Monday, May 4, 2026

In Memoriam: John Quin-Harkin

It is with profound sorrow, the utmost respect, infinite admiration, and the deepest love that we honor and mourn the passing of the wonderful, dapper, brilliant, clever, ingenious, witty, enthusiastic, and unique John Quin-Harkin, beloved husband of our darling Rhys Bowen.

He left this life peacefully, wrapped in affection,  and surrounded by those who love him.  

There is a change in the universe now, but he lives on in our love and memories. 

And our hearts are broken for his dear family--he was part of our family, too.







61 comments:

  1. Sending our thoughts and prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Rhys and all his family . . . .

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  2. Oh, Rhys, I am sorry. The noble gentleman you married will be sorely missed.
    Laurie King

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  3. Lisa in Long BeachMay 4, 2026 at 3:08 AM

    I’m so sorry, Rhys. My condolences to you and your family.

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  4. josephine tebsnoMay 4, 2026 at 5:19 AM


    I am so very sorry for your loss ❤️I sm sending thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Rhys and family

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  5. Oh Rhys, I am so sorry for your loss. What a lucky man he was to live in your circle of light, and have you beside him as he walked into the valley of the shadow. I'm so sorry his passing leaves you and yours bereft, and I hope you can be a comfort to each other until the ache of his passing leaves behind only good memories. Holding you in the light and in my heart.

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  6. So sorry for the loss of John Quinn-Harkin. He will live on as the young husband, father, loved one in you heart and minds forever.

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  7. I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking about you and your family

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  8. This news saddens me. Sending you and your family prayers for peace and comfort as you grieve this tremendous loss in your lives.

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  9. I am so very sorry. May the gentleness of friends and family hold you close in this time.

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  10. From Celia: My Dear Rhys, here let us sit and tell tall tales of our dear ones. How suddenly our lives moved to a new continent, and how this became a good place to work, raise family and live a happy life.
    Going to the tiny Feock shop after my father's death to collect our newspaper, I was greeted by Mr Adie saying, "I am sorry for your loss." and I send my condolences to you and the family.

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  11. My deepest condolences to Rhys and all the family.

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  12. I am so very sorry. My condolences to you and your family.

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  13. Rhys, I'm sending so much sympathy and love in this sorrowful time. I wish I had gotten to meet your John. May his soul fly free, and may you and Clare and the entire family be comforted by your memories of him. I hold you in the Light.

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  14. Sorry to hear of this loss. May your memories be a blessing.

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  15. I am deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. May his memory be a blessing. Dear Rhys, sending condolences to you and your family.

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  16. Rhys, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to you and your family. Hugs

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  17. Elizabeth VaradanMay 4, 2026 at 7:07 AM

    I sm so sorry to read this. My deepest sympathy to Rhys and to all the family.

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  18. Rhys and family, thinking of you and John and your family. These words for comfort. “Those we have loved and lost are not where they were before. They are wherever we are now.” Elisabeth

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  19. You and your family have our deepest condolences, Rhys. I remember meeting your husband at your book event years ago. I remember his kindness. Sending gentle hugs.

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  20. Rhys, I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss, Rhys. I know your husband was a wonderful man. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.

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  22. All who love him are surrounded in love and prayer.

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  23. What a beautiful tribute. So very sorry Rhys for you and your family. And for all those who obviously loved and admired him.

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  24. Rhys, my condolences to you and to your children and grandchildren on the loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. May the stages of grief be gentle ones for you and your family members.

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  25. Thoughts and prayers, while well intentioned, are meaningless in a time like this, Nor can I share the anguish and pain that Rhys must be going through now. Eventually though, the pain diminishes but never fully dissipates, to be replaced by memories of love, laughter, and good times. And that is my wish for Rhys and her family.

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  26. Oh Rhys, I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family can find some comfort in your shared memories. You are all in my prayers.

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  27. Rhys, your bits that you shared with us showed us what a lovely life you had together. Hold tight to your remembrances.

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  28. I only knew the briefest of information about John Quin-Harkin through what Rhys shared here on the blog. But that's enough to know that he was a good man with devoted family and friends.

    My condolences to Rhys, her family and those who knew John as a friend.

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  29. Rhys,
    My sincere condolences to you and your family.
    Dianne Mahoney

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  30. Rhys, I’m so so sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family will be comforted by loving memories in days ahead. Mignonne Scarbrough

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  31. So so sorry to hear this, Rhys. May John rest well, wrapped in the arms of the great Love that undergirds creation and may you find moments of peace in your deep sorrow.

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  32. So sorry to hear about John, Rhys. You had told so many wonderful stories, involving him, I feel I knew him, too, and will miss him.

