John Patrick Grant Quinlan

Another pick

I knew John as an adorable child with golden hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was a sweet kid. I’m heartbroken by his loss. My sincere condolences to Marcia, Peter and Bobby, his entire family and all who knew and loved him. I’m sharing some photos of him as a child in various group settings. He was always the quiet reserved one of the bunch.

John was a kind , gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humour… that giggle !
I will always remember our fun times in Port Elgin at the cottage when he was younger, where we first started sharing onion rings. From that moment on, every time we got together we continued that simple tradition- a small joy that became a symbol of our bond.
John was a master at euchre ( just like his mom)
He adored animals especially his family pets which his love for them reflected the deep kindness he had !
John will always be in the hearts of all who loved him . A bright spirit who touched our lives in ways words cannot capture !

Rest in peace sweet Johnny .. until we share those greasy onion rings again !

John had an infectious laugh and together with his brother Bobby they were a joy to have around. Our daughter Danielle especially loved them and spent hours playing with them when she came home from school. They were more than just 2 kids to care for when their parents were at work, they were family. Our hearts broke when we heard about his passing, and we send our most sincere condolences to the family along with ourlove. He will always be JP to us.

I know he grew up - but this is how I always see him.

Photos from Anne -Sophie Neuville from Belgium during her stay with my parents.

I first met John after moving schools in the fourth grade. I remember John always having a gentle demeanor and a welcoming embrace.

I remember he wore a black shirt with big bold pink lettering that wrote "TOUGH GUYS WEAR PINK" I genuinely think back to that memory from time to time and reflect on how those little moments have helped shape the confidence in myself. There John was was, twice my size and heart a big as the world, not realizing that just his choice of shirt has helped solidify a foundation of self acceptance in another person. Something so small and simple can last forever and impact in bigger ways than we can imagine. Maybe Johns soul had an inclining to this truth whether he knew it or not.

One day in the fourth grade, still a new student exploring this new environment, John approached me. He excitingly asked if I would like to go to his cottage with him, his mother and two more students from class. The thrill and excitement of going away with a new friend and experiencing something brand new is a memory I'll forever be grateful for.

Eternally in our hearts, rest well John ❤️

Always loved this pic of John, Mom, and I. Genuine smiles all around. I have no idea what we’re were smiling about but I am sure it was inappropriate (as always).

Reading John's obituary and the many beautifully written memories brought tears to my eyes. It is clear he was truly special and deeply loved by so many.

I did not know John well, but one memory I do have has stayed with me over the years. Woody, Kendall, and I were spending a summer week at the Quinlan Headquarters cottage. Kendall was 3 years old and I was keeping an eye on him down by the dock where John and the Quinlan/Miller kids were fishing. Kendall became fascinated with a fish lying on the dock, especially its eye, the slimy and gooey sphere. Touching it multiple times with the curiosity only a small child has.

John noticed and gently spoke up, saying, “Don’t play with the eye.” At the time, I smiled, but looking back, I realize that even then he was showing a natural compassion and sensitivity beyond his years.

Though I did not know him well, I hold that memory close, and my heart is full of love for him.

Rest in Peace, John

"Why can't we just have a nice picture" - The sibs living our best life on Kawagama Lake - catching fish, playing euchre, and eating cheese curds.

Uncle Yonny and the gang at the Tremblant Ironman to watch Bryan. In classic John fashion, he decided that sleeping on the hotel balcony was preferable to sharing a bed with his loving brother (me). He was rudely awakened by a CF-18 military jet fly over early in the morning that shook the hotel. That still didn’t deter him from sleeping out there the following night.

This is one of my favourite pictures of John. It shows the pure happiness he had for his family.

Sharing the beauty of God's beautiful winter on the snowmobile trails in the Algonquin Highlands

I wanted to share some photos of John from Anne-Sophie, a special friend from Belgium.

