Robert (Bob) John Quinn - June 28, 1958 - November 4, 2012 Bob grew up in Yorkton attending Simpson School, Dr. Brass and graduating from the Yorkton Regional High School in 1976. While in school he was heavily involved in the music program, playing the drums and singing with the Troubadours. Bob moved to Saskatoon to continue his education attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1980 and completing one year of seminary. Bob also completed a Masters in Psychology from Antioc University in Seattle in 1990 and attended classes towards a Ph.D Program in Depth Psychology from Pacifica University in Carpenteria, CA In 1981 Bob moved to Fresno, CA to work at the Boys Club on behalf of the Mennonite Church. After a time he moved to Cincinnati, OH to work for a daycare. He then headed west to Seattle, WA, where he remained for the majority of his life. It is in Seattle where he was at peace and he found his place in life. Bob saw the need for a needle exchange in the university district to reduce suffering, restore dignity, contribute to the public health of users and the community at large, and reduce the public tax burden incurred by taking care of people who contract chronic diseases through shared drug equipment. He worked tirelessly, pursuing this dream. He set up a card table on an avenue in the U-district where individuals could exchange their used needles for new. From these humble beginnings, a more formalized program developed and remains active today. Bob also worked in a soup kitchen, supported individuals with AIDS, spent time with the homeless and walked dogs. Bob had a profound effect on many lives in Seattle. One life Bob touched was Shilo Murphy. Shilo is the executive director of the People's Harm Reduction Alliance in Seattle which continues the work Bob began. Shilo considers Bob his father and has helped our family greatly since Bob's death. We are extremely grateful. Bob lived for his dreams always having a pen and paper with him. It was in his dreams he had a vision of Harris. Harris was the special sheltie Bob adopted and was always by his side in the U District of Seattle. Bob and Harris were inseparable and everyone knew them. It was said that Bob and Harris would glide by office windows on their walk. They were soul mates. Bob was a very private person and spoke very little of himself. Possessions were not important to Bob and he lived life with the bare minimum. Bob passed away on Sunday, November 4, in Seattle. Bob is survived by his parents Doris and Harvey Quinn, sisters Brenda Thiessen and Debbie Quinn, nephews Eric Thiessen (Krystle) and Claire, David Thiessen (Amy Leigh), son Shilo Murphy and numerous aunts, uncles andcousins. Bob was predeceased by his grandparents, Robert and Agnes Quinn, Mary and John Savliuk, brother-in-law Arnie Thiessen and Harris, his pride and joy. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Catherine Pace officiating. The organist, Shani Apland, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Those Hearts That We Have Treasured", "We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection" and "How Great Thou Art". Bob sister, Debbie Quinn, shared words of tribute and eulogy. The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Bob's nephew, David Thiessen serving as the urn bearer. Shilo Murphy was named as an honourary pallbearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
