Firm News
Goodsill Partner, William F. Quinn Public Servant and Agent of Change, dies at 87
Aug 31, 2006
Honolulu, Hawai‘i – William F. Quinn, former governor of the Territory and State of Hawai’i, longtime Honolulu businessman, and attorney and partner of one of Hawai’i’s oldest law firms, which bears his name – Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel – died on August 28, 2006.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Quinn family,” said Martin Anderson, Partner, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. “Bill was a gifted attorney esteemed for his abilities to lead and inspire by example. Bill’s contributions to Hawai‘i and her people are truly immeasurable.” “He was a friend and mentor to many of us,” added Gary Slovin, Managing Partner, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. “His dedication to public service will forever be remembered as an example of work that is purposeful and genuine. He has impressed the values of hard work and integrity upon many generations, both locally and nationally.”
Born on July 31, 1919 in Rochester, New York, Quinn attended St. Louis University and went on to pursue his law degree from Harvard University. While at Harvard, Quinn was called to duty and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He completed his law degree and permanently moved to Hawai‘i in 1947 with his wife, Nancy, to work at the law firm of Robertson, Castle and Anthony. He was admitted to the Hawai’i State Bar in 1948. In 1957, United States President Dwight Eisenhower appointed Quinn to the office of Governor of the Territory of Hawai‘i. He served in this role for two years, until being elected by the people of Hawai‘i in 1959, the year Hawai‘i became a state. Quinn is regarded as one of the state’s original founders, as he served on the Honolulu Charter Commission between 1955 and 1956, and later from 1971 to 1972. With his visionary style and influential leadership he made tremendous advancements on both local and national political scenes. As governor, Quinn established land use laws, handled a sugar workers’ strike in 1958 and directed the state’s recovery after a 1960 tsunami. Quinn joined the law firm as a partner in 1972. During his tenure at present day Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, his practice areas included civil and administrative litigation of all types. After retiring from Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel in 1991, Quinn spent his days enjoying his favorite pastime, and his love of music. He also served as chairman of the board of the Honolulu Symphony. The community at large continued to benefit from his guidance and commitment, as he served as chairman of the board of the East West Center as well as numerous city and state commissions.
Quinn is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Cecily Quinn Affleck and Mary Kaiulani Quinn; and five sons, William, Jr., Timothy, Christopher, Gregory and Stephen; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gary Slovin announced that in recognition of Bill’s contribution to the State of Hawai’i, its community, the partners of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel will be making a contribution to the Star of the Sea Church. Services will be held on September 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Star of the Sea Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Star of the Sea Church.
Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP traces its roots to 1878 and has grown from a one-man operation to a firm of more than 70 full-time attorneys. Keeping pace with client needs, Goodsill attorneys have a depth of knowledge and expertise in all of the traditional areas of civil law such as corporate law and securities, banking, real estate, tax, trusts and estates, international matters, public utilities and all types of civil litigation, and in specialized areas such as: health care, labor and employment, aviation, maritime, media, entertainment, environmental, administrative law, and technology.
