Dr. Barry George Quinn

Dr. Barry George Quinn passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City on November 6th, 2023. He was a caring and generous father, uncle, teacher and friend with a passion for science and sharing his knowledge with others.

Barry was born on December 2nd 1934 in Rochelle Park, New Jersey to William & Ora Quinn and lived in Holladay, Utah for most of his life. He graduated from Granite High School in 1953 where he excelled in science and was the school chess champion. Barry went on to earn his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Utah, his Ph.D at the University of Colorado and later became a research assistant at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. 

Barry began his teaching career at Westminster College in 1962. He was a beloved and respected professor of the biological sciences as well as the head of Westminster’s biology department. He was a devoted teacher and faculty member who loved the institution and his job. He taught at Westminster for 39 years before retiring in 2001. 

Barry loved to travel, both within his home state as well as abroad. He co-led numerous educational tours through Europe and East Africa and his solo travels took him to many other parts of the world. He enjoyed hiking in the Wasatch Mountains as well as exploring the areas around Torrey, Utah. An avid gardener, Barry meticulously cared for his award-winning roses and various fruit trees. He was active in several local clubs and organizations including the Wasatch Mountain Club, the Utah Rose Society and the Freemasons. 

Barry is survived by his daughter Kerry and son Taylor and his cat Ginger.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Ora and his brothers Bill and Russell.

In his honor, a donation can be made to Westminster University or The Nature Conservancy.