It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martin Robin “Rob” Quinn, peacefully at home in Ottawa on May 7, 2025, at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Denise Ellen Quinn (née Tunney), in the 60th year of their marriage. Loving father of Katherine Audrey Quinn and Christopher Joseph Quinn.
The youngest of four siblings, Rob was predeceased by his sister Nora Kay Wykes (née Quinn) and brother Gordon Quinn. He is survived by his brother Peter Edward Quinn. Rob will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Born in Toronto, Ontario to his parents Eugene J. Quinn and Nora V. Quinn (née McDonough), on January 19, 1940, Rob enjoyed an early, brief career in the military. It was during this time that he met his wife, Denise. In June 1966 he joined the Canadian Department of External Affairs, where he met many people who became lifelong friends. Rob had a varied career which included Public Service of Canada in multiple departments, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Canadian Broadcasters Association, Alderman of the Capital Ward in Ottawa, President and CEO of the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada, and retiring as a Consultant in 2003.
Rob had a strong sense of humour and a passion for military and political history. He was a lover of good wine, good food, and good company of friends and family.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario), on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. for an Interment with military honours at the National Military Cemetery, located within Beechwood Cemetery.
The family will welcome friends and family at Rob & Denise’s home after the service at 2:00 p.m.. For those unable to attend in person, who would like to join us in raising a toast to Rob, please send a note to RobQuinnMemorial@gmail.com and we will include you in an invitation to join us on a Zoom call at 3:00 p.m. EDT when we will raise a glass of Irish whisky (or the tipple of your choice) in Rob’s memory. The family would love to receive messages with your memories of Rob at the same email address, RobQuinnMemorial@gmail.com where we will put them together into a scrapbook for Denise and their children.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s memory may be made to the Canadian Legacy Project or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Marie Reid
Jim McCarthy
I worked closely with Rob in his years as President of the Glebe Community Association and his subsequent term on Ottawa and Regional Councils. Rob put heart and soul into those jobs, along with a much higher degree of rigour and professionalism than one usually sees in those roles - whether volunteer or paid. He was strongly principled and ethical in his dealings, and I thoroughly enjoyed our close association in those years. My condolences for those who loved him.
John and Linda Noble
Our most sincere sympathies to Denise, Katherine and Christopher on the death of Rob. We last saw him at a gathering of members of the External Affairs Class of 1966 at Stan and Maggie Carlson's house in Wakefield. He was never timid in making his views known and always had interesting views. We shall miss him.
Margaret Catley-Carlson
Rob enjoyed what he enjoyed, informed himself about a great number of issues, and almost always had sharp and piercing comments to share......and argue about! He and Denise were marvelous hosts, offering well researched wines and wonderful food - and discussion. We celebrated Christmas, skied and vacationed together in a friendship that began 50 years ago. Farewell Rob and thanks for the memory.
Ed Gorn
Lorraine and I are so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to the Quinn family. Rob was a colleague and friend as well as a proud member of the Class of ‘66. He will be remembered, among other things, for his sense of humour and sharp wit. Never ever boring, Rob will be sorely missed. Sincere apologies that we are unable to be with you to celebrate his life, as we are out of the country. Rob will be in our thoughts and prayers on May 23rd.
Paula Willett
It is with sadness that I learned about the passing of Mr. Robin Quinn, so I wish to offer to the family my best and most sincere condolences.
Myles and Helen Tunney
Our heartfelt sympathy to Denise, Katherine, and Christopher. The loss of a loved one and parent is a loss like no other. May you find comfort in your happy memories.
CYNTHIA CURRIE
My sincere condolences to you Denise and your family. The class of 66 and their spouses/partners have fond memories of Rob. May he rest in peace and may the family treasure the memories.
Darrel Kent
It is with deep respect and fond memory that I remember my dear friend Rob Quinn. We served together on City Council, and I always knew that Rob’s word could be trusted—his integrity was unwavering. His thoughtfulness and diligence on the tough issues was respected by his fellow Councilors. Our monthly lunches, a tradition that lasted over 46 years, were filled with thoughtful conversation, laughter, and the kind of companionship that is truly rare. Rob’s friendship enriched my life immeasurably, and his legacy of honesty and loyalty will remain with me always. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences.
Beatrice Keleher-Raffoul
My sincere condolences to Denise, Katherine and Christopher. I am so sorry to have missed the celebration of his life. Rob was a person of tremendous integrity, always ready with reasoned opinions on a host of issues, coupled with great wit! I remember with fondness his time as President of the Glebe Community Association, and on Council. I especially appreciated his mentoring! Many good times over the years bring a smile.
Rob had a great sense of humor. He was always ready to laugh at the foibles of human existence. He was a marvellous host along with Denise’s Cordon Blue offerings taking special care with the wine selection.
A great friend who will be sadly missed.