John "Douglas" Quinn   Memorial for John Douglas Quinn Born in Fitchburg, MA on Jul. 4, 1920 Called by God on Mar. 3, 2010 and resided in Ashburnham, MA. Visitation: Sunday, Mar. 7, 2010 Funeral Mass: Monday, Mar. 8, 2010 Cemetery: Calvary Cemetery Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.    John Douglas "Doug" Quinn, 89, of Ashburnham, President and founder of Skyline Engineers, Inc. of Fitchburg, MA. died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, March 3, surrounded by family members. His loving wife Maria (Peano) Quinn, predeceased him in 2007 following 24 years of marriage. Mr. Quinn was a man of extraordinary vision, wisdom, humor, compassion and strength. He touched the world with an indelible hand, and his accomplishments were many. Yet, it is not what he did, but who he was that will forever be remembered. His Irish heritage was a core element of his life, expressed in hard work, hospitality, deep friendships, pride in his nine children and a great love of the land. His life and work represented the essence of the qualities that make America great. Like the country he loved, he was fiercely optimistic, independent, adventurous and creative. Born in Fitchburg, MA, on Independence Day, July 4, 1920, Mr. Quinn and his siblings Ruth and Richard, were raised in Leominster MA, by his grandmother, Mary Quinn, for whom he held a lifelong cherished affection. A graduate of St. Bernard High School, Mr. Quinn became a cadet in the Army Air Corps in his early 20's, and served in WWII as a tail-gunner on the B-17 bomber. Following the war in 1946, he worked for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Party, earning the nickname "The Goat Butte Kid!" Later, he founded Skyline Engineers, a preeminent restoration and historic preservation company. Over the last several decades, he and his sons, Steve, Marty and Dan, have restored and maintained thousands of the most architecturally beautiful steeples, domes and structures throughout the country, including gold leaf restoration of seven state capital domes, the Massachusetts state capital, Fanuel Hall, the Old North Church in Boston, MA, and the beautiful churches in the Fitchburg/Leominster area. His optimism was reflected in his logo, "Look Up America!" which was on all of his trucks for many years. His son Stephen continues the business and traditions he started to this day. First and foremost, his children were the center of his life. He was proud of their accomplishments and encouraged their dreams. This interest, love and concern expanded to include the grandchildren and their friends who knew and loved him, simply as "Grampa Doug." Following his retirement, he turned his attention and time to local conservation, preservation and beautification efforts in his own beloved Ashburnham community. He launched a highly successful "Bring Back the Bluebirds" campaign to re-introduce the beautiful birds to the area. He also served on the Board of Directors for the National Bluebird society. He enjoyed growing over 100 varieties of roses for his loving wife Maria. Friends and neighbors were also grateful recipients of the work of his hands. Doug was well known as a friend to all; his warm hearted sincere interest in others was his hallmark. He engaged everyone in warm¸ meaningful conversations. He was an avid hiker, studied philosophy, and inspirational literature and was a Master Toastmaster public speaker. He served as a lector for St. Denis church for many years. His Irish wit and wisdom permeated his world, and a good joke, song or story could always be found at his table. His life was a light in the darkness; and he will be deeply missed far and wide. Doug will be sadly missed by his beloved children; Daniel T. Quinn and his wife Anne of Woodstock, VT, Martin D. Quinn of Charlotte, NC, Stephen E. Quinn of Ashburnham, Brian F. Quinn and his wife Elaine of Chelmsford, Eileen Moore Quinn and her partner Shamus Pender of Ashburnham and Charleston, SC, Linda Q. Maguire and her husband Dennis of Ashburnham, Nancy M. Quinn of Princeton, Terry M. Maguire and her husband Paul of Ashburnham and Maura J. Stobie of Missoula, MT. He also leaves his former wife; Lorraine (O'Sullivan) Gaston, mother of his nine children and with whom he shared 35 years of marriage and a lifelong friendship, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Besides his wife, Doug was predeceased by one grandson; Garrett M. Maguire of Ashburnham who died in 2008, one brother; Richard Quinn of Fitchburg and one sister; Ruth Evans of Leominster. Family and friends are planning to honor and celebrate Doug's life by gathering for visiting hours in LAMOUREUX-FLETCHER COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 105 Central St., Gardner on Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 4-7 PM. His funeral will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010 beginning at the funeral home at 10AM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Denis Church, Ashburnham at 11AM. Rev. John E. Horgan will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchendon. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Doug's memory, the family kindly asks that you consider the Oncology Department at Heywood Hospital, 242 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440. For directions to the funeral home or to sign the online guest book for the Quinn family, please visit us online at www.fletchercares.com. Lamoureux-Fletcher Community Funeral Home, Gardner is honored to have been asked assist the Quinn family with Doug's arrangements.

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