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Thomas Quinn Obituary
Thomas David Quinn was born on August 28, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan and died tragically on September 23, 2010 in a car accident. Tom was a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. His family and friends were a priority in his life. He was an avid sports fan "Go Blue! The Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings were long favorites. Tom was always working to improve his golf game.
Tom read voraciously and was an accomplished history buff. He loved learning and his extensive knowledge base was varied…science, philosophy, literature, history, geography, politics, religion, human behavior. He was always reading several books at a time. Within a short time he could be found totally engaged in reading an astrophysics book, enjoying a good fictional mystery story, and lying on the floor building a Lego house with a grandchild!
Tom liked living in Olympia and supported his community. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, on the board of the Evergreen Credit Union, and a trustee for the Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation. Through his foundation work he brought funds into the community to make it a better place to live by supporting education, law enforcement and social services. He also enjoyed his "boys" Cuki , Parker and Shaunessy and the active greeting of barking and tail wagging that he got when he walked in the door.
Tom graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor Degree in History and a Masters Degree in Social Work. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Tom devoted his life to helping people of all ages. His career included being an adult probation officer, a therapist in private practice, the CEO of Catholic Community Services in Detroit, the Superintendent at Naselle Youth Camp, and a manager at Cascade Mental Health in Lewis County. He also taught as adjunct faculty at several community colleges. Tom was well respected and admired by his co-workers.
Tom relocated to Olympia from Michigan in 1996 to marry his college love, Denise Halloran, and felt that western Washington was the ideal place to live. He is survived by this loving wife, Denise Halloran, sister Kathleen Walker (Ben), daughter Jennifer Wordelman (Mike), sons Thomas Quinn and Adam Quinn (Kelly), step-daughter Meghan Reichard (Robert) and step-son Michael Matthew Thomas (Blue). Tom will also be missed by his 5 grandchildren, Henry, Ryne, Annabelle, Abigail and Madison. Tom was preceded in death by his father Thomas John Quinn and his mother Elizabeth Spees Quinn.
A Mass to honor Tom's life will be held on Wednesday 9/29 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. Donations may be made in Tom's memory to Pope John Paul II High School, P.O. BOX 3248, Lacey, WA 98509.
Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.FuneralAlternatives.org
Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Quinn
Bob Stahl
October 27, 2010
Denise, my heartfelt condolences to you, your family, and friends over Tom's passing. My recollections of Tom date from my grade school & high school days in the 50's & early 60's back in Ferndale, Michigan. I was a classmate of his both at Taft School & Ferndale High. Tom was always someone I admired & enjoyed spending time with. He had a great sense of humor and was always liked by his peers.
However, it was his integrity as a person that I remember
most. We played on the same midget league baseball team (city champs one year). Tom and I both played right
field and were platooned at that position. I shared his love
of sports especially any team located in Michigan. The
enclosed photo shows Tom in March of 1955 as a sixth grader at the age of 11. He was a good & gracious man.
And as a caring spirit Tom touched us all. I salute you, Tom, may your soul rest in peace! Love, Bob Stahl
Darlene Ammer
October 3, 2010
Tom you will be greatly missed. Thank you for your time at Naselle.
Lynda Nanney
October 1, 2010
Tom was an expecially gifted teacher. He will be missed.
Cherie Pennanen & Ian Patterson
October 1, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cary Bloom
October 1, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful memories. You could not find a more decent, kind hearted man. I will miss you my friend.
Patrick Heron
October 1, 2010
The Board of Directors and Staff of Catholic Social Services of Wayne County (CSSWC) are saddened to learn of the untimely death of Tom Quinn. Mr. Quinn was the President and CEO of CSSWC from 1987-1991. On behalf of the Board and Staff at CSSWC, please accept our condolences and prayers for Tom's family. May he rest in peace.
October 1, 2010
My thoughts are with you and your family, during this difficult time. Tom will be missed.
Jody A. Naselle, Washington
Debbie Agee
September 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tom was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all.
Judy Rusiecki
September 29, 2010
my thoughts and prayers are with you
Trisha Moller
September 29, 2010
Being a Dolciani Project NExT fellow has deeply impacted my life. Without your support, I would not have had so many treasured opportunities and experiences. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The heart aches only because you love so much. Please remember to smile through your tears!!!
Bob Megginson
September 29, 2010
As a Project NExT consultant and University of Michigan faculty member, I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a strong supporter of Project NExT and one of our distinguished alumni. Tom will be greatly missed, and his family has my sincere condolences.
Bob Megginson
--
Robert E. Megginson
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
Department of Mathematics
University of Michigan
4076 East Hall, 530 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043
734-936-9992, FAX 734-763-0937
"In the eyes of the mountain, all people are equal." -John Denver
Michael Barrus
September 29, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I'm a beneficiary of the Foundation's support as a Dolciani Halloran Fellow of Project NExT, and that experience has greatly blessed my life (and is continuing to do so). Thank you very much for all the work Tom's done, and may you be blessed with peace.
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