Paul D. Quinn was born July 11, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio and died Nov. 9, 2011 at his home in Lutsen of a rapidly advancing pancreatic cancer. His sister Peggy Quinn and dogs Rowdy and Charlie were at his side.
Paul grew up in modest circumstances in Cleveland. After high school he declined a college scholarship to pursue a career on Great Lakes ore boats. He ascended to the position of ship’s mate and was on course to become a captain. However, after about two decades of service, he tired of boat life and turned full-time to his winter vocation, being a ski instructor, marketer and ski maintainer in Duluth.
He loved the North Shore area and Lake Superior. In the 1990s he bought property on the Ski Hill Road and established Lutsen Rec Inc. It is primarily a ski shop. He touted his premier skis and custom fitting of equipment. He waxed and tuned skis for several serious racers.
Paul was a critical thinker. He was a frequent contributor to the Cook County News-Herald’s letters to the editor section. His strong sense of good stewardship of public funds and the preservation of our wonderful environment often caused conflicts with elected officials and powerful people in the community. His brusque and sometimes abrasive challenges of public policy and proposals and their sponsors often caused consternation in public forums. Sometimes his efforts were effective in making better decisions for our good. He was a zealot unofficial ombudsman for us. Under his prickly façade was a very big heart.
He is survived by sister Peggy Quinn of Cleveland, cherished Labs Rowdy and Charlie, and our memories. Peace be to Paul Quinn.
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