Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Quinlan, Timothy

Spiritual director, administrator; born Perth, 25 November 1934; died Perth 19 May 2001, aged 66.

Timothy Quinlan will be remembered for his gentleness, happiness, kindness, thoughtfulness, wisdom, positive encouragement, love of God and nature, availability, being a good listener and for being a life giving presence. He was a man of peace.

Quinlan was the descendant of an Irish convict, Daniel Connor, a labourer's son from County Kerry transported for sheep stealing. On his release he travelled the roads of Perth and Fremantle, peddling goods from his backpack. He later speculated in livestock and bought land at Guildford, married an Irish servant girl, acquired property, as well as a flourmill and hotel in Toodyay. He also ran illegal gambling from his hotel. His son-in-law, Timothy Quinlan, managed his Shamrock Hotel in Perth, and later became a member of the Legislative Assembly. Two of Timothy's sons studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin, and returned to practice in Perth. One of these sons was Daniel Quinlan, who became a leading Perth gynecologist. Jesuit Timothy Quinlan was his eldest son.

When Quinlan was young, his mother became sick and finally died. Having been sent to boarding school during this time, he saw very little of his mother. This separation affected him throughout his life. He later attended St Louis School, Claremont, and after a year studying medicine, entered the Society of Jesus, 1 February 1954, at Loyola College, Watsonia, Victoria.

After initial studies, including philosophy, he returned to Perth in 1959 as a regent at St Louis for three years. Then he went to the University of Melbourne to study for an Arts degree in history and psychology, 1962-64. Theological studies followed, with ordination, 9 December 1967, in Perth. In 1969 he pursued further studies in psychology and spirituality at St Louis University, USA.

Upon his return to Australia in 1971 he was appointed master of novices, first at Loyola College, and later at Canisius College, Pymble, when the noviciate was transferred. From 1977-82 he was engaged in retreat work and spiritual direction, mainly at Canisius College. For a few years he performed some parish work as well at Lavender Bay, with two years, 1985-86, as superior of the community.

He was called to Rome in 1987 to become President of the Jesuit Secretariat for the World Christian Life Community and vice-ecclesiastical assistant to the World Christian Life Community – the longest title of any Jesuit work in the Order.

After his term of office, he returned to Australia and was appointed rector of St Thomas More University College, Perth, 1992-96. In this role, Quinlan found dealing with tertiary students very difficult having previously dealt with nuns and people interested in the spiritual life. He had to deal with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, which caused him much stress. Yet, the students appreciated his care for them, giving him a standing ovation at his farewell dinner. During this time he also gave spiritual direction to the clergy and the laity, working with CLC groups, and the Catholic Doctors Association. It was also a special time for him to spend time with his family, having been separated for many years. This gave him much joy.

For the rest of his life he was associated with giving retreats and spiritual direction at Canisius College, Pymble, until the diagnosis of a brain tumor necessitated medical treatment which was given to him from St John of God Hospital, Perth. This was a time of great grace for Quinlan and for all those who were with him. He accepted his illness with equanimity and peace, expressing his belief that God was very near him during an illness that gradually reduced his physical and mental powers. He readily made himself available for spiritual conversation to all when he was well. He even accompanied the Bishop of Geraldton, Justin Bianchini, and his priests for their annual retreat, willingly sharing with those who consulted him. The bishop experienced Quinlan's 'deep sense of God', which gave him much hope and peace. He valued Quinlan for his wisdom, and interest in current issues. Through his experience of the closeness of God, those near him were sustained in their faith, and accepted his gradual decline. At his vigil Mass, the bishop described him as a gift to his family, the Society of Jesus, and to all who knew him.

Towards the end of his life, he wrote a letter to his friends, mentioning his failing short-term memory and inability to write, but he did want to hear from his friends, and welcomed short visits. He rejoiced in being able to walk and enjoy nature, especially the birds he loved so much, and appreciated the care he received, especially grateful for the support and love of his family. In thanking all for their friendship, he said that he would 'thank my God as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.' (Tim. 2, 1).

In his funeral homily, Patrick O'Sullivan said that 'wherever he went, Tim was universally loved. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be loving people, but in the end, the sign of a truly Christian life is not how many people we've loved, but how many people have loved us.'

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)