Noel Dennis Quinn

Noel Dennis Quinn, 85, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away suddenly on June 26, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

He leaves behind his wife Susan Elizabeth (née Pullen), children Johnathan Thomas (Rhea) and Timothy William and grandchildren William Siu Lung Quinn and Jade Siu Fu Quinn. He was preceded in death by his parents William Henry and Dorothy Quinn (née Thomas) and siblings John Quinn, Joan Preston, Pearl Garnett, Margaret “Peg” Ellis, Mary Chase, Barbara Smith, Michael Quinn, Irene Stephen, and Marjorie Driscoll. Noel was the youngest of ten siblings and the last one to pass on.

Born on December 26, 1940, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Noel had a range of experiences growing up and, in his teens, from living on Partridge Island as child where his father was the lighthouse keeper to working in the Lantic sugar refinery.

Noel graduated from Simonds Regional High School before he headed west to Calgary for two years to work in a bank to fund his forthcoming university studies. Noel studied English Literature at King’s College, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he met his loving wife and best friend, Sue. They had 64 wonderful years together. Noel never missed her birthday or their anniversary, always celebrating those with the gift of flowers from his favourite florist.

Noel was above all a generous and kind family man, who loved time spent with his wife, Sue, his children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends. He did so many things to enrich the lives of Tim and John: telling nightly bedtime stories as young children, where he held them spellbound with stories about nineteenth century sailing ships or medieval castles; coaching their soccer teams, or taking the entire family on the annual summer trip east to Saint John to see friends and family.

After teaching for a couple of years, Noel began his Government of Canada career in the early 1970s with the Department of National Defence before joining the Unemployment Insurance Commission, where he rapidly advanced to Chief of Classification and established a lasting reputation for mentoring future Public Service leaders. His strategic expertise proved vital during the 1979 amalgamation that formed the Department of Employment and Immigration Canada, where he designed structures to seamlessly integrate human resources and various directorates during a major transitional period. In 1985, he transitioned to the Insurance Branch as a highly respected Policy and Program Analyst, earning the trust of colleagues and Treasury Board officials alike through his creative problem-solving and leadership. After years of dedicated public service, Noel launched a successful second chapter as a senior management consultant, continuing to strengthen multiple federal departments with his expert advice and organizational counsel.

Noel was a man of integrity, humility, wisdom, and kindness. He led by example, encouraged excellence in others, and left every organization stronger than he found it. His contributions to Canada’s Public Service will endure through the many people he mentored, the organizations he helped shape, and the lasting legacy of leadership and service he leaves behind.

Noel loved early morning fishing trips in the summer and fall, going to his boat slip on Petrie Island before heading out onto the Ottawa River in his boat on a quest to catch a few fish. Noel would return for lunch with his wife, Sue, and then they would enjoy a quiet afternoon together. Noel loved hearing about the latest adventures of his grandchildren William and Jade, chatting with them on the phone and hearing about what they were doing at school.

He enjoyed gardening in the backyard, painting landscapes, reading a good mystery, watching a vintage movie or a Premier League football match on TV. Noel was also well known for telling a joke or two and always having a cup of black coffee in hand. He enjoyed his daily jaunt to Maggy’s Mart convenience store since he loved the luck of a good Lotto ticket and the opportunity to go out and chat with others.

Noel would look forward to his weekly Sunday walks with long-time friends at Place d’Orleans mall, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories with coffee in hand. Noel was so proud of his family and often talked about the support and love Sue gave to him in the many challenges and accomplishments that life brought his way, particularly in the last 16 months.

May we remember Noel Quinn with gratitude, respect, and appreciation for a life devoted to making a meaningful difference for all of those lives he touched, colleagues, friends and family members alike.

A private family service was held for Noel at the Beechwood Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Harvest House Ministries, a charity that Noel and Sue supported for many years.