VALE - JOHN QUINN
16th September 2009 | Back to Full List of Articles | PDF Media ReleaseBorn: 22-12-1921 Died: 16-9-2009
Rugby League on the North Shore lost an icon on the 16-9-2009 with the passing of John Quinn.
John started his involvement with rugby league on the North Shore in 1946 after returning from service in New Guinea as an ambulance driver in WW2. Over the next 60 odd years he never lost his enthusiasm to work in the game that he loved so much.
John was involved in the North Sydney Referees Association, the North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club, the NSWRL Junior Leagues Association and the North Sydney Junior Rugby League for over 50 years. Not many people can claim the honour of life membership to one association but to be made a life member of all 4 of the above organisations is testament to the hard work that he has done. Mr Quinn was well respected by all that knew him and there was never an unkind word said about him.
John was a quiet man who loved rugby league, he loved being around the kids and is well remembered by many older players as the kind man who refereed them when they were playing U7’s etc. It always made me smile when I saw kids, teenagers and grown men always refer to John as “Mr Quinn” or “Father Quinn”. Others affectionately called him JQ. He was certainly a father figure to many involved in the game not just in North Sydney but across the whole of Sydney. I know that he always loved to be called by those three names. The smile would light up his face.
Of course John did not always remember your name but he could definitely remember your playing number and your club and would often refer to you as “Hello number 6”.
John never had a nasty word to say about anyone and instead would look for a positive in everyone that he met. His hours and hours of voluntary work for all of the above associations were priceless. He filled every role that you can imagine in the North Sydney Referees and Junior League. He would do countless kilometres travelling from ground to ground to check on his ‘charges’ whether they were the referees or the junior league players and officials.
He was the District Representative Manager and always looked after his “boys” and made sure that they were ready to give their best no matter who the opposition was. He spent time as the team manager with the senior grades at Norths and was well liked by the senior players. He would turn a deaf ear to the coaches when they dropped the swear words and pretend that he didn’t hear. He was the caring person who picked up the spirits after a loss and was smiling from ear to ear when we had a win.
John was a mentor to a lot of people involved in the game and his counsel was greatly appreciated by all that sought it.
He never played the political game that is so often present in rugby league and instead was looked upon as a peaceful man who was a good mediator.
He was there when friends needed a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand in any situation. Nothing was ever a problem to him.
John used to do the Christmas evening Santa run, where he would drive to houses of people that he knew and leave bags of Christmas lollies for the kids. He was the rock that supported so many of his colleagues and friends in their hour of need when their loved ones passed away. He was the confidant that so many turned to for support and advice. He was a great friend who never asked for anything but was always prepared to give plenty.
To Mary and Phillip and Phillip’s family we offer our condolences. We would also like to thank you for allowing John to devote so much of his life to rugby league.
We are all better off for knowing this great man and having the privilege of being able to share so many memories with him.
He will leave a big gap in our lives, but we know he is with so many of his mates, in a better place watching and enjoying the footy from above.
Messages of condolence from other districts and friends
Our sincere condolences from all at South Sydney Juniors,
This is another huge loss to the world of Junior League. John will be very sadly missed.
John was held with high esteem and respect by all, which was obvious by how many people referred to him as “Mr Quinn”
Rod Gorman Souths Juniors
Deepest sympathy from everyone at Penrith. John Quinn and Gordon Lowrie were household names in J.L. and kept the J.L. Christmas function and association going for all those years and it will be sad not to see them anymore. They both will be missed significantly. Regards.
Don Feltis Penrith
Sad to hear the news about Mr Quinn, he will be sadly missed by all, especially by those who have had the pleasure of working so closely with him over the years.
Wayne Portlock NSWRL
Our deepest sympathies from everyone at St George Jnr League.
Another great soul gone but never forgotten.
A true gentleman.
Cathy Crowe Saint George JL
“His passing will leave a big hole in all of our lives”. Michael Quailey NS Referees Association
“He was a mentor to me and I will miss him greatly” Greg Florimo General Manager NSRLFC
“John made such a huge contribution to rugby league on the North Shore. He will be greatly missed by us all.” Gordon Thurgood NSJL President
“John was certainly a father figure to me, he was there from the first day that I started my involvement in rugby league and was there for me through the good times and the bad. I will miss him greatly”. Kevin Nicholls
Johns Funeral Arrangements are
Tuesday 22nd September 2009 10.30 am
Holy Spirit Church Cox’s Rd, North Ryde, then to Macquarie Park Cemetery
Followed by the opportunity to reflect with each other at North Ryde RSL main auditorium commencing at approx 1.00 pm.