Quinn Coffey

Coffey, Quinn Ennis SLINGERLANDS Quinn Ennis Coffey, 23, died Monday, June 4, 2007, ultimately losing his lifelong battle with muscular dystrophy. He was an unusual young man, not only kind and generous without qualification, but blessed with a deep awareness of his own intrinsic goodness. Gifted with a far above average intelligence, Quinn resolved that his physical limitations would not impede his ability to learn and enjoy those activities, such as reading, drawing and painting, which gave him such great satisfaction. Exceeding at every level of academic challenge, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in his master's program from SUNY Albany in 2006. Quinn's legacy endures. Always kind and gentle, he looked for the best in others, and never surrendered the vision that the future held hope for a better life. And even though his disease robbed him of his ability to perform physical tasks, he never became bitter about his condition. Quinn understood the important things in life. He was indifferent to material possessions but rather developed a lifelong passion for learning in his field of history. He was dedicated fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Steelers and enjoyed going to Fenway Park, spending a week every June at the Gettysburg Civil War Institute held at Gettysburg College, poker games and summer bonfires with his friends. As a young boy, Quinn vacationed with is family to Kennebunkport, Maine, a place he loved so much because it brought so much joy and happiness to him. He held always to the dream of some day sharing a summer home in Kennebunkport with his brother Ian. Quinn held strong feelings about matters of his personal life. He was extremely organized, and never left matters uncompleted. He abhorred chaos, and was always prompt with his assignments and appointments. He was never absent minded, and constantly advised his father to stay focused, and his brother Ian to slow down when driving. His father, Steve, adored him as did his remarkable mother Joan, whose unconditional love and unwavering support helped him to become the man he was. Throughout his life, Quinn was extremely proud of his brother Ian, who respected and revered Quinn in return. He also is survived by his grandmother, Dorothy Ennis and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Quinn never wanted to be considered special. In fact, the sentiments expressed here would have embarrassed him. He simply tried to live with integrity, and to treat others with respect and kindness. Those who knew and admired him (and there were many) appreciated his warmth, marvelously whimsical sense of humor, unconquerable spirit, and his ever present warm smile. Quinn never complained, ever. While his body has now come to rest, his character and dignity will serve as an inspiration to all who knew him. To the end of time, his memory will serve as a light, forever glowing, to those who loved and held Quinn in such high esteem. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1 Marcus Blvd., Albany, NY 12205.