Br. Michael Quinn, S.J.

By Fr. John Locke, S.J.
(From the Nepal Region’s 50th Anniversary Book, 2001)

Born in Canada in 1908 Mike joined the Society in Canada in 1936 after trying his hand at three different occupations: a printer, a nurse, and finally a policeman as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police where he served in the arctic conditions of northern Canada.

Mike went to Darjeeling as one of the first Canadians there and served for many years in North Point College as infirmarian. When the Canadian Jesuits opened a school in Bhutan, Mike was as one of the first to join Fr. Mackey where again his skills as a trained nurse became invaluable in a country where there are few doctors or nurses.

By 1971, the rigorous life of Bhutan became a bit too much for a man of his age, and his residential permit for Darjeeling had long since lapsed, so he opted for Nepal. He took up residence at St. Xavier’s School where again his skills as an infirmarian kept the community and the boys in good health. More than his skills as an infirmarian and his other talents Mike was a joy to be with. This genial Mountie was ever a sign of God’s healing presence in our midst and His love for each of us.

Increasing bad health and deteriorating memory forced Mike to return to Canada in 1991 where the kind of care he needed was available. He passed away quietly in 1998 after a long illness.