Dr. Robert Quinn, 63, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2024, while relaxing at home with his family in Aptos, California. He spent his last days surfing with his son, and welcoming his daughters home for the holidays from New York. Robert is survived by his wife Polly, his children -Emily, Olivia, and Matthew (better known as Buddy) - and his siblings - Maureen, Kathleen, Joanne, William, and Michael.

Robert was born in Toronto, Canada, on October 5th, 1961 to Margaret and William Quinn. He attended Kipling Collegiate High School and was a national champion track and cross-country runner. He graduated from Princeton University in 1984, where he was the captain of the track team. He went on to attend McGill Medical School, where he met his wife Polly, and graduated in 1988. The pair moved to California in 1995.

Robert was a devoted father. He coached each of his kids in multiple sports, performed one-man puppet shows at home, made pancakes for the kids and their friends after sleepovers. He never missed a sports game or a dance recital. He was a devoted brother and uncle and never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, offer advice or show up where he was needed. The same can be said of his four-decade relationship with his wife Polly. He was her partner through life’s adventures, challenges, and triumphs - of which they had three obvious triumphs - Emily, Olivia and Buddy.

He loved to surf, travel, ski, and play Boggle with anyone who dared to challenge him. His sense of fun and competitive spirit was infectious - whether tackling a word game, skiing, or shredding a wave - he made every moment memorable.

Robert will be remembered for his sense of adventure, optimism and humility. But above all, he will be remembered for his unique ability to inspire those around him. His sense of humor was one of a kind. His humor, warmth, insights, and kindness left everyone feeling better, wiser, and more inspired. A true Canadian at heart, Robert was a champion of the underdog. Family, friends, patients, colleagues - everyone felt better with input from Rob.

Robert worked as an acute stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation doctor at Dominican Hospital for 30years and spent the last 4years of his career in a senior executive role at Dignity Health. He dedicated his career to improving the lives of others, going above and beyond for his patients.

He was well-known and loved by his community and will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who were lucky enough to know him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. A reception will follow at 2:30 PM on January 11th at Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Robert P. Quinn Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (http://www.cfscc.org/Quinn) to support a future scholarship fund in his honor.