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After a lengthy illness, peacefully on Thursday January 18, 2001 at the Houses of Providence Nursing Home in Scarborough. Des is survived by his devoted wife Verna and their loving children and their spouses: daughters Cathy and her husband Mike Smith; Terri and her spouse Paul Whyte; Christine and her husband Bruce Rogers and also sons Patrick and his wife Tracey Dobson; Tom and his wife Janet Honsberger; John and his wife Alison; and Brian and his wife Alison McVittie. Des is also survived by his nine grandchildren who brought him great joy: Shanna, John-Paul, and Jacquie Smith; Matthew Quinn; Samantha, Alison and Mary Rogers; Rebecca Quinn; and Amber McVittie. Des leaves brothers Ernie and Dan and sisters Eleanor McLaughlin and Nonie Pilon all of Ottawa. Des was predeceased by his eldest son Michael as well as his brothers and sister: Jim and Lloyd Quinn and Lorna Boucher. Des began his career as a pressman at the Ottawa Citizen in 1949 and moved to Toronto in 1962 to work at the Toronto Star. During his early years in Toronto he also worked at the Telegram and the Globe and Mail picking up extra shifts to support his spouse and eight children. He completed his career at the Toronto Star where he was most proud of his accomplishments and contributions within the union. Des immersed himself in the activities of his union and was a strong supporter of trade union philosophy and principles. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Providence Centre and the Houses of Providence for the care provided over the last six years. Friends may call at Giffen-Mack, Scarborough Chapel, 4115 Lawrence Ave. East, Scarborough, Sunday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Providence Centre Chapel (3276 St. Clair Ave. East, Scarborough) Monday 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment Pine Hills Cemetery. The family has requested any donations in Des's memory be made to the Toronto Star's Fresh Air Fund or Providence Centre. Ottawa Citizen, January 19, 2001