Philip Denis Quinley

Sacramento, CA - Phil Quinley, age 79, of Carmichael died of complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He is survived by his wife Susan Quinley, his children Kathryn “Katie” (Joachim) Scherhag, Kelly (Stephen) Quinley, Ryan (Denise) Quinley, Kevin (Danni) Quinley, and his eight grandchildren.

Born in Salina, KS and raised in Great Bend, KS, he is remembered as a patient swim teacher, lifeguard, and student body president of Great Bend High School.

He graduated from Regis College (Denver, CO) in 1967 and Creighton School of Dentistry (Omaha, NE) in 1971, where he met his wife of 51 years, Susan. At Creighton University, Phil was class president and was elected King Creighton by the student Board of Governors.
He then served as a dental officer with the US Air Force (South Korea) for one year, and was stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento. He received a Meritorious Service Medal.

Post-Air Force, Phil was a founding partner of Sutter Terrace Dental Group in midtown Sacramento from 1974-2012. He was very proud of his practice and all the patients and families he was able to help. He especially enjoyed the great friendships and camaraderie with his close-knit office team. Phil and his partners were long time participants of the “Smiles for Kids” dental program for children.
Phil lost his father at the young age of 10, which led to his drive to be a great father, and wow did he ever meet and exceed that goal! From countless family adventures camping in the California redwoods and state parks in a Volkswagen bus, to road trips to Kansas and national parks, to fishing in Canada, Phil created and celebrated in the joy of family togetherness. He dedicated much time to coaching his children in Camellia Bobby Sox softball and Del Paso Eastern Little League baseball. He also loved to play softball himself, both with his dental office as well as with the Senior Softball League (Carmichael) during retirement.

Phil’s love of waterfowl hunting started in childhood and was a source of passion and joy throughout his life. He forged incredible friendships sitting in the duck blind at Cameron Outing Duck Club with coffee and donuts, watching the sun rise and waiting for unassuming ducks and geese to fly over. His four children all have memories of being asked to retrieve his waterfowl hunting trophies in the fields as his clever alternative to getting his own hunting dog.

He was also a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, where he was active with the FLAME Group and the yearly Christmas Giving Tree for 31 years.

Phil will be remembered by his kind, honest and entertaining nature, who provided selflessly for his family and community of friends. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, loved practical jokes and found joy in his ability to laugh together with others, and especially at himself. He had a contagious smile, an infectious laugh and a generous spirit. His work ethic was unwavering, he was detail-oriented and accountable, and he loved to have two backup plans for any situation.

He will be greatly missed by all as he now resides in the Lord’s kingdom and reunites with others who passed before him, including his parents, Philip and Bette Quinley, and sister, Peggy Beck. In some of his final words, Phil asked us to “not linger for very long in pain and sorrow and loss,” so please save the date for Phil’s Celebration of Life event on January 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael, CA 95608, followed by lunch and coffee at the church.

Donations are greatly welcome to the Phil Quinley Youth Hunt Legacy, linked here.