Michael James Quinn, born on January 20, 1952, graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended Deep Springs College in California, and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a bachelor's degree in zoology. Michael received a master's degree from the University of Oregon, Corvallis, in pharmacology, with the intention of pursuing a career in homeopathy, a natural and effective method of treatment for many acute and chronic diseases. Michael was the supervisor of the IV department at UCSD until 1984, when he moved to the Bay Area to open Hahnemann Pharmacy in Berkeley in 1985. In 1997, he expanded the company with a stock offering to Hahnemann Laboratories, Inc., a FDA certified production facility for homeopathic remedies in San Rafael, CA.
Michael was among the most loved and respected figures in modern homeopathy. Michael grew a modest dispensing pharmacy into a highly reputed homeopathic pharmaceutical laboratory. His techniques and the processing machinery he invented are used and respected throughout the world. Besides being an innovator of pharmacy procedures, Michael was a leader in the scientific study of homeopathy. He also taught pharmacy at many homeopathic colleges and was an active member of the North American Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention. He leaves a legacy of great dedication and integrity in his field.
Michael, a Bay Area resident for 25 years, devoted his life to the homeopathic community and his family. He was also an avid sports fan from his days playing high school football and pick-up basketball games. He had a lifelong love of golf and the Green Bay Packers. His love of sport and competition influenced all his relationships, whether as an assistant basketball coach for his son Mikio, while attending Little League and MLB baseball games, or with family and friends, as sports and competition were a frequent topic of conversation. Michael's optimistic and confident persona was frequently displayed in his attempts to shoot the moon in family card games as well as in life.
Michael loved to travel for business and pleasure. Many of his travels were guided by a love of good pastries. The family made a special trip each of the last four summers to Hawaii, spending time together on Maui and at his favorite spot, Keawakapu, in Kihei. At a recent family wedding, Michael was surrounded by his large and vibrant family for a week's worth of celebration. Michael and April enlivened the family dance parties with their demonstration of West Coast Swing, a skill perfected during their courtship.
Michael was with his wife April on Maui when he suffered a severe stroke. His children Allison and Mikio were able to be with him before he passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Michael is survived by his wife of 18 years, April Eya, with whom he has a son, Mikio Brian Eya Quinn, 16, and his daughter Allison Peterson Quinn, 25, from his first marriage to Bonnie Peterson. His surviving siblings are Kenneth Quinn (Mary), Madison, WI; Mary Jo Quinn (Jay Ambelang), Arlington Heights, IL; Steven Quinn (Joan), Madison, WI and Kathleen Quinn (Michael McClain), Palo Alto. He is survived by ten nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Rose Eya, sister-in-laws Jeanette Eya-Zeissig (John Zeissig) and Tomiko Eya. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Evangeline Quinn and Stanley J. Quinn of Madison, WI as well as his older brother Patrick Quinn of Hummelstown, PA and his father-in-law Shigeaki Eya.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund for his children, care of April Eya.