Memory-Katie Soller

Katie Soller, Coached by Mr. Quinn on CYO basketball and friend of Kaitlyn.

Favorite Quinnie Memory or Story

After being on Mr. Quinn’s basketball team for several years we had developed a relationship that I really valued. He would drive me home from practice every night and tease me, asking when I was going to start paying for gas money and suggesting that I should just move in with them to save them the trip. He knew that without fail if he teased me he could make me laugh. As Kaitlyn and I got older we began to spend time together outside of basketball activities. One night when a group of our friends were over at the Quinn’s, Mr. Quinn came downstairs just like one of the kids, chatting with us and having a good time. Oh, and of course, gave me a good ‘ole rub on the head. He never failed to do that, whether we were at basketball practice or a formal party. Something about the way that he looked at me as I am now as the same person that I was as a 10 year old on his basketball team did and always will mean a lot to me. He never judged and saw the best that was in me and everyone else. That did and continues to mean a lot to me, not only as a memory, but a way of life I try to emulate. And to me the best part of it all, is that I knew he wasn’t trying. That’s just the way he was.

Favorite Quinnie Characteristic

Well, who didn’t love Quinnie’s red Irish cheeks? I know just looking at those made me smile. But, besides that, he always made the people around him feel like they were special. I was so excited whenever I would see him because I knew I would get that “Well here she is, Katie Soller!”, obviously followed by the legendary disarming head rub, that just always made me smile. Then everyone around would look and see this great greeting and it just made me feel like a million bucks. Even on his worst day he would give you this tremendous hello, fit for a king. I really loved that about him.

Memorable Trips, Events, Occasions, etc.

Every game, practice and season of CYO basketball with Mr. Quinn was a memorable one. No matter how many games we lost, which was most, he was so proud of us, knowing we did our best. Car pools were always made exciting, filled with pep talks and strategies, but mostly laughs. Plus, Kaitlyn was his pride and joy, and the way he would talk to her was always such a great thing to be around. It also never hurt when that pride and joy would convince him to buy us ice cream.

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Mr. Quinn, Stevie Quinn, Quinnie, no matter what I called you I could always get a laugh, even if it was immediately followed by a head lock. At first, you were a role model and you then you became like a friend. You raised the most beautiful loving girl in Kaitlyn and whenever I saw you and Mrs. Quinn together you were like the greatest team. I just want to say every cliché in the book about you, because it would be the truth. I think about you all the time and how honored and lucky I feel to have known you. Thank you for being in my life, thank you for bringing so many people together, thank you for the memories. I love you Mr. Quinn, I know God is holding you in the palm of His hand.