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Michael Quinn Obituary

Michael Quinn

1944-2021

A rich and meaningful life has left the world. Our father — known professionally as 'D. Michael Quinn,' 'Mike' to his friends, 'Opa' to his grandchildren, and to us just 'dad' — recently died at home in southern California.

Our dad meant different things to different people. There have been and will be accounts of his life quite different from what we his children saw and experienced over the years. We knew a loving father who enjoyed the sleepy-excited ritual of Saturday morning cartoons each weekend when we were young. Who rubbed his sandpaper face teasingly against our young cheeks as he lifted us up for a bedtime hug. Who with our mom tip-toed around the living room as they set up gifts from Santa Claus with an impish delight. Who made family movie night a ritual to savor with his deeply delicious guacamole. Who could make life feel adventurous, whether that was eating our way through five different fast-food spots in one evening, or leading us through sites and wonders in Europe that one year. Who helped us shimmy over the closed gates of Pompeii (yes, we trespassed) and wandered awestruck with us through its silent lanes and resonant ruins. Who helped give some of us a love of classical music, and some of us a love of 80's gay disco. Who, after the divorce, always joined us for holidays so we were a complete family, flying to Montana blizzards from New Orleans (his favorite of places he called home), flying to Salt Lake from LA, meeting us in the San Juan Islands, or simply joining us from down the street. Who at gatherings would recount stories with bright eyes and shining smile, capping his narrative with that unmistakable, full-throated laughter.

Our dad was as deep in thought as he was in sensitivity and care. He was complex, and he was imperfect. He wasn't always the parent we needed. But he was authentic. He had integrity and a reservoir of compassion. He struggled, and he helped us in our struggles. He could share his vulnerability with us in profound ways. He loved us tremendously. We remember and honor him, now and always, as a man of great feeling and meaningful striving. We miss him deeply.

Opportunities to gather, honor and celebrate Mike's life are forthcoming. If you knew him closely and wish to attend, or if you have a message to share with his family, please contact us at [email protected].

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 23 to May 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Quinn

17 Entries

David Burt

May 21, 2021

I had the great benefit of having three classe with Michael. The first two were in the same semester when I took History 200, the introduction class, and a Junior Level Social History class for which I was not prepared for. Michael was supportive and seemed to want to know each student. He was an amazing teacher that changed the way I looked at History and what was important in studying it. I learned to analyze sources as well as research methods that have served me well as a teacher and Librarian for the last 35 years.He was a great man. My love and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Chuck Hamaker

May 7, 2021

Mike was a friend both near and far. I met him at the Church Historians Office and again in New Haven, and again in Louisiana. And talked with him at least once a year, and often more on topics as diverse as he was.
I and my family will miss our annual exchange of holiday cards and our sporadic phone calls to each other. Thank you Mike for being a friend.

Craig Livingston

May 1, 2021

I was a student of Mike's in the 1980s. I wanted to possess his knowledge and his skills. Thank you Michael, I went on to become a historian and I love you for what you inspired in me. 'Till we meet again, Brother.

Brian Critchett

May 1, 2021

He was a great history professor. I will always remember his quality teaching.

Michele Hall

April 30, 2021

What a beautiful tribute to your Dad.
I did not know the depth of his life and his attributes. But he seems he did life his way and embraced his passions. RIP Mike, what a legacy you have left. Thinking of you Mary and family.

Joan Sonntag

April 29, 2021

My husband and I knew the Quinn’s when we lived in Germany. Their daughter and my daughter were friends at age 1. So sad to say goodbye to another friend. Until we meet again. Charles and Joan Sonntag

Matt Russell & James Wilker

Planted Trees

Sue Simonich

April 27, 2021

My sincerest condolences to Mike's children. What a fantastic father. My fondest memories of him are the fact that he took an interest in my research and assisted me in locating relevant resources. He always kept me in his address book and would occasionally send cryptic little messages just to keep in touch. Mike you will be sorely missed. Until we meet again in that great library in the sky.

Alan

April 26, 2021

I am so sorry to all of Mike's family and loved ones for your loss. You are in my prayers, for sure.

I had "Professor Quinn" for an Early American History course at BYU in 1980. He was an amazing instructor!--My favorite in the entire History Department--and I had many good history teachers since my undergraduate degree was in Teaching History (with a minor in Teaching English).

He helped open my eyes more powerfully than anyone else I've known to the importance of studying history.

I do miss him; and I will miss him.

Don R. Austin, LCSW

April 26, 2021

I was honored that Mike would trust me to be his therapist. I felt it was a privilege to assist with his life issues. He was such a remarkable and humble man. I looked forward to our sessions and I felt like I gained something from each of them. I feel like I know something about each of his children and he spoke highly of you. The grief Mike felt at the loss of his son was great. He was a great father. My life has been enriched by knowing him and it is a great loss.

Maxine Hanks

April 25, 2021

Glen Williams

April 25, 2021

I never met Michael in person. I only know him from his words. His words had a profound influence on my life. I will always respect the man and be grateful for his story. Rest in peace my friend.

Fran Andersen

April 25, 2021

Good to see warm thoughts from his children. He would come and tell a group of us what he was working on. Many questions deep into the night. We will miss him on Oscars night. He was a fan who had interesting insights
about what was happening on the stage, or behind it.
Fran Andersen, Los Angeles.

Shannon Kasakevics

April 24, 2021

To my dear friend Lisa, I’m sorry you lost your dad. My heart goes out to you and your family. This is a beautiful, honest, eloquent, and loving tribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you dear friend. I love you. Shannon

Suzanne Midori Hanna

April 24, 2021

How many iconic historians would sit patiently for 3 hours while a non-historian babbled on about her proposed project? Mike came along at a pivotal time for me with the tender loving care of an elder statesman who just wants the best for all. The miracle of it all was that he was able to make sense of the babbling without shaming me and helped me get a sense of direction, strategy and confidence that my insanity might count for something. Pages and pages of notes later, I'm presenting at MHA in June 2021 because of Mike. This one's for you, Mike. Your death is a shot heard round the world. Oh say, what is truth? You knew and it set us free! Thank you Quinn children for this marvelous tribute. I share your grief and It is so wonderful to have your truth, too!

Carma Hyde

April 24, 2021

I first met Mike and his young family in a University iof Utah married students ward in the early 1970s. He gave a talk in church, he radiated and had such a gentle spirit. Through the years I was interested in what he was doing and writing. The last time I saw him was in 2017 at a recording of an interview with Mormon Stories host John Dehlin that lasted several hours on the finances of the LDS church. The detail the amount and breadth of his research was staggering. He was always an inspirational speaker whom I trusted and related to. He was a man of integrity and I admired him. What a loss we suffered both while he was with us as well as in his death. It’s part of his legacy that research such as his is now supported by the church. Bless him and all of his family. With love.

LMD

April 23, 2021

He was an inspired historian to whom the truth, supported by the facts from primary sources, mattered more than the opinions of men. I am proud to have used his works in the study of my own family history, in (Catholic) Sunday School instruction, and in Western history in general. He will be greatly missed, but he will continue to inspire for a century. A tip of the professional hat to you, sir, and rest in peace.

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