Future Plans
Quinn had a bright future ahead of him. The following is our perspective on his future.
Western Academy Broadcasting College
Quinn was planning to attend Western Academy Broadcasting College in Sept. 2013. This had been his plan since Grade 8. He idolized Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole on TSN, and his ultimate plan was to be a sports broadcaster. In Grade 9, Bonny arranged for Quinn to hang out for a day at Wired 96.3 as part of the school 'go to work with your parent'. We figured he would would enjoy this more as I work at home doing boring computer work and Bonny was not sure he would enjoy a day at her job. He enjoyed the opportunity to do a bunch of activities at the station. As part of his day at Wired, he did everything from helping set up an out-of-station booth, being on the air with the DJ's, and doing a commercial.
Here are a few of the many radio spots Quinn did (Feb. 2013) as part of his application into the Western Academy Broadcasting College.
Quinn also was serious about reffing. He accepted all reffing challenges, and worked and trained hard to be the best ref he could be and progress up the ranks. During the 2012-2013 season, he 'linesed' his first Junior (B) game, 'linesed' a number of Midget AAA games, and 'linesed' a bunch of senior games. He very much enjoyed these challenges and the comradery that refs at this level have. For 2013-2014, he would have likely been head-manning Midget AAA and possibly 'linesing' some Junior hockey. I do think Quinn ultimately was hoping to officate regularly in the Junior hockey (SJHL and WHL) ranks.
A Glimpse Further into the Future
I had a thought about Quinn last night...like I do all evenings. In fact my thoughts were about Quinn 10 years from now. What made me think of this was our last holiday together as a family in the summer of 2012. Shea was to play ball hockey Nationals with Team Sask. in Vernon. We decided to make a holiday of it, so we all went. We lured Quinn with golf...there are some fantastic golf courses in the area (e.g., Predator Ridge, etc.). He also was excited to see the mountains...another lure. When Shea's ball hockey tournament was finished, our plan was to visit Bonny's Aunt Connie and Uncle Merv in Sorrento, BC, about 1 hr down the road from Vernon. Connie's son Chad (Bonny's cousin), his wife Fran, and their son were visiting Connie and Merv at the same time. For whatever, reason Chad's son, Reed, immediately connected with Quinn. And Quinn, a 16 yr old that likely had a lot of 16 yr old things on in his mind, obliged this young boy. Quinn would chat with Reed and throw the football in the back with him in the backyard. It was quite apparent this young boy enjoyed Quinn's company. Moreover, Quinn seemed to know what to do to make this boy enjoy his company. The connection between this Reed and Quinn was immediately apparent to all of us, and I distinctly remember Connie and Chad saying that Reed was very shy and did not make friendships easily. This was Quinn though; people of all age, size, etc. enjoyed his company, thus the reason Quinn had so many friends.
The funny, crazy, inexplicable part of this is that our trip to BC, and our one little glimpse into Quinn the man and dad, occurred almost exactly a year, to the day, before his accident. Once again the thoughts associated with this glimpse and coincidence leave me looking for symbolism that is not clear at this moment.
There is another example of the Quinn that showed would Quinn would be like as an adult and dad. Ang and Rod Moir, and their 2 sons Riley and Connor, live down the street from us. Ang babysat our boys when we first moved to Rogers Rd. Then Quinn, when he became a teenager, babysat Riley and Connor quite a few times; Quinn did a fair bit of babysitting.
Connor (I think) had an after school practice last winter that was difficult for Rod or Ang to get him to. Therefore, Ang asked Quinn if he could take Connor to hockey. He did not hesitate. If my memory serves me correctly, I think Quinn went over a few days before the hockey practice to ensure the car/booster seat fit in the red Alero. It did fit, and I think Rod indicated he could leave the seat in his car until the day he needed it. Ang reminded Rod that Quinn is a 17 year old ;). Knowing Quinn, I am guessing it would not be a huge deal to him as he rarely let other people opinions of him guide his actions. Anyways, Quinn took Connor to the rink. Being Connor was a first year Novice player, Quinn had to go into the dressing room and help Connor get his gear on and tie his skates for him. He got Connor ready without incident and hung out at the rink for a while and watched Connor to be sure things went well, even though Ang was planning to come and pick up Connor (I think).
The next time Ang to Connor to rink for hockey, he stated that "you do not tie my skates as good as Quinn does". Quinn's cheery personality and confidence while getting Connor to rink and on the ice, likely made Connor feel connected and comfortable around Quinn. Once again, Quinn left his mark in the world of another young boy.
Unfortunately, we will not have the opportunity to see Quinn as an adult, husband, and dad. However, these 2 small glimpses of Quinn interacting with these young boys, along with a wee bit of imagination, showed us what Quinn would be like as dad. I am pretty certain he would be fantastic dad who was engaged, cared, and likely would have been involved with his son/daughter(s) through all of their life's endeavors.