RONALD P. MACQUINN

BAR HARBOR – Ronald P. MacQuinn, 70, died peacefully Jan. 31, 2009, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born May 26, 1938, in Bar Harbor, son of Henrietta and Harold MacQuinn of Hulls Cove. Ron spent his childhood and early teen years attending Bar Harbor schools and graduated from Tilton Prep School, New Hampshire. He went on to attend Northeastern University, Boston. Growing up, Ron attended the YMCA and enjoyed playing basketball and other programs with his friends. He gained important experiences from the YMCA that he valued throughout his life and referred to frequently. As a child, he attended St. Saviors Episcopal Church and served as an acolyte for the congregation. Ron had a strong foundation of Christian education that served as a basis of his spirituality. Through his developing faith, Ron gained the understanding that spirituality builds character, a belief that defined him as a person. He looked at each day as a new opportunity to continue his spiritual evolvement and growth. He drew on his faith to be a better boss, community member, father, husband and friend. He was a longstanding active member of Bar Harbor Congregational Church, generously donating his time and resources for special projects. At an early age, Ron was introduced to the family business, Harold MacQuinn, Inc. He accompanied his father to different job sites and started his lifelong journey in developing his appreciation and understanding of the construction industry. By age 10, Ron was proficient in operating a roller machine and earned his first job rolling lawns on West Street. Ron,s father, Harold, assisted Ron in experiencing a “bottom-up” understanding of the company and the importance of each person who contributed each day. Ron developed his own individuality as a mentor and leader in the company and he believed in maintaining the spirit and professional integrity of Harold MacQuinn, Inc. With the many changes that emerged in both the industry and company itself, Ron provided a constant expectation of professionalism, ingenuity, honesty and community interest. He was respected by his colleagues and company members as unfailingly considerate, fair, compassionate, generous and valued each person’s contribution. These attributes lead to Ron and Harold MacQuinn, Inc. to receive a few distinctive awards from the construction industry including the 2007 Associated General Contractors Major Achievement in Construction Award as Man of the Year, the 1977 Federal Highway Administration Award and 1976 BUILD AMERICA Award for the innovative splitting in two and relocation of the Acadia National Park Eagle Lake Bridge. He was also a member of Association of General Contractors and General Contractors of Maine. Ron had many personal interests in his life, yet two of his strongest passions were golf and hunting. Ron developed a love for hunting early in his life, lead by a family tradition of traveling to Shin Pond, to hunt partridge each fall. As a child, Ron attended a hunting and fishing camp with his father, The Seboeis River Wilderness Refuge, and developed deep appreciation for the area, the local community and the natural beauty of the northern Maine woods. He developed the skills and patience to locate and track partridge, yielding many successful hunts throughout 60 years. He continued this tradition with his own family and close friends, creating some of the most memorable and meaningful times in his life. Ron was known for sharing his colorful and spirited stories of Shin Pond, most of which got better with each repetition. The game of golf was clearly one of Ron’s strongest passions. He loved the spirit of the game and furthermore the camaraderie of his friends he shared it with. He was often heard wishing others, “Hit them long and strait boys,” before heading out onto the course. Ron was known for fostering a love for the game in beginners and enhancing the passion in avid players. He found peace and solitude walking the greens and respected the course as a historical landmark for the community. The Kebo Valley Club and it always had a special place in Ronnie’s heart. He was always willing to use his construction and earth-moving expertise to make it a better place. Ron served as the president of Kebo for one year, as well as president of the greens committee at Kebo for many years. He also was a 10-year member of Eastern Maine Seniors Golf Association that played in tournaments all over the state of Maine. Two other sports he took up later in life were skiing and karate. In 1986 Ron started his marital arts career by joining Tracy’s Karate, along with four of his children. Ron attended class two-three times a week and competed all over New England in Karate Ju-Jitsu tournaments. In 1996, Sensei Ron rose to the rank of Sandan, third degree black belt. He was a role model to all who knew him and a true down to earth person who helped many with their life struggles. He brought friendship and honor to those he taught, as well as to all that taught him. Ron took up skiing in 1991, at age 52. He brought the same focus and integrity to skiing that he applied in every other aspect of his life from his business, to his karate, and to his family. Ron received the most pleasure from having another sport to share with his friends and grow as a family in the outdoors. Ron was an active member of his community and felt it was important to engage in different ways to help make a positive impact. He was on the board of directors of The First National Bank of Bar Harbor for 14 years. Ronnie is remembered by former employees and the bank for his steady advice and counsel, which was always given with humility, directness and above all what was right and honorable. He was also a longtime member of the “40” Hayseeders Organization and served with the Lion’s Club for many years. Beyond the organizations, business and sports he was involved in, Ron leaves a legacy of being an honorable, humble and kind person. He was always interested in people’s health and well being, going beyond any expectation to offer a hand. Any person that knew him, for a short time or lifetime, has gained a gift of lessons to carry forward. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara MacQuinn; two sisters, Martha Reynolds of Trenton and Rebecca MacQuinn of Edgecomb; six children, son, Paul MacQuinn and wife, Lacey, of Bar Harbor, and daughters, Kimberly Sargent of Ellsworth, Michelle MacQuinn of Lamoine, Kristin Beilstein and husband, Darren, of Williamsburg, Va., Shelley Jacobs and husband, Brian, of Brunswick, and Heidi MacQuinn of Portland; and grandchildren, Jennifer Sargent, Felicia Teach, Hildie Kane, Jessica Kane, Abby Beilstein and Miah Jacobs. He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth MacQuinn. Friends are invited to an open house 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A service of remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Feb. 16 at St. Saviors Episcopal Church. A reception will be held after the service at Bar Harbor Club, West Street, Bar Harbor. At Ron’s request, gifts in his memory may be made to any of the following organizations, The Beth Wright Cancer Center, 3 High St., Ellsworth, ME 04605, The Bar Harbor Congregational Church Building Fund, 29 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or The Ronald P. MacQuinn Kebo Endowment Fund with gifts mailed to The First Bank of Bar Harbor, P.O. Box 258, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.