Obituary of Donald Leo Quinlan

Donald Leo Quinlan, beloved husband of Dolores Quinlan of Calgary, passed away at the Sarcee Hospice on Friday, October 22, 2004 after a courageous struggle with cancer at the age of 76 years. Don was born on December 16, 1927 in Hardisty, AB, the eldest son in a family of thirteen. At an early age he was taught responsibility, which characterized the rest of his life. He was an avid hockey player and baseball pitcher until his early forties. However he continued with two great sporting passions – hunting and fishing most of his life. Dad will be remembered lovingly by many of us for different qualities, his unparalleled sense of hospitality, his quick wit and humor while enduring incredible pain, his creative cooking ability which included smoked meats of all varieties, his unselfish desire to give of his time, talents and finances to others, his wonderful enjoyment of life, the incredible garden that he grew yearly to give away to others, his desire to live a Godly life are but a few of the qualities that made up Dad. For some he will be best known for his volunteer work with the St. Vincent de Paul Association, the Roman Catholic Church, CNIB, Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, Epilepsy Association, senior citizen’s homes and ice hockey rinks; for others his thirty-seven years with the CPR. Don will be sorely missed but his memory will always be treasured. Besides his loving wife Dolores of fifty-four years, Don is survived by his daughter, Carleen Davidson; his son and daughter-in-law, Conn and Diana. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Fedorak and Violet (Harry) Hunter and three brothers, Keith (Alice), Jack, and Dick (Carmen) and special aunt Rose Morrow and a half-brother Bill (Georgia) Nelson as well as numerous extended family and adopted “kids” and his special walking friend Teko. Don was predeceased by his parents George and Pearl; three sisters Frances Foley, Verna Gryschuk and Donna Smith and three brothers, Lloyd, Ray and Frank. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.) on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.) on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1525 – 45th Street S.E.) on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Leonard J. Hagel and the Rev. Dominic Pham Van Bao OP Presiders. Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Edmonton, AB. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Organization in care of Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1525 – 45th Street S.E.). The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Sarcee Hospice who cared for Don so respectfully and caringly. In living memory of Don Quinlan, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 248-8585.