John O'Quinn, 1941-2009
I'll pass on one reference in regard to the passing of Houston attorney John O'Quinn and add on the suggested further reading of Rick Casey's column in regard to same.
This one comes from University of Houston President, Renu Khator. As most Coogs may recognize, O'Quinn's namesake from the field name at Robertson Stadium. Khator respectfully notes some of the other ways in which O'Quinn has benefited the school.
My friends in the UH community:
It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you that the University of Houston has lost one of its most dedicated and passionate supporters. John O'Quinn died this morning, reportedly in a one-car accident on Allen Parkway, near downtown Houston.
O'Quinn, a noted attorney and UH Law Center alumnus, served on our UH System Board of Regents from 1993 to 1999, holding the office of vice chairman from 1994-96.
He worked tirelessly in behalf of this university and was one of its most generous financial contributors. The O'Quinn Law Library and O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium are the most prominent examples of his philanthropy at UH but are by no means the extent of it. Over the years, he made numerous gifts, including significant donations to the UH Library and to the Cougar Marching Band. A good deal of this school's success can be credited to John's unflagging commitment to making UH a better institution.
On a personal note, I saw John recently, visiting with him at our homecoming football game against SMU. He was filled with his usual Cougar spirit and enthusiasm. The team's triumph, plus our national ranking, only added to his excitement. I am glad to have that wonderful memory of an exuberant John, reveling in the victory. But, win or lose, John was always unwavering in his support of the team and this university.
Our campus mourns the loss of one of its most devoted friends and benefactors.
Renu Khator
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The negative comments regarding Mr. O'Quinn are shocking. People always had quite a capacity for cruelty and ignorance but the reactions to his terrible death in the comment sections of nearly every story in the Chronicle are shocking in their depravity.
The comments remind me of what Lyndon Johnson told George Wallace when Wallace resisted modernity and the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Johnson told Wallace, "When you die George, do you want the monument to you to read, "here lies George Wallace. He built. Or do you want it to read, He hated."
John O'Quinn built.
Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed being known by his enemies. I would think that John O'Quinn understood that sentiment.