Robert ‘Bob’ Quinlan, who spent many years with the Folsom Rotary Club before moving to Marysville and transferring to our club in 2019, passed away January 14. He was 63.

According to an obituary notice in the Sacramento Bee, Bob came to Marysville already diagnosed with cancer, but he did not let that stop him from becoming engaged in his new community through Rotary. He had an immediate impact on the club and those in our community who suffer from food insecurity by coordinating club participation in a monthly effort to distribute food in downtown Marysville.

 

In a Facebook posting after his death, the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank wrote, “We are sad to hear of his passing! Our condolences to the Quinlan family. Bob was instrumental in organizing the monthly Marysville Food distribution. Remembering his wonderful and giving soul will forever remain in our hearts.”

 

Bob’s passion for service through Rotary was evident over the course of many years. Rotary Club of Folsom President Jean Cavanaugh described Bob as being part of the “heart of the club,” as well as her “partner in crime” who always volunteered and who could always make her laugh. 

 

A native of San Francisco, Bob graduated from Sacramento State with a degree in psychology and made a living in medical sales. He also invented and marketed an arm rest for long haul truckers. He developed the nickname “BQ” and was known for his decades of service to Rotary, Interact, and for his enthusiasm as a jolly old elf at Christmas. He is survived by his loving partner, Kathy Hawes, a sister, two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren.