Search by Name

Search by Name

Kenneth Quinn Obituary

Kenneth A. Quinn
September 20, 2006

PHOTO

Funeral services honoring the long life of Kenneth Arthur Quinn, 83 will be held, Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Lassila's Funeral Chapel, 551 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA.
He died in his longtime home in Colfax, September 20, 2006. Kenny was known to area residents as "Mr. Colfax". Born July 17, 1923 in Beaver Okla., he moved to Dutch Flat in 1925 and spent most of his life in Placer County. He graduated from Placer High School in 1941, Placer Junior College in 1943 and California School of Mortuary Science in 1946.
He began his lengthy career as a funeral director in Auburn, moving to Colfax in 1954 after purchasing the mortuary from Francis West.
Kenneth and wife Beth owned and operated Quinn's Sierra Chapel and ambulance service. In addition, Quinn served on City Council for two terms in the 1950's and 1960's and was a commissioner and secretary-treasurer for the Colfax Volunteer Fire Department.
He was a proud Mason and a 58 year member of Clay Lodge #101 in Dutch Flat. Kenneth was also a member of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the Scottish Rite and the Ben Ali Shrine.
Among his many legacies, are the Quinn Family Klowns, which brought smiles to countless faces, as they participated in many celebrations.
Residents know him as the catalyst behind the families 35 years of entering parades and community events throughout Calif. and as far away as Garden City Kans.
With his wife by his side designing and creating the dozens of costumes for the troop, Kenneth was the one that brought things to life with his lively personality and love of making people laugh.
He was rewarded for his love of Colfax and the spirit he brought to this community by being acknowledged as Grand Marshall of the Colfax 4th of July Parade in 1996. With his wife by his side they were joined with a total of 45 Klowns.
Kenneth is survived by son Kendall and daughter in law Linda Quinn of Puyallup, WA; son Kelly and daughter-in-law Janis Quinn of Colfax and daughter Kerri and son-in-law Bruce Kuska of Carmichael.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Caitin and Tyler Quinn, Jacob and Kevin Quinn, and Katy and Cassidy Kuska. Nephews Douglas and Gary Bergtholdt and Patrick Quinn, Nieces Casey Quinn Hall, Cathy Quinn Simmons and friends and caregivers Sharon and Rudy Fischer. He was preceded in death by his wife Beth; brothers James and Leo Quinn; sister Lorraine Quinn Bergtholdt and nephew, Michael Quinn. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to a scholarship fund in his memory. Checks may be sent to the Quinn Scholarship Fund, c/o Placer Sierra Bank, 949 Lincoln Way, Auburn 95603.
This fund, which was established when his wife passed, has awarded scholarship funds to graduating seniors from Colfax High School for the past eight years. Even after death, they will continue to contribute and support the community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gold Country Media Newspapers from Sep. 24 to Sep. 28, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Quinn

Not sure what to say?





Marsha Haywood Osborne

October 2, 2006

Dear Quinn Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Will always remember our days in Colfax and living across from the Chapel, living next door to the Colfax Record and growing up with all of you. Also when you would come to Rio Vista Bass Derby Parade as the clowns. Your parents were great people and they will always be with you because they are in your hearts. Take care.
Always,
Marsha Haywood Osborne
Janet Haywood
Cheryl Haywood Darnell

Stewart & Mary Ann Wells

September 30, 2006

Dear Quinn Family,

Just returned home and learned of Kennny's death. We have known Kenny Quinn all of our lives. Thoughts of him will forever put a smile on our faces. We are privileged to have known such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Melissa

September 29, 2006

To the Quinn family: I am so sorry to hear of your lost. What an influence Mr.Quinn had made on the Colfax community. He will deeply be missed. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. May the words at Acts 17:31 be of comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Gary Hollmer

September 28, 2006

I spent many happy days at the Quinn Brothers General Store (working and, probably, causing mischief) in Dutch Flat in the early 50's. A lot of happy memories were at Art's place.

Ken was very helpful when my Mom passed away in the mid 80's.

