
The substance of Daniel's education and career can be found at www.ishmael.org and Wikipedia.
First and foremost, Daniel lived to write, and there can be no more fitting epitaph than this recent email from a reader: "Your books have forever changed me. Thank you."
In addition to Rennie, his wife of 42 years and constant companion, Daniel is survived by his adult children: Teresa Mitchell (Michael), Stephen Quinn (Michele), and Jae Quinn; his younger brother, Ed (Darlene), and their children; granddaughters Jennifer Laurel and Kiera Hoffmann (Jr), and two toddler great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Thelma Quinn, his older brother, Dennis, and his second-born daughter, Clare Kendall.
Donations may be made in Daniel's memory to Cultural Survival or Survival International, two organizations devoted to the well-being of indigenous peoples around the world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Quinn
Penny Sinone
March 16, 2024
Daniel Quinn- His essence lives
As I walk on the ground in the railyard, as I take trips to
Madrid and as I breath in his words
As written in ISHMAEL.
Penny Sinone
March 12, 2022
Daniel and Rennie never far from memory
Penny
January 13, 2021
Oh my Rennie, two years and I saw the 25th anniversary edition in Santa Fe ARK Bookstore and learned of Daniels passing.
A huge loss accompanied by HUGE memories and many cultural “awakenings” of your life here that later took you to Houston! I think of you. Penny
Jasun Thor Easley
June 15, 2019
Thank you, Daniel, for changing my life, and then, in your last year, while working on your last piece, you took time to read my email and personally sign and send me copies of books and previous editions of those books. You were, are and always will be a visionary and a hero, no matter how humble you were!
Jack Phillips
May 19, 2018
No, Daniel - way too soon! You had so much more to teach the world, and especially me. We are all more alone now, without the ongoing light of your developing vision. We must turn to one another - as you have always taught - and be "B" - as we surrender you to the sure-and-certain hope of greater glory. Thank you, my brother.
April 15, 2018
Blessings as you make your transition to a freer existence. Ishmael helped me to see more clearly...thus act with intention. May we all reach our highest incarnation possible in this lifetime. Minding the Light ~ Lady Gwen
March 21, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope the words of ~1 Thessalonians 4:14 can serve as a hope to you all.
March 19, 2018
Thank you, and rest peacefully.
Brian Setzler
March 18, 2018
Thank you for "Ishmael" and all the words you've written and ideas you birthed.
I suspect that 100 years from now, your books will still be in print and I hope, widely understood.
Eric mosher
March 18, 2018
Your words have transformed my life. I picked up Ishmael when i started sobriety. Your works have given me a sight of the world that made survival a reality. Thank you for everything you have done. The sky will shine a bit brighter now. Good bye Mr Quinn.
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