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John McQuilkin Obituary

John Robertson McQuilkin COLUMBIA - John Robertson McQuilkin was born September 7, 1927, in Columbia, and died June 2, 2016, in Columbia. Robertson McQuilkin was educated at University High School and Ben Lippen School, Columbia Bible College and Fuller Seminary in California. Upon graduating from seminary, he taught for two years at Columbia Bible College, and then became headmaster of Ben Lippen School in Asheville, NC. Five years later, he, his wife, Muriel, and their four children moved to Japan. For 12 years he planted five churches, winning people to faith in Jesus Christ. While in Japan he also served as interim president of Japan Christian College. In 1968, he was called back to Columbia Bible College and Seminary to serve as president for 22 years. During that time enrollment doubled, radio station WMHK was founded and Ben Lippen School was moved from Asheville to Columbia. In 1990, Robertson resigned the presidency to care for his first wife who was in the advanced stages of early onset Alzheimer's disease. While he cared for her for an additional 13 years, he continued writing journal articles, books and preaching worldwide. Nearly all of his books are still in print. Muriel died in 2003, and in 2005, Robertson married his second wife, Deb. Robertson is survived by his wife, Deb; children, Mardi McCabe (Dennis), David McQuilkin (Delores), Jan Fulks (Terry), Janathan and Kimberly Grace (Kent McQuilkin), Amy Barber (Ron); stepchildren, Cary Ramsay (Jeff), Christy Sink and Jason Hargenrader, Jan Cruz (Brad), and David Sink; sister, Anne Priest; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One son, Robert, died in 1988 in a diving accident. The family will receive visitors at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, Friday from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Shortess Chapel on the campus of Columbia International University Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Columbia International University for the Robertson McQuilkin Memorial Fund.

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

Published by The State on Jun. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John McQuilkin

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A Morgan

August 31, 2016

Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find peace in happy memories and comfort in God's promise to rid the earth of sickness and death forever.

Frank Palcic

June 17, 2016

I first met Dr. McQuilken at Urbana '79. I was looking for a seminary that was special. When I spoke with Dr. McQuilken, well, he spoke of God's word and missions like a father would a son. I immediately knew which seminary I wanted to attend. The genuineness of Dr. McQuilken was carried over in the professors and staff at CIU. I am grateful for having the opportunity to have known him, if ever so briefly.

June 17, 2016

I was a former student at CIU in 72-74, i will always remember Dr. McQuilkin's teaching and godly life. Praying for the family.
Rev.Larry mcEntire '74

Betty Fagerstrom

June 7, 2016

I met Dr. and Mrs. McQuilkin at Allan and Marian Emery's place in Boca Raton back in the '80s and he was a dear man, beginning to care for his wife. Dr. McQuilkin's book, 'A Promise Kept' was a book that I passed along to several friends. A real blessing.

Ginnie Noell Elliott

June 5, 2016

To all the family of Robertson,

Out in the mountains of Northern Idaho, I had a memorial for Roberston all alone on Satuday, June 4, 2016. He had been out here a few times and we exchanged a few letters, using the cards that came from India that were raising funds.

In 1985, when my husband and I wanted desperately to go overseas, God gave us a son who kept us in the US. Surgery after surgery, new diagnosis upon new diagnosis in that spring. I was in Portland and knew few people well.

I called CIU one Wednesday a.m. knowing it was prayer chapel. I was going to ask the Switch Board Receptionist to put it on the prayer sheet. She said "Just a minute."

Then I was put through to Robertson. I was in shock and awe. It was like going to the throne of Heaven, to the throne of Grace. This very busy, important man, who had many things on his mind that day, took time for me. He had time for me. Not too busy.

That was the beginning of a friendship through pain, which continued until Frank Noell's passing.

I felt it best to withdraw a bit.

Your dad, husband, grandpa, uncle, great grandpa took time for the "least of these."

Ginnie Noell Elliott

Rhett and Virginia Sanders

June 5, 2016

Wonderful memories of this faithful servant of God -- our friend.

