Father of Quinn Farm, Elwood Quinn, dead at 78

Elwood Quinn, father of the popular Quinn Farm on Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, west of Montreal, has died.

He was 78.

The farmer’s children confirmed the news on social media, saying he had a heart attack on Saturday morning, “after feeding his animals, driving his tractor and sharing breakfast with his dear friends.”

They called it “an almost perfect passing for a farmer.”

Quinn’s children say they will remember their father as a passionate man who passed on his love of agriculture, “knowledge inherited from our ancestors and deepened by years spent in the fields, enjoying the fruits of his hard labour.”

“The hardships of his past made him a tough man, but at times, he could be so tender,” they wrote. “For some things, he was incredibly patient, while he could also have a short fuse.”

Some of the things they say he was most proud of include his apple varieties, the many trees planted over the years, his tractors, his ponds, his soils, “and more than almost anyone, he was proud that his family worked this same land, and that every year, tens of thousands of people gathered there with joy.”

• READ MORE: Field of dreams: Quinn Farm offers jobs and support to Ukrainians fleeing the war

Quinn’s farm has 100,000 trees in its orchard.

Broadcasters Cindy Aikman and Andrew Carter say they met Quinn when he would show up at CJAD News Radio with fresh asparagus, strawberries or sweet corn, sharing his harvest with the staff, and his insights on air.

“He was such a generous spirit, knowledgeable man and just so sweet. He was a really good friend to our family,” said Aikman.

Carter adds that Quinn taught at the Macdonald Campus of McGill University.

“I know that he was very involved with different agricultural associations in the province, in this part of the country,” he said.

Anyone looking to make a donation in his memory is encouraged to do so at Heritage Livestock Canada or Au coeur des familles agricoles.

The family adds that there will be a celebration of his life at the farm on May 2.