John was never the loudest person in the room, but somehow, he was always exactly where he was meant to be, right there with us. Back in our Algonquin college residence days and then later at the Maitland house, in Ottawa, where we were roommates. He always had this way about him that made everything feel steady and easy. He never needed to be the center of attention, like a few of us in that house. There was something really special about the balance we had in those couple of years. John never needed the spotlight or to be the loudest person in the room, but he made his presence more than known with his positivity, hilarious and perfectly timed one-liners, voice of reason when shenanigans ensued and his classic half smirk when something funny or simply ridiculous happened. John was always ready to have a good time with the crew and never needed the spotlight to accomplish it. That kind of presence stays with you. My sincerest condolences to the Quinlan family.

I was lucky enough to be John's roommate for 3 years in College. You get 1 first year roommate and I hit the jackpot. From the 1st day of going to college in a city 5 hours away from home, I was comfortable, I immediately met a brother, and a great friend.

One of my favourite memories was the mornings. You would be posted up at your desk, wearing a robe reading the morning news drinking coffee and I would jump into the room with the energy of a sugar rushed Toddler and launch at you with Jiu Jitsu moves as you slowly avoided every attempt and just looked at me like "Can I finish my coffee first."

John was a man who would never say no to a new experience and meeting new people. On the surface he seems shy, but his hidden charisma and charm helped me be more social and helped us both meet a large cast of great characters in our time in Ottawa. I would offer a bet of millions that you could not find 1 person that interacted with John Q in college that could find 1 negative thing to say about him. Friendly, funny, and very much loved.

My single favourite memory that encapsulates who the Quinlan family is, is the 1st summer after we met. We were roommates for 6 months, and when Summer hit, you invited me out to meet your family.

I was invited into your family's home, introduced to your parents, and even was brought to meet your Grandparent. That weekend we then went to your brother Bobby's college house and spent the weekend with Bobby and his friends.

I had known John and Bobby for less than 1 year and they introduced me to their family and welcomed me into their homes. That is who the Quinlan's are. A family full of love and respect for anyone around them.

You were the reason I was comfortable living away from home, you were a big reason why I wanted to come back to Ottawa after leaving early the year before. You were a best friend to everyone around you and I thank you for letting me be apart of the experience.

John showed me what is to this day my single favourite video game of all time. We would hang out and play Fallout New Vegas, a fantastic game, with a great story, and great quotes. To a best friend, to a great brother, and an all around great person, a quote from our favourite game: "You are nobody until somebody loves you, and that somebody is me. I love you."

Rest in Peace my brother. All the love to the Quinlan family, and thank you to Bobby for keeping in touch and for being apart of many great memories with myself and your brother.

So many wonderful memories come to mind, especially the summers spent in Port Elgin, and when I lived with John, Bob, and Marcia in Preston. Back then, John so lovingly referred to me as “the crazy lady in the basement.” To me, he was always my little “Yonny Yonderson.”

We spent countless hours together just hanging out, watching scary movies (like the classic "Ice Spiders"), playing cards, and just laughing. John had the most infectious giggle; once he started, you couldn’t help but laugh along with him. We played so many games of euchre with Grandpa -Bob, John, and I - and I’m sure you can all imagine the patience that took... especially since the 3 of us were singing the Indiana Jones theme song over and over again.

One memory that will always make me smile is when we were out for lunch as kids, and John had his new favourite necklace on. He ordered poutine I think, and all of a sudden says, “I’ve got gravy on my tiki!” It will forever be my favourite quote.

John was truly one of a kind - gentle, kind, and so effortlessly funny.

Love you, Johnny. Sending all my love to the Renners, Quinlans, and all the friends who are grieving his loss.

Those damn red eared sliders John ! I remember quite vividly how proud you were to show your Mom and I, the habitat you’d built in the bath tub. You had thought of everything they’d need.
And when I think of this thought, it’s really how you lived your life. Your compassion for animals and people alike, spoke volumes of the son, brother and friend that you were. You are missed beyond belief. Rest easy Johnny.

I think my best memory is of walking down the beach in Port Elgin with our families, our group had 3-4 dogs - which, at the time, wasn\'t as common - and we still got more attention for the red eared sliders (turtles, for the uninitiated) that you and Bobby both had on leashes that we leading the pack! I remember taking them boogyboarding as well, I think we had an even bigger crowd then, and they were way better than any of us on those boards.

