John Ralph McQuillan MD, son of John and Wilma Hanson McQuillan, was born August 30, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He died peacefully on June 2, 2015 surrounded by his family at the home he built.
At the age of 22, John had graduated from the University of Minnesota and attained his MD. His family was very proud of this achievement at such a young age.
John served in the military from 1942-1953. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain after serving in World War II and the Korean conflict. In addition, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, World War II victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. In 1953, he joined the VA staff at Fort Harrison as an internist. He retired June 1986 as Chief of Staff. John joined the Montana Club in 1953 and celebrated his 90th birthday there with his family. He was also a member of the A.M.A and Gerontological Society. His medical license was current the day he died.
During high school, our father fenced and was a pole vault state champion. He biked and canoed throughout Minnesota. He was also an expert skier and went down the Zugspitz in Germany. John was an avid fisherman and world traveler including being chased by a hippo in a hot air balloon in Africa. In addition, he enjoyed reading and keeping up on the news watching all 3 major news broadcasts every night. His attention to detail and extraordinary memory kept us all on our toes!
As an attentive father, John’s example and participation in a variety of activities leave his family with many wonderful memories. Some of the interests shared with his children included woodworking, raising and breeding Appaloosa horses, fishing, playing the piano, remodeling houses, and conjugating Latin. He was known for getting and stacking 72 tons of hay a year and taking online calculus courses well into his 80’s to keep his brain sharp.
John is survived by his wife Joan of 31 years who was a loving grandma to his grand and great-grand-children; children, Thomas R. (Connie) McQuillan Corvallis, MT; Carina (Darrell) Zook Helena, MT; John R. (Helen) McQuillan III, Shreveport, LA; Ralph P. (Clarice) McQuillan (Seattle, WA); step-children, Gary (Mary) Schatz, Lake Oswego, OR; Barb (Lyle) Maichal, Seattle, WA; Therese (Kim) Roberson, Seattle, WA; Grand-children, Thomas Sean McQuillan; Adrian (Beverly) Davis, New York; Mercedes (Lenny) McNeal , Warrenton, VA; John Ralph McQuillan IV (Shreveport, LA; Francis Dai McQuillan, Shreveport, LA; Tristan Roberson, Seattle, WA; Kelsi Schatz, Lake Oswego; and Great Grand-children Remi Davis and Gracie McNeal.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Wilma; his wife of 27 years, Hilde McQuillan (1981); sister, Patricia Joan Morgan; and daughter, Bianka Davis.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow the service at Retz Funeral Home. Burial will be held at the Lincoln Cemetery in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to wounded veterans or a non-profit organization of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dr. McQuillan.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday June 8, 2015
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Monday June 8, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday June 8, 2015
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Monday June 8, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Joyce and Gordon Bruce says
I worked with Dr. McQuillan at the VA starting in l969 and retiring in l998. I knew him as a Dr. on the medical wards and also as Chief of Medicine. He was so well respected by everyone at the VA and always set a “shining” example of what was the “right” or “wrong” way to do things! When I transferred to Boise VA for a few years he gave me one of the nicest recommendation letters one could ever want. I always thanked him for that.
I am somewhat associated with Corrina and offer her my condolences and know she will have many good and happy memories of her father. He was what the VA could be proud of as a doctor and chief. Aren’t many around like John these days!
Joyce Bruce
Rachael Jobes says
I was so blessed to have gotten to know this man. I know he will be deeply missed by his family, but what an incredible legacy he left behind! My thoughts are prayers are with the extended McQuillan family, especially my cousins: Mercedes and Sean.
Bob and Paula Hayes says
Tom, Mercedes, Sean, Joanie, and all other members of the McQuillian Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the loss of Dr. McQuillian. We will always remember him for his kindness, gentle nature, and the twinkle that was always in his beautiful blue eyes. It was a privilege for us to have enjoyed his company on so many special occasions. We believe for you he was a blessing in more ways than we can count. He was wise, kind, supportive, and generous and loving and gave you all wonderful memories that will keep him close each day.
With our love,
Bob and Paula
s. ukenta says
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and would like to extend our condolences. May you cherish those warm endearing memories and find comfort in God’s Word. “But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11) With deep sympathy continue to love and support one another.
Barbara Beeby says
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. What a smart man and what a gentle person. I had the privilege of working for him last year and this year for a while and will ask that he will his patience to me. I am sure his family has fabulous memories to call upon as in the short time I knew him he had some wonderful stories. Thank you Jack for letting me share a brief time of your life. Bless you all.
Eric Parkin. says
I knew this man as Grandpa Jack. He was a kind hearted man and very interested in how I was doing especially academically. He encouraged me to work harder much like his son John Ralph McQuillan IV has always done. This family has always been hardworking and encouraging and I will always remember what that has meant to me. I will always remember the influence they have had in helping me become who I am today. I pray for peace for grandpa Jack, and I pray for peace for his family. God bless all of you. My heart is with you all.
Ray Hamilton, Colonel, USAF (Ret) says
Jack was married to my sister Joan. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Jack, I have talked with him many times over the years. During those talks it was obvious that Jack was a very dedicated, caring person and a devoted husband. My wish is that I and the rest of my family and relatives had been able to enjoy Jack’s company and his positive outlook on life. He now is in the Good Lord’s care. God Bless!
Dr. Ken and Mimi Morgan says
Uncle Jack was bigger than life when I first met him as a child in Minneapolis during a summer trip with Mother ( his sister). I was in awe looking at pictures of him at Grandpa’s house showing him as a real athlete as a young man. I also remember my curiosity when admiring one of his old snow skis, which being from Georgia, had never seen such. I had the Great pleasure of meeting him several times since, each visit revealing at true gentleman, scholar and caring person. Yes, I much admired him. When Mother passed away, he flew to southern California and spent some real Family time with my sister, Kitty, brother, Harley and I, looking at old picture albums and filling in many stories about their childhood and growing up years in Minneapolis and his days in the military and medical career. This was an awesome visit, and much cherished, at that difficult time of Mother’s passing. Over the last 30 years I had the pleasure of receiving his hand written letters, usually at Christmas, and enjoyed talking to him on the phone numerous times. A special treat was when John brought Uncle Jack to our place in Georgia several years ago for a Bluegrass Festival. Oh, it was so great to see them and what fun and laughs we had.
A song by Randy Travis, “Three Wooden Crosses” has a lyric , ” It’s not what you take when you leave this world, but it’s what you leave behind…..” Jack McQuillan has left us with MANY GREAT memories !!!!
My Uncle has now gone to a Higher Place, where his youth is returned and soaring with the Angels.
Bill and Joyce Clausen says
Our thoughts , prayers and sympathy to all of Dr. McQuillan’s family.
love,
Bill and Joyce
Diane Tordale says
Carina & Darrell,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Carina’s dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Diane
debbie petelle says
John was a wonderful caring amazing man. I 1st came in contact with him 8 years ago when I was introduced to him as he was kind enough to let me use his pasture on Green Meadow drive for as long as I wanted as long as I cleaned it up and maintained the fences; after I cleaned up the tackroom and hung all of his tack back up and he came down to check on things I saw tears well up in his eyes and I knew then what a wonderful man this was. I’m so sorry I didn’t know about his passing as I was in Florida with my own father having issues; but my thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and I am so sorry for your loss…..Debbie Petelle