University News
Richard "David" Quinn Obituary
September 21, 2022
MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Emeritus Foreign Language and Literatures Professor Richard "David" Quinn passed away Saturday, Sept. 17 in Macomb.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Quinn began teaching at WIU in September 1971, and retired from the University in December 2001. He and his wife, Elizabeth, started the Western Illinois Spanish Experience (WISE), WIU's first Study Abroad program, in the early 1970s, and the program was continued after his retirement by Guada Cabedo-Timmons. He led several of the trips in its 50 years of existence.
He had a lifelong passion for languages, learning and teaching and was known to say he "couldn't imagine any other profession." Quinn's commitment to Spanish language, literature and culture was exceptional, and students both here and abroad owe much to his commitment to education.
In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, Quinn is survived by two daughters, Kelley (Vajo Necak) and Hilary (Jim Ransel); four grandchildren, Aiden, Mirabel, Lilian and Andrew; one brother, Paul; two sisters, Rita and Madelyn; and one sister-in-law, MaryAnn.
For additional obituary information, visit mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituary/RichardDavid-Quinn.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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