I was very sad to learn that Fred Quinn is no longer with us. He was a unique light in this world. A gentle spirit despite growing up in a difficult and sometimes violent home. He was a talented artist and the pen-and-ink, whimsical characters he put to paper were always my favorites. We enjoyed hours of competitive play – nerds on Risk and Stratego. Especially with the latter, I early on would beat him mercilessly. But, then, over time, he learned all of my strategies and fakes and then, it was me being handed defeat time and time again. But, the days (and nights into days) we spent on the Myst puzzle game series are some of my fondest memories. The thrill of solving the puzzle and moving to the next level! I could not have done it alone. These were in the early days (the 70’s). Later on, in the 80’s, Fred would often be involved with one of our many home improvement projects and we relied on him almost exclusively for his sheetrock taping skills. ‘Heal the wall’ he would say, and then we would toss back another of whatever we were drinking. At some point, (can’t remember exactly when, but I’m sure our mutual friend Jeff does), and after hundreds of trips to see our groups of friends in Virginia, Fred made his home down there and never looked back. I think it fit him nicely, more akin to his spirit. I think NY often left him feeling a little lonely, despite his friends here. Finally, I will say that there was music in Fred and he was always there whenever there was a good jam happening. May the music be ever playing for you, my friend, wherever your path may lead. You are missed.
-Quin W (NY)