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  33. May his memory be for a blessing❤️

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  34. Debra H. GoldsteinMay 4, 2026 at 8:25 AM

    So sorry to read this. May his memory be a blessing.

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  35. My deepest condolences, Rhys, to you and your family.

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  36. I'm so sorry Rhys, all of us here at JRW are thinking thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts.

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  37. Despite having never met John his photo above reflects what I interpret as being a handsome gentleman with kind eyes, a warm smile and a welcoming heart. Someone who was the love of your life, a wonderful family man and a friend to many. Thank you, Rhys, for also sharing with all of us many stories about your beloved husband, family moments and the challenges you both endured over the past several months. While I know you will be surrounded by those who deeply care and love you in the days ahead your personal moments of grief and sadness belong only to you. May your treasured and joyful memories of John help sustain you through this very difficult time. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

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  38. My sincere condolences, Rhys, I'm so sorry for your loss. Joyce Woollcott

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  39. Rhys, you have so generously shared so much with all of us. I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved John. May his memory be eternal and his stories ever told.

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  40. Oh Rhys, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending much love to you and your family.

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  41. Rhys, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved John. You and your family are in my prayers.

    DebRo

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  42. Rhys, Condolences to you and your family. Marjorie

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  43. Michelle L. CullenMay 4, 2026 at 10:05 AM

    Rhys, I am so sorry for your loss. May John's memories be a blessing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  44. Dear Rhys, My heart aches for the loss of your beloved! May the knowledge that John now walks with God bring you peace. Lynne Branson

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  45. Dorothy from WinnipegMay 4, 2026 at 10:28 AM

    Rhys, My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved, John. May he rest in peace. Take comfort from all of your memories of him.

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  46. May light perpetual shine upon him.

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  47. Condolences to all. His life was a gift,may his love be with you always.

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  48. Rhys, when I read the sad news of your husband's passing this morning, tears filled my eyes. Through this wonderful blog and facebook, I have read about your adventures with John and marveled over what an incredible, energetic life you two have shared together. I am saying prayers. Peace and comfort to you and your beautiful family. Please be strong.
    Veronica Cole

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  49. I know we don’t know each other but I am sending my warm thoughts to you this morning as you are feeling the loss of your love.

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  50. Rhys, holding you close right now, and sending you and your family wishes for peace. John's memory will always be a blessing.

    And now I am remembering John, and the wonderful times we had in Italy together. He was a gentleman, he adored you and bragged about you and your many talents, and he was an acerbic observer of life who was very entertaining. I still chuckle when I think of him griping about glass shower doors. May he rest in well-deserved peace.

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  51. Oh Rhys, my condolences to you, and to your family. May John’s memory always be a blessing.

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  52. Rhys, Through the last year you have had many health challenges for you and John. You were fortunate enough to come through many of those and have that last year together
    Even when you know what lies ahead you are never really ready for it.
    You know you have many people who you have touched over time in recounting your personal stories. We will all be thinking of both of you in the days ahead.
    Only time will make things easier and the memories will ensure that
    At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
    At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
    At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
    At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
    At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
    At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
    As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
    When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
    When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
    When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
    When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
    When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
    For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.

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  53. Rhys, I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending tons of love and sympathy.

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  54. whoever wrote the post captured John perfectly. He was such a presence, a handsome, strong, always well-spoken man whose support of his talented wife was on display at her book launch events. Rhys showed me a photo of them as a young couple at a costume party. He was wearing horns and he was the essence of a handsome devil! May his memory be a blessing.

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  55. I am so very very sorry to read this. Deepest condolences.

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  56. From Denise Terry. I am so sorry to hear this news. Rhys, my love and admiration for you as you have navigated these past challenging months is limitless. May he rest in peace. May you find rest.

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  57. I'm so sorry for your loss, Rhys! Sending love and condolences to your whole family.

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  58. Charlene Miller-WilsonMay 4, 2026 at 12:57 PM

    My heart broke for you when I read of John's passing. As I have read here, he seemed like a lovely man, and you cherished your long lives together. My sincere condolences to you, Claire, and your families. Peace and comfort to you all.

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  59. Rhys, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband--he sounds like such a lovely man. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort.

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  60. I'll never forget meeting John, such a charming gentleman, for the first time - years ago - at one of Rhys's book signings at the Poisoned Pen. As Rhys entertained the packed house with her delightful wit, I watched John watching her with so much love and admiration in his affectionate gaze. I was moved then and now by the love you two shared. Keeping you and your family in my heart, Rhys.

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  61. My condolences to Rhys and to everyone who loved John. May he rest in peace and light.
    Chris Aldrich

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