Maine
Francis Quinn, longtime Maine State House reporter, dies at 70
MEDFORD, Mass. — Francis X. Quinn, a former Related Press reporter who coated Maine authorities and politics with equity and integrity for greater than 1 / 4 century, has died. He was 70.
From 1981 to 2009, Quinn was a fixture in Maine the place lawmakers and others described him as a quiet and humble observer with a deep data of state politics — and who didn’t tolerate spin or lies.
“None finer, funnier, or extra quietly observant,” Maine Gov. Janet Mills wrote in an internet tribute.
Lee Umphrey, former communications director for then-incoming Gov. John Baldacci, turned associates with Quinn however recalled a tough first assembly when he tried to steer Quinn away from a narrative.
“I ask the questions,” Quinn retorted.
Quinn had an early curiosity in journalism, beginning a sports activities column within the fifth grade. Later, he labored at a number of newspapers however the majority of his profession, 28 years, was with The Related Press on the Maine State Home.
Raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Quinn cherished Boston sports activities. As a child, his favourite vacation was Patriots Day when he watched the Boston Marathon, adopted by the Crimson Sox baseball sport.
He attended Georgetown College and graduated from Boston Faculty earlier than launching his skilled journalism profession.
In Maine’s capital metropolis, different reporters had been typically envious of Quinn’s means to interrupt information. However he put within the time, frequently staying late at hearings, and dug deeper to get his scoops, Umphrey stated.
“He was the man who put the shoe leather-based down,” he stated.
Quinn died on Might 17 in Medford, Massachusetts. The funeral house declined to supply particulars. His late spouse, Donna Muise Quinn, predeceased him.
Quinn referred to himself as a “newspaperman” and his household stated that individuals can honor him by doing as he steered: “Go at your individual tempo” and “maintain in your hand a newspaper.”