He was the founding President of both the Greater Rochester Track Club (1973-1983) and the Genesee Valley Harriers (1996-2006). He was the race director for six USATF National Cross Country Championships including the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships in 2005. He is a USATF Master-level LDR Referee and served served as Referee for over 100 USATF National LDR and Cross Country Open and Master Championships. In addition to his work with USATF, he was a certified NY State High School track and field official since 1973. He is a past President of the Genesee Valley Certified High School Track & Field and Cross Country Officials Organization (Rochester, NY) and had served as their rules’ interpreter.
Bill will be deeply missed. He touched so many people on so many different levels. He was truly a great human being who left the world a better place for him having been here. Our sincere condolences to his wife Patricia, family friends and athletes he helped along the way. May you rest in peace. - Russ Ebbets, USATF Niagara president
His awards and honors included:
Quinlisk will be remembered for his unassuming nature, his integrity, his infectious sense of humor, his love of storytelling, and his ability to make those in his presence feel valued. Bill showed it is possible to fulfill the Jesuit motto to be “a man for others” and have fun doing it. Quinlisk is predeceased by his father, Willam P. Quinlisk, Bill is survived by his wife Patricia Warth, his mother Barbara Quinlisk, his brothers John, Thomas (Liz), Daniel (Barbara), Dennis (Brenda), and James (Diane), his nieces and nephews John, Abigail, Andrew, Katherine, Amy, Colin, Andrew, Brian, and Michael, as well as his treasured life-long friends. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held July 2 in Rochester, with details posted here. Donations in Bill’s honor can be made to Max Velocity (maxvelocity.org). Letters and cards of condolences can be mailed to 20 Willow Dr., Delmar, NY 12054.