Quinn Edward Christianson passed away in his sleep on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Bellevue, Washington, due to complications related to advanced-stage cancer. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer this past December and was being treated at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington Medical Center.
Quinn was born in Brewster, Washington, on Dec. 10, 1969, to Chris and Pat Christianson of Twisp. He lived his entire life in the Methow Valley and was a proud resident of Twisp. He was raised on the family cattle ranch up the Twisp River Road.
Quinn attended Allen Elementary, Methow Valley Junior High, and graduated from Liberty Bell High School in 1988. From an early age he was intrigued by how things work, and would often dissemble and usually fix any broken appliance or gadget he found around the house. He was especially interested in all kinds of engines and vehicles, and since his early teen years loved riding and working on dirt bikes and motorcycles.
After high school Quinn worked at, then managed the North Cascades Auto Parts store in Twisp and was married to his high school sweetheart Sharee Holcomb. In the next chapter of his life, Quinn worked for One Way/Wilder Construction Company at various locations around the Pacific Northwest, where he became an expert at operating and repairing many types of construction equipment. All the while he rode dirt bikes and snowmobiles when he could, and helped out at the ranch. His interest in machinery extended from antique engines to ultralight aircraft, and everything in between.
After his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he began working full-time at the ranch and gradually took over running the third-generation Christianson cattle ranch. His passion for mechanics came in handy keeping operational all the machinery required to cut, bale, and stack hay, and transport cattle and horses. Running a ranch takes much more than one man and Quinn was fortunate to have a dedicated friend, Rick Sill, who worked for years alongside him at the ranch. Quinn and the family remain ever grateful for the many dear friends who continue to help with the cows until permanent plans are made for the future of the ranch. Several of Quinn’s friends have come to agree that there’s no more peaceful and rewarding job than walking the pasture at daybreak in early spring, helping with newborn calves.
Quinn was preceded in death by his mother Patricia Power Christianson, who passed in 2006. He is survived by his father Robert “Chris” Christianson, who still lives at the ranch; three sisters, Carri Christianson and husband Don Frueh of Bellevue, Washington, Julie Palm and husband Jerry of Winthrop, Karla Christianson of Twisp; and nieces and nephews Morgan, Garett and Ali Palm, and Devlin, Kaysan and Lauren Frueh. Quinn also leaves behind Carrie Peterkin of Twisp, with whom he shared many years, and numerous dear friends who meant the world to him.
The valley will miss Quinn’s smile, his extensive mechanical knowledge, and evenings spent hanging out in his garage. A celebration of Quinn’s life will be held later this spring or summer.
