Sgt T.J. O?Quinn CD (Ret)
On May 22, 2006, after a lengthy and stoic battle with cancer, Tom O?Quinn died as he lived, with his loving and devoted wife Margaret at his side. Tom was born on July 26, 1927 in South Branch, Newfoundland, the first son of Peter and Julia O? Quinn. In his early years Tom had many interesting and varied jobs as a miner and a logger in Nfld and NB, but he made a career in the Canadian military serving his country in Korea, Germany, and Canada. He proudly served for 28 years, first in the 2 RCHA and then in the 4 RCHA. He earned honours during his time in the military and had a profound knowledge of Canadian and military history. He was fortunate enough to return to Korea in 2002 as part of a delegation representing the Korean Veterans Association, where he served as past president. He married Margaret Laskey on April 12, 1955 and became a proud dad to her children Susan, Robert (Bobby) and Gorden. Later his daughter Christa was born during his tour in Germany. Tom had many friends from coast to coast and will be lovingly remembered for his honesty, fairness, good heart, keen mind and dry sense of humour. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brothers Leo, Augustus, Patrick, and Martin and his loving sister Louise. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Bernard. He will be lovingly remembered by his son-in-law Alan, daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Marilyn, grandchildren Kimmy, Ricki, Robbi, Robin, Tammy, Rebecca, Sarah, Tiffany, and Andrew as well as two great grandchildren Nicolas and Holly.
Tom was an avid fisherman and shared his love of the outdoors with his children... often getting up in the middle of the night it seemed to catch the elusive “big one”.
At this time his wife and family would like to thank the amazing staff of Palliative Care NRGH, Dr. Graham Brockly, the DVA, Bob Ducharme, Edgar Collin, Russell Hann, Pastor Ernie Gray of the Nanaimo Alliance Church and all the very special people that have assisted Tom in the last few weeks, too many to mention here.
As per his wishes, funeral service will be held at Nanaimo Alliance Church, 1609 Meredith Road, Nanaimo, on Friday May 26 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Military Cemetery in Ottawa.
“Peaceful at last in the arms of Jesus”
Sands - Nanaimo