QUINNAN – William John (Billy) Quinnan, 54, born October 23, 1964, passed away April 25, 2019; beloved, youngest child of William Anthony Quinnan and Donna Neumann Quinnan who predeceased him; cherished brother of Martin (Mary McLoughlin) Quinnan, Loretta (Edward Wilson) Quinnan, Brian (Sue Kern) Quinnan, Michael (Sandy Churchfield) Quinnan, James Quinnan, Martha Farrington, David Quinnan (his twin brother), and Thomas Quinnan who predeceased him; dearly loved uncle of Jason (Catie) Quinnan, Jayme Spear, Casey (Brenda Solak) Quinnan, Shay Quinnan, Ellen (Gary) Witkowski, Emily (Jason) Haas, Thomas Quinnan, Joseph Farrington, Claire Farrington and Samuel Farrington; treasured great-uncle to 11; much-loved cousin to scores of Quinnans and Carpenters throughout the country. Billy and his twin brother, David, were born prematurely, with cerebral palsy, each weighing slightly over two pounds at birth. After two months in the hospital, they came home to the best “Christmas Ever” for the family.
David and Billy not only influenced the Quinnan family, in many ways they defined them. There was never a time nor a question that these two would be raised at home with their seven brothers and sisters. David and Billy remained at home with their parents until they were 48, spending most of that time in Zilwaukee.
They then moved to Grand Rapids to live in an adult foster home maintained by Pine Rest. Billy was gregarious; he delighted in meeting new friends and immersing himself in whatever activity was going on, whether it was a family gathering, a game of basketball, swimming anywhere, and especially bicycling. He was a “supervisor” that oversaw indoor and outdoor projects and usually had something to say or do about them.
He loved music and always had a radio or recording device within reach to play his favorite tunes. He had an impish quality and was a little mischievous at times and seemed to understand much more than he could articulate. Billy was just fun to have around – well-mannered, engaged, and ready to participate.
He charmed everyone who knew or had the opportunity to meet him. As his brother Jim said recently, “Everyone should have a Billy in their life”. The family would like to thank the staff and community at Pine Rest for Billy’s care and support.
We also extend our gratitude to his neighbors and friends in Saginaw, Zilwaukee and Houghton Lake, who watched out for him and welcomed him into their communities and families. Thank you to the staff and classmates at Community Ties North for their outstanding efforts on Billy’s behalf for so many years. Billy was taught to pray, dance, and share in religious education with the Catholic SPRED volunteers since their beginning with Sr. Elaine Raymond.
To them we also we give our gratitude. Finally, thank you to his brother David, who stood by his side, worried about him, and shared his brotherly love and battles. He will continue to hold him in his heart, as will all who knew him.
Visitation will be at the Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, on Monday, May 6, from 3 – 5 pm, followed by a memorial service at 5 pm, with Chaplain Mary Merrill officiating. Memorial gifts can be made to Pine Rest Christian Homes, 300 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William John (Billy) Quinnan please visit our Sympathy Store.
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