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BORN
1945
DIED
2024
Michael Quinn Obituary
March 4, 1945 - August 3, 2024
Sechelt, Canada - Michael John Quinn was born on March 4, 1945 in Hastings, Nebraska to Eveline and Paul Quinn. Michael was the eldest of seven siblings. In 1950 The Quinn's relocated to Fresno, California where Michael and his siblings spent the remainder of their childhood. Michael joined the seminary as a young man and upon graduation worked briefly as a social worker before serving in the Vietnam War. After the war, Michael found himself teaching in Melbourne Australia where he met the love of his life, Lynda Anne MacKinnon. Michael and Lynda spent multiple years traveling, working in education, meeting friends, and exploring the world together. Eventually Mike and Lynda returned from their travels and ended up in Lynda's hometown in Canada to get married on October 31, 1973. Michael and Lynda moved back to Fresno where they raised their three children, Christopher, Meghan, and Cleary, before retiring to Sechelt, BC Canada in 2008.
Michael Quinn was a wonderful father, son, brother, friend and human who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people around him. Generosity and kindness came easy to Michael and was evident in the endless abundance of entertainment and joy that emanated from the Quinn household. The home Michael and Lynda forged together was part youth hostel, part party house and part counseling office for kids and parents alike. Many sought and found sanctuary in the Quinn household.
Michael had a profound respect for his colleagues in education and his deepest passion was providing support for the students. In his own words "I am lucky to work in an organization that exists primarily to help others. I know, and I can remind my co-workers as they remind me that we work for students. It is their success that is our success." In that vein, the Quinn Family established the Michael J. Memorial Scholarship to provide financial assistance for college students in the greater Fresno area. Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund can do so here by selecting the Michael J. Quinn Memorial Scholarship designation: https://www.scccd.edu/foundation/donate-now.html.
Michael John Quinn passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024 surrounded by his family. As much as we would like to say our father's unexpected passing felt unfair we know the reality is our life could not have been more fair. Those who were lucky enough to have our dad in their lives always knew they would be provided for, loved, encouraged and challenged. What's truly unfair is that not everyone gets a father like Michael Quinn. As a husband and dad he was the best. We were fortunate enough to have been loved all our lives by a kind and noble man and for that we will always be grateful.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Quinn
Thatcher Weldon
May 13, 2025
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 for life rippled throughout the campus and left a lasting impact on both colleagues and students.
But my memories of Mike go back even further. I grew up going to school with his kids, and international kids, and playing tennis with them at Roeding Park. Through those years, I saw what a loving and generous father Mike was. His kindness extended beyond his own family, creating a sense of belonging for so many.
I´m deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Mike´s legacy lives on through the lives he touched-as an educator, a father, a mentor, and a quiet force of goodness. He will be dearly missed.
Barbara Wilson
October 30, 2024
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 much trouble for Mike and Lynda even with baby Cleary a new arrival.
We are deeply saddened that Mike has passed and send all our love to Lynda and family.
Barbara & Graeme Wilson - & Heather, Beth, Ian and Malcolm.
Lori Lorion
October 19, 2024
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 paintings about life.
Because he lived so fully, those blessed to know him were changed. I was. I loved those intense and challenging conversations over good whiskey. I loved the food, friendships and family he shared with us outsiders. Most of all, I loved the laughter.
Mike pressed his living on the good earth, and I am grateful. I´m also very sad. I miss Mike and Lynda. I miss the twinkle in the eyes, the appreciation for sensory pleasures and an honest sorrow for life´s brutalities. Mike embraced it all, head-on, eyes wide open.
My love and sorrow is true.
Lori
Rebecca Snyder
October 18, 2024
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.
David Domingiez
October 18, 2024
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 instructors and their passions. Mike helped me feel at home as I started my career as a full-time English instructor at Reedley College, and I will always be grateful. Also, Mike was exceedingly kind to my wife, and yes, the Quinn parties were the best! Our prayers go out to the Quinn family. Mike will not be forgotten.
Carey Karle
October 18, 2024
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 the entire division, the wall of classes as the various programs worked to create the upcoming schedules, and his gentle guidance in my personal and professional life. Over the years my colleagues and I have often spoken about Mike--and I know we will continue to as his impact on our lives has left a lasting imprint.
Eileen Apperson
October 18, 2024
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.
Franchesca Amezola
October 18, 2024
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 dean that made my start in the teaching arena a great one! I enjoyed reading about his life and upbringing. No wonder he was so open and accessible. He is fondly thought of and will be missed! My condolences to you and all of your family.
Deanna Garabedian
October 18, 2024
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!
Deb Everson Borofka
October 17, 2024
I will be forever grateful for knowing Mike. He made me feel so welcome when I joined the extended family of Reedley College. The parties he and Lynda hosted at their homes were always wonderful, warm, and filled with great conversations. We were so fortunate to have had his friendship. Please know we hold you in our hearts and are sending you prayers for comfort. Mike was a gift to all of us who had privilege of knowing him.
David Borofka
October 17, 2024
The years that Mike was Dean of Humanities at Reedley College were among the best of my professional life; I always knew that I had a boss, a colleague, but most of all, a friend with whom I could share concerns or just swap stories. I missed him when he left Reedley and went to the District Office. I missed him more after he retired and moved to Canada. Blessings to the Quinn family for sharing him with so many of us.
Augusta Giffen
October 13, 2024
Mike was such a fun and loving man. I have many fond memories of visiting Mike and Lynda at their home in Sechelt with Steve and Leslie Giffen - good times.
Rena Ventura Mullen
October 12, 2024
I remember Michael from St. Therese School with fond memories. My prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Rena Ventura Mullen
John Kliegl
October 11, 2024
I met Mike Quinn In 1959 at "seminary day "and he convinced me to enter the seminary and we became friends from then on. I always think of Mike as more of a brother. He is with me always.
Richard Valencia
October 11, 2024
I knew Mike from City College. He was one of the few. He was a friend and colleague; he will be missed.
Richard Valencia
Andy Carrigan
October 10, 2024
My family hit the neighbors lottery when we moved in next door to the Quinn's. Michael was part surrogate father part uncle, best friend. The timing couldn't have been better, my daughter was about 2 and my son was yet to be conceived. He tought me how to be a father and what it means to be real friend. Of course I could go on and on. Miss you Michael you were 1 in a million.
Paul Bartell
October 9, 2024
Michael Quinn was one of, if not the most welcoming, kind, respectful and intelligent person I have met. Lynda and Michael Quinn always had an open door to their home and loved to entertain. Michael Quinn and the entire Quinn family will always hold a special place in my heart.
Meryl Soto
October 9, 2024
Mike was my mentor as I began my teaching journey. What impressed me most was that every student he made contact with left the conversation feeling better than they did at its beginning. He managed to somehow find the words and the way to the heart of the matter and reassure each one in the way they needed. Sharp witted, talented problem solver, deep listener, and funny as hell, he was more than my mentor for teaching-he was a mentor for life. I tried to live much of my life by his example. The world has been a better place for his having been in it. I know his kids, his family, will carry his legacy of kindness and compassion farther into the world. He will always be remembered and deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
Barbara Belcher
October 9, 2024
Michael you were one of a kind! I will always remember how kind you were to our daughter Jenny. Your family was truly blessed to have you.
Michael Hertz
October 9, 2024
Mike was a wonderful guy. Thank you, Lynda
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