Conversations with Danny Quinlan often would begin with: “So, did you hear about the guy who walked into the bar?” It would then be followed by a clever, witty and often dirty joke. As you laughed at the punchline, Dan would smirk in complete satisfaction. Clean joke or dirty, he knew how to tell them.

Joking aside, on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, Daniel Patrick Quinlan went to sleep his final time, peacefully with his pup, Roy, right by his side. Danny was born in Lewiston on Jan. 19, 1952, to Virginia and Judge Dan Quinlan. He was the second of their two children. Dan was a student in one of Mrs. Piffile’s early kindergarten classes and would go on to attend St. Stanislaus Parochial School for eight years. “I gave those nuns a run for their money,” he would convey, despite being an altar boy. As a boy, Dan was a paperboy for the Lewiston Tribune, as well as a Cub Scout. He went to Jenifer Junior High before attending Lewiston High School, where he would run the halls with his buddies until graduating with the class of 1971.

Soon after high school, Danny took up landscaping. The next time you are golfing at the Lewiston Golf and Country Club, make sure to say a thank you to Danny for planting those beautiful shade trees. While working at the LGCC, Dan met his first true love, Linda. Six months later, they would marry. Two years into marriage they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Angie. Four years after that came a handsome son, Will. Together, the four of them were the Big Q’s. Dan loved his children hard and unconditionally. He had no problem sitting down with his baby girl to a tea party, then turning around to race cars on an electric track with his son. After a divorce in 1992, Dan would marry again to Betsy, who would unfortunately pass away in 2006.

Born and raised in a small neighborhood in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, neighbors were more like family. They were, and still are, considered the backbone to our Quinlan generation. Tradition was strong for Danny, and family gatherings were always held dear. From New Year’s Eve at the Vassar home, to the Fourth of July at the Bradleys’, and finally St. Patrick’s Day at his own house, all of the holidays were celebrated in a big way. Being surrounded by those he loved, both friends and family, made Danny thrive, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Danny was a very social guy and enjoyed various social activities from dart and bowling leagues to joining the local Moose lodge, where he would later sit on the board of directors. It came as a surprise to his family that dad would find great joy in two new companions, his adorable pugs, Otis and Roy. Dog walks and play dates with Arby’s sandwiches were a Sunday favorite. Along with his dogs, Danny enjoyed fishing. He especially loved ice fishing and looked forward to taking his nephew, Jimmy, when he would come visit from California. Fishing was always first on the agenda. Jimmy would beam with happiness, and Danny would be so proud of all the fish they caught.

Dan also loved his work. From Napa Auto Parts to Willett Bros. to Federated Auto Parts, he definitely knew his “stuff.” People would gladly wait just for him to get advice. Dan was also a Nez Perce County deputy coroner for several years. Loyalty in friendship was Danny. He would say: “If you need anything, just say it and I will be there.” And he would follow through. Both school and work friends were lifelong. Rarely was there a quick errand or a short trip to the store, as Dan was sure to run into at least one friend.

In 2013, Dan suffered a stroke and his health began to deteriorate. He retired soon thereafter from work, but found that he loved volunteering at the Asotin County Food Bank, again being anywhere that he was needed. He also found immense joy spending time with his twin grandbaby girls, Myah and Allison. They were a light that beamed in him brightly. Anywhere he went, he would brag about his girls and how much they “take after their grandpa.” He was always showing off their pictures to his friends. He loved to treat his granddaughters to dinner at BoJack’s or have sleepovers with mounds of popcorn and ice cream. Dan was a fantastic grandpa who loved his granddaughters the best way he knew how.

Our father, Danny, Dan, Big Q, Papa, Daniel Patrick, will forever be in our hearts. Stories will forever be told, a light will forever be bright in two little ladies, and a fiercely protective younger brother will be forever missed. We love you endlessly, Daniel Patrick.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel A. and Virginia Quinlan; grandson Mason Olson; and beloved pup; Otis. He is survived by children Angie Quinlan Olson (Eric) and Will T. Quinlan (Mindy); sister Kate Quinlan Shoven (John); granddaughters Myah and Allison Olson; nephew Jimmy Shoven (Meghan); great-nephew Austin Shoven; numerous cousins; and his beloved pup, Roy.

A public service is to be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to a local food bank or the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter.

Service Information

Date & Time

Saturday, February 2, 11:00 AM

Location

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home
920-21st Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

Get Directions

Condolences

Offer Condolences

From

Email

Message

Private? (will not be displayed on the website)

Security Question

NotInMyHouse

Our Family, Serving Yours

✔ Family Owned since 1898
✔ Professional, Licensed Staff
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Comfortable Facility

Serving the LC Valley Since 1898