John Irving Quinlen

1939 - 2024

John Irving Quinlen obituary, 1939-2024, Sacramento, CA

John Irving Quinlen

1939 - 2024

BORN

1939

DIED

2024

John Quinlen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 23, 2024.
John Irving Quinlen, a devoted family man, respected judge, and lover of the great outdoors, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on May 9, 2024. Born on August 22, 1939, in Brainerd, Minnesota, John lived a life marked by integrity, service, and a deep appreciation for nature's beauty.

John's early years were spent in Brainerd, MN, but after his father, Clinton Dennis Quinlen, was killed in World War II, the family moved to Orange County, California, where John attended Mater Dei and then Cal State Fullerton. His passion for justice led him to the University of San Francisco Law School, where he earned his law degree. John's legal career began as a dedicated prosecutor in Humboldt, Santa Barbara and Kern Counties and culminated in his esteemed role as a Superior Court Judge in Ridgecrest, Kern County, California. His commitment to upholding the law and his unwavering sense of fairness left an indelible mark on the community he served.

Upon retiring, John moved to Sacramento, where he continued to share his wisdom and warmth with those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service that will be cherished by all who knew him.

An avid outdoorsman, John found joy in skiing, hiking, camping, and traveling. His intellectual curiosity and love for animals were well-known among his friends and family. John's adventures and pursuits were a testament to his vibrant spirit and zest for life.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Quinlen; his son, John Quinlen, Jr.; his daughter, Kathleen Q. Brown, and his granddaughter, Madelyn Q. Brown, both of Sacramento. His family, friends, and community will dearly miss his presence, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sacramento, on Monday June 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. celebrating John's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations instead be made to the SPCA or a charity of your choice, reflecting John's love for animals, nature and his enduring spirit of giving.

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

Sign John Quinlen's Guest Book

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August 28, 2024

Cecelia Curran Segurson posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2024

Ken Watson posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2024

Rosalinda E Cruz posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Cecelia Curran Segurson

August 28, 2024

My condolences, another wonderful member of the class of 57. May you rest in peace!

Ken Watson

July 5, 2024

Rest in Peace my friend. An awesome D.A., Judge and Man. Thank you for all your hard work over the years in Ridgecrest to Kern Valley. I was proud to be your Bailiff in both Courts as well as working with you while you were District Attorney.

Rosalinda E Cruz

June 2, 2024

I worked for John at the Superior Court, Kern County, Ridgecrest Branch for several years as a Judicial Courtroom Assistant before his retirement. He was one of the best Judges to sit on the Bench and was truly missed when he retired. He was fair, intelligent, and a real gentlemen. Thank you Judge Q for being such a nice person and making my job much easier by keeping the courtroom running smoothly day in and day out. God Bless You.

Heather seiden

May 27, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. I only got to meet John once, but he was a kind man. My thoughts are with you.

Mark Suorez

May 25, 2024

I helped John, Betty, and their kids move into their first Ridgecrest home. I was the adult probation officer and he had just been hired as the Deputy DA. With his dry sense of humor, he was the funniest person I´ve ever known. We worked together for 10 years, the two of us backpacked the Eastern Sierras together, and my three sons learned to swim in his and Betty´s pool. I´ve never met a better man, or had a better friend. (That´s John on Santa´s knee [that´s me] at a "County Building" Christmas party. His secretary, Peggy, is also shown)

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Sign John Quinlen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2024

Cecelia Curran Segurson posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2024

Ken Watson posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2024

Rosalinda E Cruz posted to the memorial.