Tribute from the Cupertino Community
Robert Quinlan 1926-2001
By CLYDE NOEL
When Robert Quinlan retired as city manager of Cupertino in January 1989, more than 25 city managers from Northern California attended the ceremony, out of respect for the profession and the man.
At the ceremony, Don Allen, then president of Cupertino National Bank, told Quinlan, "You have no idea the affection and esteem we hold for you. What you have done for this community will always be remembered."
Personal sentiments for the former city administrator continued at a memorial service on March 9, at the Quinlan Community Center. The Cupertino resident died of a massive coronary on Feb. 15.
After retirement, Quinlan continued to offer his services in Santa Clara County as a consultant, and filled in as interim city manager in Campbell, and more recently, Los Altos Hills leaving that position on Feb. 1.
Jim Jackson, Cupertino attorney, worked with Quinlan during his two council terms and said he was the consummate professional city manager.
"He didn't waste time on little things. He was committed to running the city well and before any new parks were considered, Quinlan made sure there was money in the budget for maintenance," Jackson said.
Bob Cowan, director of planning under Quinlan, said he was a straight shooter.
"There were no hidden agendas with Bob. He said what he meant and I appreciated that from a boss," Cowan said. "Of course, the stories about Beloit and Midwest City kept you laughing."
Quinlan took over as acting city manager in Los Altos Hills, following a period of political controversy and, as part of the team, provided direction to the staff. "He provided the rudder for our ship with his vast experiences and good humor," said Carol Ferrell, town finance director.
Quinlan recently served on the Cupertino Sanitary District. Longtime member Joe Brown, said he contributed a lot to the district because he could fall back on the knowledge of the city.
"As a longtime Cupertino property owner, he was easy to talk to and always gave you straight answers, "Brown said. "During the Route 9 redevelopment he kept us informed on what the state was doing to local properties."
Quinlan was Cupertino's second city manager replacing retiring Philip Storm. Once the council zeroed in on Quinlan through a national search organization, he was selected for the position in February 1971, and served the city until he retired in 1989.
"In my eight years on the council, the hiring of Bob Quinlan would be at the top of my list," said Gary Stokes, former council member.
During Quinlan's 17 years as city administrator, the city developed Vallco Fashion Park regional shopping center, numerous parks, including Memorial Park, and headquarters of different high-tech organizations, including Apple Computer Inc.
When Mayor John Plungy at Quinlan's retirement dinner. "Although we piped you out last Dec. 20th, we never gave you a final evaluation. Now, along with the rest of the council, we are glad to dedicate the community center as the Robert Quinlan Community Center.
Quinlan's experience in city administration lasted more than 40 years. At the age of 26, he became city manager of Midwest City, Okla. He spent two years in Boulder, Colo., and four years in Beloit, Wis., as city manager before he arrived in Cupertino.
Quinlan also had a benevolent side to him. Bob Johnson, former Los Altos Hills councilman, said he met Quinlan in 1990, when the Santa Clara County Cities Association needed someone who knew the workings of both the county and cities. "Bob worked for one year gratis, to put the organization on a solid basis." Johnson said.
Quinlan's administrative strong points were in public finance, fiscal affairs and his close relationship with his family and city residents. He believed in giving credit where it was due and his communication with his staff was admirable.
"He always had a story, he took the time to talk to people and he loved a joke," said Chuck Killian, Cupertino city attorney for more than 20 years.
Kathy Nellis, the first councilwoman to serve in Cupertino, said working with Quinlan was always a joy because he was very competent and always professional.
Clyde Noel was a Cupertino City Councilman when Robert Quinlan was hired as Cupertino City Manager.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
