January 6, 1930 – September 25, 2023
Born and raised in the Pincher Creek area to Tom and Agnus Quinlan, Leo was the youngest of 6 children.
After high school, he got a job as a rodman on a highway survey crew in which he learned fast and quickly moved up to instrument man, then to party chief by the age of 19. This career took him to Rocky Mountain House where in 1951 he met Marie Rollier and fell passionately in love. They were married shortly after and started their family in 1952. At the beginning of their married lives in Fort St. John they welcomed their first son Terry. They then relocated to Rocky Mountain House and added 3 more children, Donna, Lee, and Holly. Leo was promoted to supervisor for Century Geophysical and relocated to Calgary where they welcomed their 5th child, Todd. Leo worked with Century Geophysical until 1969 when he and Marie started Quinlan Inspection. With the success of the business, Consolidated X-Ray offered Leo part ownership and acquired Quinlan Inspection. Leo went on to build Consolidated X-Ray into an industry leader and sold the business in 1984. In addition to establishing the inspection and x-ray companies, he became a silent partner in Rollier Construction in 1972. He was the driving force behind the companies’ success and in 1979 began actively managing. 1979 was also the year Leo and Marie moved to the farm in Rocky Mountain House in the home they built together. This is where Leo was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of farming. When Leo and Marie decided to fully retire, they enjoyed every moment. They fished in the summers and spent winters in Yuma making many amazing friends and truly enjoying the beautiful life they built. Leo and Marie enjoyed 59 years of marriage together until Marie’s passing on October 29, 2010. Leo was very fortunate a year and a half later to meet his second love, Geane Davison. They were married in Idaho on June 30, 2012. Geane and Leo had great times together traveling and spending their winters in Yuma with friends. After many years on the farm, Leo and Geane moved to Olds and were blessed to have 11 wonderful years together.
Leo lived life to the fullest and embarked on many adventures. He was a pilot, a deep-sea fisherman, a pool player, a golfer, a business owner, an historian, a farmer, a great storyteller, but most importantly he was a family man and a kind soul.
Leo leaves behind a trail of laughter, adventure, and memories. He may have embarked on his final journey, but we’re certain he’s still out there exploring, ready for his next adventure.
He will be missed and loved forever.
Leo wanted to thank the Olds Hospital Acute Care staff and Palliative Care team for their compassionate guidance during this journey.
Leo is survived by his wife, Geane Quinlan, his children Terry and Donna Quinlan, Donna and Cliff Galey, Lee and Carey Quinlan, Holly and Alex Illes, Todd and Pat Quinlan, his 12 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren and Geane’s 5 children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at the St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Rocky Mountain House on October 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
Donations may be made in Leo’s name, in lieu of flowers to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolence may be forwarded to: www.rockyfuneralhome.ca
Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 845 2626
