The following interoffice memorandum was distributed Tuesday by the directors of the ARC Northern Chesapeake Region, Inc. to all its staff:
It is with great sadness that we must share with you the passing of Tim Quinn. Tim passed this evening surrounded by his loving family.
This is a tremendous loss for so many. Many of us have a rich and shared history with Tim. He invited us to share in his vision of what life can be and at this time it is comforting to remember the shared experiences. Tim led The Arc for 20 years as Executive Director and to say he will be missed doesn’t adequately capture his spirit, contributions, visionary leadership, or articulate how he touched the lives of so many people. Tim was a trailblazer who loved life, people, and creating change that made a real difference in people’s lives. Tim was respected nationwide for his efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. Tim was an equally strong advocate for the many men and woman who work every day in support of folks who have disabilities and their families.
Tim began his battle with cancer several years ago. In true Tim form, through it all he remained hopeful and focused his energy on what he could control. What a wonderful living testimony of a life well lived? What amazing things can be accomplished if we all follow his example? What a wonderful legacy to leave to those privileged to know or work with him.
It is difficult to image The Arc without Tim. Although he may not be physically present with us, Tim will always be with us. It is clear that in many ways, Tim has prepared us for this moment. Integrity, respect, community building, responsiveness, team, inclusion and self determination are not just the core values of The Arc, but principles by which Tim lived his life. Tim was a remarkable person who will be deeply missed.
It was an honor to know Tim and we will all mourn his loss in our own way. In time, the healing will began and the sorrow will be replaced by the memories that mark a life well lived. During this time, we must remember to be gentle with ourselves and those around us. We will need to support each other in this very sad time. Understanding that it will not be easy and recognizing that Tim would want us to continue our work at The Arc, we begin this journey with a single step.
We have lost a Harford County Hero. Tim championed for the rights of the mentally challenged and their families. He was an excellent and reliable source to provide aid and assistance to many of my constituents. I must use one example of Tim’s work.
I had a constituent who wanted to get a home equity loan to replace their heating system. They were denied the loan because they lacked enough equity. The seller of the home misrepresented the value of the property taking advantage of the buyers mental capabilities. The constituent asked what could I do to help them? I called Tim and gave him the information. A day later, a Friday, the constituent called me to say the heating system finally failed. That day it was in the 20’s and windy. The constituent was crying because she was taking care of her disabled husband and 3 children. I called Tim back looking for guidance. I asked Tim he would help me and find temporary housing for the family. Tim said he would get right back to me. Tim called me the next day,Saturday and said all is well. I said so you got the family temporary housing? Tim replied no, we got the family a new heating system. Time after time Tim responded positively to my many request. I am going to miss him as are his clients and their families. A true Harford County Hero!
I’am certainly sorry to hear the bad news. wishing his family the best.
Tim was a true visionary. He was instrumental in getting the workshop in Hickory closed and then mainstreaming the disabled into the communities and getting them jobs. The families, including mine, were not comfortable with that……. they were safe in the workshop. But my brother blossomed after getting his first real job and he grew so much as a person. He became an even happier person…… grateful everyday to meet and greet a new friend. I am amazed by all the people’s lives he touched. Tim’s visions have spread and will continue to grow but no one should ever forget the confidence and courage he gave to each and every person he helped. I agree, Tim is a true hero in every sense of the word. May we only live up to his dreams.
Hearts are heavy at this time. As a parent I am grateful for his vision and journey that made this world a more hopeful place for people with disabilies and their families. We have been blessed by a man who wouldn’t accept less. Rest in peace, Tim.
I was very saddened to learn of Tim’s passing. In his quiet, soft spoken way he was able to champion for our friends, neighbors and family who because of disability, could not always fend for themselves. He will certainlly be missed.
Yesterday I was one of many who participated in the celebration of life for Tim Quinn, Executive Director of The Arc of Northern Chesapeake. As he shared his last hours with his family he asked them, “What will you take from this?”. Tim was a humanitarian, a visionary and, even at the end of his life on earth, a philosopher. With all that has happened this week, what will we learn? “what will you take from this?”