I\'ll always remember our paintball adventures out at Flag Raiders, I remember it being a much bigger group compared to... Possibly just your brother, you, two friends and I during the winter events - I felt bad that we all wore paint suits and you guys hadn\'t, but it worked out perfectly, you dressed up as a commander with a beret, Bobby was your 2IC, and we were the grunts!

I\'ll also never forget the time a group walked passed you while you were wearing a ghillie suit laying in the brush, and you radioed me saying;
\"They\'re right on top of me, one guy actually stepped on my back!\"
And then you stood up behind them and got them out!

Rest easy buddy, I\'ll see you when it\'s my time.

John came and helped Bill a few times with the grass and gardening, doing what needed to be done and he always seemed to have a little smile on his face. One day we were at the front of Quinlan’s house when John was walking a dog who just laid down had no plans to move. John just stood quietly and waited for the dog to move-lots of patience he had!

I hired John to be a Dealer at the Casino. He picked it up very quickly and soon became a confident and proficient Dealer. John soon became a part of the Table Games family and would see him sitting with a group while on break clearly enjoying the conversation. I loved Johns slight smile when we saw each other. John was easy to have in a section because he always followed the rules. He was a gentle and kind young man.

I will always remember this photo shoot. You and your brother did not want to be there. I’m very glad Stan Switalski was able to capture you in this shot. You were the most beautiful and caring individual I have ever met. It was a honour to have given birth to such a wonderful soul. Until we meet again my love.

Getting John hugs

I'll always remember John's kind soul. I have fond memories of babysitting and hanging out with John and Bob when they were kids. Whether it was helping them beat missions in Goldeneye or playing epic games of street hockey, John was always fun to be around.

John was always such a sweet guy and always made me feel included when our families blended. I’ll never forget the time John, bobby, and I went to see Doctor Strange in theaters and we drove home giggling at the movie. He was someone I could talk to about movies and tv shows. He recommended movies to watch that are some of my favorites today. John will be greatly missed and my condolences to his family.

I met John through Bob while living in Waterloo. If Bob mentioned John was coming to visit I’d always try to make it over. It was always a guarantee that there would be a ton of laughs which lead to many great memories from those times!

Last minute Xmas gift from John and I to mom. She almost peed her pants laughing when she opened it.

I knew John since before we could even walk. He was always hilarious in a way that made you made you think. Some of my absolute favourite memories were hanging out with John. He introduced me to all the culturally significant comedies of our generation, and we would laugh together quoting them for hours. John was so smart and witty, he was able to reference anything at the drop of a hat.

I remember having a sleepover at John’s the first night they had a new puppy. We got pooped on a lot that night but it was an evening I’ll never forget. I knew I wasn’t up for dog ownership after that!

These last few days I’ve been reflecting and realized how much of my early life was formed by my relationship with John and the wonderful Quinlan family. Sending so much love to you all.

Here’s a picture of John and I with some friends swimming with Dolphins in Cuba.

John’s infectious laugh. It won’t matter how down you feel, this will always put a smile on your face.

There are so many beautiful memories of you at Kawagama lake to remember. From the first tears of joy when your arrival was announced around the harvest table, to the tears of laughter at one of your ‘1 liners’ to the sweetest conversations around the fire pit where you shared your soul with depth and understanding beyond your years. I cherished those one-on-one fire side chats each summer. You warmed my heart with your courage to open up and share time together despite the 22 years between us. You are free of your burdens sweetheart and in a place where all your questions can finally be answered. Our connection remains across the ethers so whenever I am watching the flames play in the breeze we will continue our fireside chats. I love you very much my sweet youngest cousin💕Peace is finally yours to embrace🤗

John’s obituary says it all. We always enjoyed spending time with John. His gentleness and sense of humour combined with his humility made him an exceptional human being.

John helped us with construction at our house in Hamilton

John taught George how to tie his shoes

Giving Vivienne her dessert