Arthur Thomas O'Quinn

Arthur O’Quinn

North Sydney

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Arthur Thomas O’Quinn, age 65, on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax Infirmary Site in Halifax.

Born in North Sydney on October 5, 1955, he was the son of the late Peter and Theresa (MacLean) O’Quinn.  Arthur was a fine Red Seal carpenter with an eye for detail, who worked for many years in construction in Ontario, Alberta, and Cape Breton.  He was an expert outdoorsman with a passion for fly fishing and hunting; in his later years he used his camera to "shoot" the wildlife instead - "still counts and the deer gets to walk away".  He was a history buff, who also possessed a vast knowledge and love of cinema, especially westerns, and an avid music lover - "when you love it play it loud, it's the only way man".  Arthur enjoyed chess, and appreciated a skilled opponent. He was a good listener, but also never let the truth get in the way of a good story, quick to give a grin and a wink if you were onto him. 

To him, family was number one and he made sure you knew you were deeply loved, fiercely protected, and always accepted.  He may have had his troubles along the way, but he was kind, generous to a fault, and loved with his whole heart. In a better world he would have been the handsome leading man or the witty beloved history professor. 

He is survived by his two daughters Bridy, Sydney and Colette, Toronto; his grandson Nicholas; his brothers David (Patsy), Tony (Alena), Ted (Stephanie), Leonard (Diane) and Tim (Sherri) O’Quinn; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents Peter and Theresa, Arthur was predeceased by his two sisters Brenda O’Quinn, and Patricia in infancy, his two brothers Hugh and Patrick O’Quinn, and his nephew Paul O’Quinn.

He lives on in the gift he gave of himself, his organs and tissues, so that others might have better lives.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital ICU nurses who treated dad like he was their own father. Your kindness and gentle care meant so much to us.

There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

In honour of Arthur, play your favourite music loudly and feel the rhythm. No flowers please. If interested, donations in Arthur’s memory to mental health or a charity of choice at https://www.cbrhfoundation.ca/donate-now/.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.

In the words of the late great Duke, you can now "take 'er easy there, pilgrim".

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur Thomas O'Quinn, please visit our floral store.