My early memories of Dad are a little fragmented as he was often posted overseas for work and I was very young, so I can’t offer a whole lot of detailed information but I would like to just simply share some thoughts about Bill Quinlan, my Dad.

One early fond memory was of Dad often tinkering away in his den fixing something electronic or maybe building a model plane. Sometimes he’d let my toddler self sit at this techno looking box thing he’d put together and I’d have the time of my life flicking switches and connecting things, even though I knew they did absolutely nothing. Possibly that’s what sparked my interest to pursue careers in related technical & production industries. It’s a fair bet that came from Dad.

I was about 7 when he gave me a 110mm film camera with a funky flip-over multi-flash system. It was exciting! From the first viewing of a developed photo that ‘I’ had taken, I was hooked and, along with further encouragement from Mum, I have enjoyed many rewarding years of photography. That was more than a birthday gift from Dad, it was a lifetime gift - and being a photographer himself - he knew it. I’m so very grateful for that.

Throughout the years that he was not with my brother, Neil, and I, Dad would always remember our birthdays and Christmas. He didn’t miss one. He’d send us just ‘something’ to let us know he was thinking of us no matter what part of the globe he happened to be in. His cards would always end with “Love, Dad” - and we always knew he did.

In the latter years, the relationship between Dad and us - his family in Australia - grew and strengthened. I have to tip my hat to Mum, AEnone, for openly embracing that and allowing the opportunity for a new friendship between them to be possible. That was a great example, I think, to many.

It’s such a blessing that Dad was able to meet, hold and hug his grandchildren. His last two visits enabled him to also reconnect with my son, Jed, as a young adult and I’m so glad that Jed holds fond memories of his Grandfather, whom he thought of as (quote) “A great man”.

I loved that he had a real heart for animals too. He got to meet my last two dogs. He was in Tasmania when a Red-Bellied Black Snake fatally bit my dog, ‘Widow’. I wasn’t home at the time but Dad & Mum were both there. I know Dad was quite chuffed that he managed to overcome the assailant. He was also very fond of our current old lady, ‘Elly’ and was always generous with belly scratches for her. She was a big fan.

I have to mention, Dad taking up guitar at 81 eh?! Total respect! The ‘Q’ Factor!

I’m very blessed that I was able to spend some really quality ‘Us’ time with Dad when I was living in Tasmania. Within one of his Australian visits, we took a trip down to discover Port Arthur together. There was one particular sliver of that trip which I hold very dear.

The situation doesn’t really matter, nor does exactly what was said (and to be honest I can’t even recall) but amidst some banter we were having, I spontaneously came out with something surprisingly hilarious and, oh boy, we had such a deep seated belly laugh that carried on for a while and, of course, we wrung the life out of it.

In that moment, it felt like any guards or slight awkwardness that may have existed between us just melted away. It was gold to see a totally open, gutturally laughing and relaxed side of Dad and feel a real connection like I previously quite hadn’t. That was one of those rare, special moments, which has dropped anchor and claimed permanent residency in my heart now.

I’d like to extend my sincerest thank you to my half brother, Mik, for being an awesome son, especially through these last few years of Dad’s increasing needs. You are blood; I know I can speak for Neil too when I say, the door is always open. Peace to you, Brother.

I’d also like to extend gratitude to Dad’s long time friend, Don for being with Dad upon his final breath. I offer condolences for the loss of your old friend. Peace to you also.

Thank you to everyone who is in attendance today, either in person or via whatever means, for taking the time to pay your respects to Bill. Thank you also to those who have offered Facebook or text messages or shared words about their friend, colleague, drinking buddy, guitar student or whatever Dad was to you. It’s comforting to hear about Dad as others knew him.

We swapped some music we liked at one point and one of the songs he gave me was “Other Side Of The World” by K.T. Tunstall. That has become my Dad signature song because we always had that problem... there was a really big planet in the way!

Thanks for inspiring me Dad. Thanks for staying in touch. Rest now Dad, in your eternal peace.
I love you and you will be missed. See you in the ether.

Your loving daughter, Louise Jane.