PAT QUINN, OIL KINGS 1962-63, PASSES.
January 29, 1943 - November 23, 2014.
He was a big man on skates, but an even bigger man off the ice. Former Oil Kings defence man Pat Quinn passed away Sunday November 23 at Vancouver General Hospital after a brief illness.
The native of Hamilton came to Edmonton in the fall of 1962, as a 19 year old, in an effort to make the junior Oil Kings hockey club. It was the days of a 6-team NHL & Pat's rights were owned by the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit's OHA junior Hamilton Tiger Cubs were coached by Eddie Bush, who didn't seem to take a shine to homegrown Pat. When Detroit's chief western scout, Clarence Moher got the OK from Detroit to bring him to Edmonton, Pat jumped at the chance. He became an instant hit with the players, and a favorite with the fans & media ,as the perennial Memorial Cup runners-up, finally won their first national junior championship.
Pat was a great storyteller and much to the enjoyment of others, always got a kick out of adding his own humorous comments to someone else's punchline, by linking one of the listeners to the storyline. As a coach, his knack for storytelling & great timing was just what was needed in the dressing room of every team he coached.
Pat's hockey achievements are legendary. Here's a few of my personal memories of this very loveable, likeable guy who will be sorely missed.
-I remember Pat was always so very dignified-looking and well dressed.
-I remember my Dad calling for Pat's phone number because he wanted to know where he bought the shirts. he wore on TV.
-I remember Pat always dressing up for the occasion on St Paddy's Day. He certainly was a king-sized leprechaun!
-I remember Pat laying out that poor Drumheller Miner with a ferocious and legal body check at the blue line one Sunday at The Gardens.
-I remember seeing on TV, Pat's bone crushing and legal check on Bobby Orr in the Boston 'Gahden'. Nobody but Pat would dare!
-I remember Pat & Sandy getting married the day before game 1 of our '63 Memorial Cup series with Niagara Falls Flyers.
-I remember Max Mestinsek & I going for supper in Memphis with Pat & Sandy at the very private Top Of The 100 Club
Pat was a player's player when he played and a player's coach when his playing days were done. He was well liked and respected by all who came in contact with this gentle giant, who always held a soft spot in his heart for Edmonton & his days with the Oil Kings. He was always straight ahead; you always knew where you stood and where he stood. Pat was extremely loyal and always had a pal's back. As much as he loved the game of hockey, nothing could hold a candle to his love for Sandy & their daughters Kalli and Valli. Brian John Patrick Quinn will be missed by many.
  
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