Wanda Emery Potts and Emery Family

June 4, 2016

Our community loves the McQuilken family and all are thinking of you and our memories at this time. Mr. McQuilken made a great impact on so many and led so many to know God and Jesus. God continues to bless your family, and know too that you have many friends here for support forever. Jan, remembering you at yhis time.

Sunny C John

June 4, 2016

Dr McQuilkin has been a valuable friend of Jubilee Memorial Bible College (JMBC), Chennai INDIA. He was instrumental in motivating his friend, P T Chandapilla to start this missionary Bible College in 1987. We are grateful to the Lord for our staunch and constant prayer partner throughout the past 30 years. I vividly remember my visit to his home in 2015 April and his passionate enquiry about the details of JMBC. A great man of God who was a missionary statesman in his life, is and will certainly be a challenge for those who strive to follow the Great Commision, even if he has departed us.
Rev Dr Sunny C John, Principal- JMBC

Kathy Engelkens

June 4, 2016

I'm so thankful I had the honor to know you. My heart has always been touched at the commitment of your vows to your wife when she got sick, "till death do us part". What a legacy!

June 4, 2016

Dear McQuilkin family,
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless and comfort you during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Letsie Boykin Bloom

Bob CGS '76 and Judy CGS '03 Long

June 3, 2016

What an honor and blessing it has been to consider Robertson as a close friend for over 40 years. There was no other Christian in the world I respected or looked up to more. He was a humble, godly servant of God who demonstrated by his life, and his life choices, what he shared in his classes and unique messages at CIU and in conferences around the world. He is truly receiving a 'Well done, good and faithful servant" from the God he deeply loved. Bob Long CGS '56 and Judy Long CGS '03

Ursula Hunt

June 3, 2016

Robertson McQuilkin was a wonderful men of God, a very caring, and helping friend, he will never be forgotten

Ellen Babb

June 3, 2016

My prayers for the family, especially Amy, whom I knew at Columbia Evangelical Church. I really enjoyed taking the Christian Ethics course at Columbia Bible College and Seminary under the godly teaching of Robertson McQuilkin. I know he is now enjoying seeing his beloved Savior and family members who have gone before him.

June 3, 2016

I always remember President McQuilkin quoting his father in saying "few finish well" I believe that he was one of the ones that finished well and has already heard "well done"! Great influence in my life and so many others!
David Evans CBC '79 (Greenwood SC)

Sheree Rabon

June 3, 2016

Truly blessed to have known this man and his family my entire life. Prayers during your difficult time.

The Family of Minnie Mae Harris

Jan Troxler Baynes (71 CIU)

June 3, 2016

Deb, Marti, Jan, and family, Even as our hearts are broken at the separation by death, we can rejoice that Robertson/your Dad's faith is now sight!
I am praying for you all knowing God's peace will sustain you.

Roger Mcclain

June 3, 2016

Jan, we are sad to hear of your father's passing. Have not seen you in a very longtime. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Roger McClain and Family.

June 3, 2016

We greatly miss Uncle Robertson, a unique man of God who has been a great encouragement to me and the Egyptian church as well as the indigonous missionary movement of the Streams of living Water; out of Egypt.
Mafdy Armanious

Betty Yount

June 2, 2016

Thanks for a life so well lived touching many with the love and grace of Jesus.

Praying for all the family in your time of sorrow. May your every memory be sweet.

Betty Yount

Melissa Bird

June 2, 2016

Just 2 days ago I told my husband that I see the need for the young people in our church to go thru a biblical
Hermeneutics course using dr mcquiikin's book. When I was at Cbc in 1989 the Lord used that course to do more for me in my journey of walking with Him than perhaps any other course. How refreshing to be able to learn to rightly divide the truth of Gods word with the guidance of his book and the Holy Spirit. Understanding The living active Word of God is vital to our growth as believers and a comfort to our souls. I am forever grateful for dr mcquiikin's teaching and pointing the world to our only Savior Jesus Christ!

Jeff ('77) and Susan ('79) Wayne

June 2, 2016

You showed us how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. You taught us how To know Him and to make Him known. You lived before us, the just shall live by faith. You demonstrated, willingly, how to keep our vows. And we are confident that, today, you heard, Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thank you Dr. McQuilkin.

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3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

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