Kenneth A. Quinn

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.