My condolences to the family of this wonderful man

Sharon Beckman / Sprenger

September 28, 2006

Kelly & Kerri what a good life you had having a DAD like you did! He will live on forever in you! Thank God for the love that was passed on to you. Just lost our dad and the funny times are all that keep us going~~~ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU~~~

Larry Lassila

September 28, 2006

Kenny, Mr. Smiles, Quinn, Thanks for all the pleasant times over the past few years when living in Colfax and my frequent visits on my various trips back. God speed

Joshua Alpine

September 27, 2006

Ken, better known as Mr. Colfax, touched many hearts and will be sorely missed by our community,

Emmett and Shirley The Roberts

September 27, 2006

We go way back to Auburn and Colfax from the 1950s. Our son and daughter, Glenn and Sheryl Roberts went to school with the Quinn sons, Ken and Kelly. We miss the days gone by of Colfax and the foothills. Mr. Quinn was a very important part of the committee in Colfax. Please except our condolences....still tickin, Emmett and Shirley Roberts, Redding, Ca.

Ron Pucci

September 27, 2006

Dear Quinn Family,
Thanks for the great memories. You will always be remembered and loved.
Ron,Lynelle and the Pucci family

William Foote

September 26, 2006

Ken had been a part of my life for umpteen years growing up in Auburn. Delivering flowers to the funeral home is a part that I will always remember and enjoyed his smile and laughter.

Maryan Billips

September 26, 2006

I will always remember my dear friend Mr. Quinn. I so enjoyed our visits. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dona koenig haffey

September 26, 2006

Kenneth was a part of my life since first grade in Dutch Flat grammer school. We worked together at Quinns store where he was always making us laugh....He will always be remembered as a decent and caring person.
Dona Koenig Haffey Bakersfield, Ca.

Alice Lumpkin

September 26, 2006

I will always remember what a good bus driver he was on old bus #7. He was fair and kind to us kids too. He was the best we ever had, and I loved him for that .

Elsa (Koenig)Deem

September 25, 2006

On behalf of the Koenigs I would like to send my condolences to Ken's family and pray that they will be able to look back at the good times and be comforted. Kenneth was a happy part of our "growing-up" years during the 30s and 40s and we are going to miss knowing that he is still among us. However, his memory will continue to hold a treasured place in our hearts.

Carlene Edmond

September 25, 2006

Dear Friends,
Your Dad was a positive influence in my life. I remember him coming to all the games and supporting us in High School. I loved his friendly nature. My heart goes out to you in your loss, but it comforts me to know that he has two fine sons and their families to succeed him.
Love,
Carlene Edmond

Ed & Violet Presley

September 25, 2006

Ken ad Beth Quinn, two of the first people we met when we visited Colfax in 1955 (Then moving to Auburn). Two real and beautiful people who will not be forgotten. R.I.P.

Lloyd Pereira

September 25, 2006

Ken was the most famous clown I knew and he never ceased to make me smile. He never failed to greet anyone he met with a smile and always remebered your first name. Kenny,we loved you and you will be missed. Go with God,don't forget your red nose and bring as much laughter to those in your new home as you did here.

Benny Carrillo

September 25, 2006

Kenny always made a person feel special. He was kind to everyone and didn't pass judgement on those less fortunate. We will always remember him with a smile and a kind word. Rarely is the world blessed with such a giving soul. He loved life and making others smile. He will be missed, but always remembered.Benny and Zelda Carrillo.

Betty "Bishop" Fennell

September 25, 2006

September 25 - A longtime friend from Alta/Dutch Flat and Sacramento in 1943-44. As a funeral director for family members and a renewal of friendship on moving back to Auburn 4 years ago. Tho he was blind he could see that my hair is gray but I think he still had a brotherly love for me. Betty "Bishop" Fennell

Linda Andrade

September 24, 2006

It is hard to say good=bye to someone who seemed would be around forever.I have not been in Colfax for a long time,but Mr. Quinn is still in my memory May the Lord help you thru this time of sorrow.

Linda, The "late" Bill Rowan's sister

Sheryl Roberts, Sampley

September 23, 2006

The Quinns, Im not quite sure if you remember me and my family or not, The Roberts from Colfax. I went to school with Kelly and Ken. We now live in Redding. Please accept my condolences. Your father was a very nice man and my family remembers him well. May God Bless you and your family...Sheryl Roberts Sampley

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Quinn's name

Memorial Events
for Kenneth Quinn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth Quinn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more