By Lyndon Marquez & Clair Koetitz
Photography courtesy of Ron Quinn

“I Love Ron Quinn! He’s an amazing leader and a wonderful friend.” This quote could be a summation of everyone’s first thoughts of Ron.

Ron relocated to Las Vegas in 1991 to assist his father in the family business. It was at this time he attended his first Las Vegas PRIDE Festival at Sunset Park. He recalled, “It was a completely different experience in May as opposed to a Southern California PRIDE. It was HOT.”

Eventually, he started his own business and is currently a transaction specialist for the law firm, facilitating the transfer and sale of businesses in all industries throughout Nevada. Ron has established a reputation for his expertise in working with buyers, sellers, brokers, attorneys, and lenders.

Our paths crossed in 2006 through Arlene Cooper at The Center when it was in the Commercial Center, and he became aware of HRC Las Vegas upon attending the inaugural HRC Gala. We both began our projects with PRIDE, The Center, and HRC at that time.

Ron Quinn

He was invited to join the HRC Las Vegas Steering Committee as the volunteer coordinator and established a “first in the country” HRC volunteer support program. After that, his roles included Membership, Gala Tri-Chair, Steering Committee Co-Chair, and he was a National Board of Governors member for two terms. He actively recruited general volunteers and those who became successors to the Committee and the Board. Ron’s dedication to Las Vegas through HRC was a game-changer. He involved his volunteers in almost every straight or gay nonprofit in the city for the common good of mankind. He was given the nickname “Mr. HRC” in Las Vegas for all his local and national activities.

Ron saw needs in the community and assisted The Center with the startup of the Youth Thanksgiving (preparing many meals himself), Prom, and the Inaugural Steering Committee for the new Center. He was recently elected president of the board of directors of AFAN, and we look forward to his vision for this organization.

Ron’s involvement with Las Vegas PRIDE began in 1991 and continued until he merged the HRC Volunteer force with PRIDE in 2013. This created a union that garnered national attention and continues today. This collaboration is the only instance of a PRIDE organization and HRC working together in this way nationally!
Reflections of Ron’s 33-year involvement with PRIDE: Marching in his first PRIDE Parade (you need to march in one parade in your life because the validation is over the top), bingos, Domestic Partnership Law, NCOD, same-sex ceremony, PRIDE’s 30th Anniversary lighting of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the ever-changing and enlargement of the parade and festival which never disappoints!

Ron Quinn with Sean VanGorder at an HRC booth.

Sentiments from Ron’s family & friends

“Where do I begin? I’d like to start by giving a huge thank you to my dad, Ron Quinn! Ron has been in my life since I was 16 years old by rescuing me from the foster care system. Through the years, Ron has mentored and guided me into adulthood, fostering a supportive environment of family and friends. I have accomplished so much in my personal life and especially in my career. Thanks to Ron for always staying in my corner. Ron has been able to gain an immense appreciation from the community, and it is all due to his unwavering love, dedication, and support to our Vegas friends, and community efforts. If you need advice on relationships, careers, volunteerism, or just how to be an awesome person, just go to Mr. Quinn! Truly, I could write a book on how amazing Ron is. For now, I will leave you with just a touch of his impact. Love you, Papa!”

Ronnie Austin

“When I hear the word activist, I immediately think of Ron Quinn and his inspiring leadership. Putting yourself out there to lead is never an easy task, and people often ask themselves why am I doing this work? But when you meet leaders like Ron and then become lifelong friends through their hard work and dedication, you know you’re doing the right thing.”

Kelly Smith
Former owner of QVegas

From left: Sean VanGorder, Ron Quinn, and Kelly Smith

“I met Ron Quinn when my husband and I started volunteering with HRC thirteen years ago. While working with him, making a difference in our community, we became friends and comrades. He ignited my passion to care and fight for what I believed in, a community strengthened by diversity and inclusion. He became my mentor, and I became Daniel San to his Mr. Miyagi. Congratulations! Our lives are better for calling you a friend.”

Chuck & Andrew Stutz
Community Leaders

“Ron Quinn’s unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ community has been nothing short of remarkable. His tireless efforts have created safe spaces, fostered acceptance, and empowered countless individuals to live authentically. When thinking of Ron and the community, I am reminded of a favorite quote that motivates me. Leo Rosten says, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”

Michael Dimengo
Former CEO of The Center

“Ron’s commitment to our community has been steadfast and unwavering for many, many years. All of us in the LGBTQ+ community owe Ron a huge thank you for his hard work in making all of our lives better.”

