Robert Clyde Quillin

Robert Clyde Quillin, MA, EDS, MPM, DMIN, age 75, of Saginaw, MI, passed away on Sunday, February 11 after fighting for his life for 4.5 months with severe acute pancreatitis.

Born in Albany, New York Bob Quillin lived an exuberant, joyful life, full of laughter and love for God and fellow human beings. 

He became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian after the Lord led him to enroll at Atlantic Union College, in South Lancaster, Massachusetts.  Although studying for a BA in Theology, he took a job teaching in the Seventh-day Adventist school system.   He soon discovered he had a talent and passion for education.  His perpetual youthful outlook on life endeared him to his students and children in general.  During this time he married Linda Irving, his college sweetheart. During his life he taught and was principal at:  Norridgewock Seventh-day Adventist School in Maine, Pine Tree Academy in Freeport, Maine, Northview Junior Academy in Cadillac, Michigan, and Grand Rapids Adventist Elementary/ Academy in Michigan.

After 16 years in professional teaching, he transitioned into pastoral education by becoming a minister for the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 1980.  Besides his regular ministerial work, Bob thrived on teaching seminars on numerous topics from Bible history to family dynamics.  After he retired he continued teaching by creating the Tri-city Learning Center in Saginaw.  His love of teaching lead him to hold classes not only in the United States, but in Rumania and the Philippines as well.

Bob’s love of learning grew, in part, from his difficulty in reading.  His un-diagnosed dyslexia led him to fear that he was not intelligent and this prompted him to prove to himself that he could learn.  After earning his BA in Divinity from Atlantic Union College in 1968 (after a long struggle with Hebrew and Greek), he went on to gain a Masters degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Maine in 1972.  In 1985 he earned an Education Specialists degree from Central Michigan University, and followed that with a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University in 1992.  Bob's proudest educational achievement was his Doctor of Ministry from Andrews University, earned in 2007 at the age of 65.

Robert's first love was God.  His life was one of steadfast devotion to his Creator and Savior.  He wanted his life to constantly point others to the love of God.  His second passion was his family.  He was never happier than when his children and grandchildren were around him.  He would spend hours playing Capture the Flag, in the back yard with them.  His final days were brightened by the visits of his grandchildren.  His last words were "My grandchildren are coming to see me tomorrow."

Robert is survived by Linda, his wife of 53 years, his sister, Edith Morlock (husband, Walter) of New York, and his children and grandchildren: 

Wendy-Lynn and Kevin Dunn of Kentucky and their children - Christina, MacKenzie
Randall and Teresa Quillin of Colorado and their children - Robyn, Toby
Cheryl-Kim and David Hamilton of Nova Scotia, Canada and children - Nathan, Rebekah, Andrew
 Robert Quillin IV, Michelle Klenoski Quillin, both of Kalamazoo, Michigan with children - Brianna, Samantha, Gabriella. 

He also adopted a daughter in his heart - Patty Curtis of Saginaw, MI and daughter Renee.

He was husband, father, mentor, counselor, teacher, friend, grandfather, and hero. He was loved by young and old and will be greatly be missed by all who knew him. 

If you care to continue to learn from Robert Quillin, go to www.midlandsda.org and click on “Lecture Series”.  Six of Robert Quillin’s series are available there.  (Make sure to scroll down to the beginning lecture).

Funeral Service will take place 2:00 p.m. Sunday February 25, 2018 at Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 2755 N. Center Road, Saginaw Twp. With Pastor Kevin Dunn officiating.  Interment will take place in Colonie. New York.  Friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

Donations can be made to Tri-Cities Seventh Day Adventist School, 3955 Kochville, Rd, Saginaw, MI 48604 in behalf of Robert Clyde Quillin.

Funeral will be steamed live on the Saginaw Seventh-Day Adventist Church Face Book page.

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