Michael John Quinn

I recently heard the news of Mike passing from a colleague and was saddened to hear. Mike Quinn was the dean of the ESL department when I first began my career as an instructor, and I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed at that time. He was incredibly kind, funny, personable, and thoughtful-someone who carried wisdom without pretense and brought out the best in those around him. Mike´s presence made Reedley College a warm and welcoming place. His steady encouragement, humility, and joy...

Our paths crossed when Mike came to Australia and was teaching at Upfield High School - where Lynda MacKinnon was also a staff member and of course the rest is history. As I write though it is the anniversary of their marriage on 31 October 1973 and our hearts go out to Lynda. We enjoyed showing them our favourite places during school holidays and a long friendship of over 50 years was the result. In 1986 daughter Beth and I visited the USA and spent time in Fresno, nothing was too...

Mike Quinn embraced life with passion and humor. Without his philosophical depth and love for "the humans," Mike´s humor would have been ordinary. But his humor and love for life was not ordinary. Mike was fierce and kind, honest yet compassionate. He embodied the soul of an Irish poet. Mike was grounded in the moist earth while possessing a lofty yet humble intelligence. I learned from him that wisdom comes more from experiencing life than reading about life, thinking about life, or making...

Mike Quinn was Dean when I was hired as an adjunct instructor at Reedley College. He always treated me and took the time for me as if I was just as important as a full time faculty member. His kindness and warmth left a legacy. The community and camaraderie that is still evident at Reedley College can be traced back to him. We still talk about Mike with affection and admiration. I was lucky to have known him.

I will never forget the day Mr. Quinn met me in the administration building, shook my hand firmly, and walked me into the conference room for an interview at Reedley College. In his presence, I at once felt calm and confident and at ease as I sat down at the table. That was 23 years ago. I still feel Mike´s presence on campus. I miss his smile, the giant board in his office where he organized our schedules, the way he left his office door wide open, the laughter, and the way he supported...

Michael Quinn was my first dean at Reedley College. He was always supportive of his faculty. He didn't question my request for a computer when hired; instead; he worked to help me a hand-me-down computer when the VP of instruction was set to get a new one. At the time faculty were not issued computers--that's how long ago this was! He sense of humor always brought smiles and laughter into my day as well as others. I have so many wonderful memories of Mike--parties at the Quinn home for...

Mike, known in our house as "My Mike," (what my daughter Phoebe called him each time she would ask to go by his office and get jelly beans on the way home from the lab school on campus), was the best mentor a young teacher, or anyone for that matter, could have. There are so many words of advice that I carry with me and rely on, but beyond that was Mike's friendship and soft shoulder. He felt like a second father to me. I miss him dearly, but he will forever be with me.

Michael Quinn was my first dean at Reedley College. I have worked at the college now for 25 years. I have great memories of "Mr. Quinn," as I used to call him. He had a great sense of humor and even cracked a joke during my hiring interview. It helped ease the tension on my first full-time job interview! He was kind, generous with his time, and always approachable. At times, a car would race pass me on my way to work and it was typically Mr. Quinn. :) I have nothing but great memories of a...

Michael was so awesome, and I will ALWAYS remember him for being supportive and kind. He was professional, compassionate, and full of good humor! It was truly a blessing to know him! He will be missed dearly!!! To Michael's family, please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers! I pray that the Lord would lift you up and comfort you!