Michael McQuillen Obituary, Death – The Mercyhurst University community mourns the death of Dr. Michael John McQuillen, the 10th president, a beloved history professor, leader, and colleague. He was 79. Over the past two years, McQuillen and his wife, Joy, have enjoyed their sons David and Daniel, and their grandchildren in Tasmania, Australia. Before that, they lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, where their daughter Carolyn lived with her family.
Carolyn posted on Facebook that her father died on Nov. 1 in Australia, even though there is no obituary: In March, he was diagnosed with severe brain cancer (glioblastoma). MRI showed no issues, so we believed he was doing well—maybe another year! There was a significant change about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
His tumor resurfaced, and he had two weeks to survive. Daily walks with mom along Port Cygnet continued until his hospice admission. His appearance would conceal his illness. The alterations made words harder to say and understand, but he persevered. More amazed by how ‘strange’ it was. He waved his palm across his face to indicate ‘emptiness.’ We appreciate his painlessness. He always appeared content with fate.”
His wife, Joy McQuillen ’95, sons David (wife Claire) and Daniel (wife Jamyang) of Tasmania, daughter Carolyn Meyer ’97 (husband Sascha) of Fort Collins, and grandchildren Isla, Henry, Archie, Dorje, Machik, and Roan of Tasmania survive him.