Jon Sparer
FAIA

“At NCOD in 2005, I walked up to the HRC booth, and Ron was staffing it. I had chosen to come out to myself and the world that night. I thought there would be a welcome kit or something (lol), but meeting Ron was enough.

“Ron definitely was the difference between a well-oiled machine and a regular group. He frequently spoke of the importance of winning over “hearts and minds” to achieve equal rights.

“Ron’s guidance was instrumental in HRC-Vegas forming a large core of volunteers, not just for our own events but to assist other organizations (both gay and straight). When possible, our volunteers would assist in staffing community events wearing HRC gear.

“Because we worked so well with PRIDE, Ron obtained the okay from HRC National to offer a year of membership with any t-shirt purchase. It made HRC-Vegas the country’s best-performing PRIDE booth for over a year. Eventually, HRC National began flying staffers to Vegas to assist us at our booth. We received multiple awards just for this event. He is a great person, inspiring me so much that I got involved right away.”

Dan Hanna
Community Leader

Ron Quinn speaking at an HRC event.

“I would sum up my time with Ron at the HRC with the following: Ron is the quintessential humanitarian, gentleman, and outstanding leader. He managed to pull rabbits out of a hat when you thought it couldn’t be done. He quite literally operated like the Ever-Ready Bunny!”

Kristine Kuzemka, Esq.
Advanced Resolution Management

“Ron Quinn is a hero who selflessly serves our community and gives his heart and soul to help others. He is a champion for the LGBTQ+ community and equality for everyone. The Center owes much to Ron’s leadership and generosity in helping create a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Southern Nevada.”

John Waldon
CEO of The Center

“My life changed for the better after moving to Las Vegas. It was October 2014. I was nervous because I didn’t know anybody except my husband. Then, two months later, a good friend of mine who used to live in LA recommended I join an LGBTQ professionals’ group (Lambda) in Las Vegas. Well, to say I was hesitant to do it, I was, but I thought, “What can I lose trying?” It is the best decision I have ever made.

“During a Wednesday luncheon for this group, the organizer, Paul, let me have a display so the members could talk to me about my business. That was the day I met the man who changed my life for the better and continues to inspire me every day with his resilience: my dad/family, Mr Ron Quinn.

“We hit it off right away, and he started training with me the very next week. We started in January 2015, and 9 years later, I still have the pleasure of being his trainer.

“When we started, Ron just wanted to see if I could give him “arms,” and I said, “No honey, let’s make everything. Just be patient with me.” He thought it was “late” since he was in his mid-50s. I told him it’s never too late. A fitness journey can be started at any point in your life as long as you have the desire, determination, discipline & commitment to do it. My dad has shown me that over and over.

“He has done two bodybuilding shows, photo shoots, got his tattoos, and so many things that have changed in his life, but most importantly, me having the pleasure of changing his life as much as he has changed mine.

“The last two years have been quite challenging for Ron since he had two heart attacks and two eye surgeries. Almost back-to-back in all. I told him I am here and will take care of you. We will get through this. His resilience is beyond belief. I have never seen such a recovery and desire to keep going like Ron’s. Nothing can stop him. I am honored to be his trainer and have shown him how fitness can change your life, not just your body. I remember vividly when his cardiologist, Dr. Khan, told me after his first heart attack… “if it weren’t for the fact that Ron works out the way he does with you, he wouldn’t be here right now. “
To me, as his trainer, it was a huge compliment. After 22 years as a personal trainer, knowing I had made such a difference in someone’s life like this makes my entire career worth it. That’s as a professional, but on a personal level, as his friend/family, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

“My respect and admiration for someone as resilient as Ron is beyond belief. In this process, he has taught me so much, and I have realized that if you want something bad enough, nothing can stop you, not even two heart attacks. Still standing, giving the best of himself, my dad, Ron Quinn.”

Gustavo Davis
Fitness by Gustavo

“It has been an honor for both Laura and I to work beside Ron. Ron is most deserving of this honor as he is an incredible leader. He is always there to help in any way possible. We both are grateful to call him our dear friend.”

Wendy Kraft & Laura Sussman
Kraft Sussman Funeral & Cremation Services

“Ron Quinn has been volunteering for our community for many years. His ability to make an impact at AFAN is remarkable, and his dedication to our community is immeasurable. He is always working to ensure that the future generation lives without shame and fear. He has been consistent, supportive, and passionate about ensuring our community continues to thrive in Southern Nevada.”

Antioco Carrillo
Executive Director, AFAN

Congratulations, Ron, on this honor, and thank you for all you have done for the community in Las Vegas!

This article was originally published in the 2024 Spring Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.