William Barlow Quarton
Our condolences go out to Diane, Wally and the entire family. Mr Quarton lived not only a very long life but also a very full life of so many accomplishments. He will be missed.
Don/Betty Mulvehill
Pleasant Hill
IA
I have very fond memories of Mr. Quarton after meeting him while I worked as the teller supervisor at the downtown CR US Bank branch. He was such a joy to visit with when Diane would bring him in to the bank. He always had a story and you couldn't help but listen intently. It would just bring a smile to my face when I would see them coming down the steps. He always made sure to tell me when he'd just had a recent birthday and how he'd passed yet another milestone. I would go home and tell my husband, what an inspiration he was and that I hoped to live as long and as healthy as Mr. Quarton. I remember seeing him at the funeral for Howdy Roberts and I thought to myself, "what a fine man". He will be truely missed, but, anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him should consider themselves to be one of the "lucky" ones. My heart goes out to the family-God Bless All of You!
Julie Thompson
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear family of Mr.Quarton, Mr. Quarton was the finest man I ever worked with.He was fair and always understanding During my time as an on air newscaster and general reporter,Mr. Quarton was always interested in our news operation. Above all of that, in my later pursuits as mayor and so on,he was a friend. I could never call him Bill. He was and always will be "Mr.Quarton to me. Keep your Faith and remember the good times. Robert M L Johnson
Robert ML Johnson
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Jean, Just wanted to extend our condolences and to let you know we were thinking of you during your time of sorrow.
Debra and Richard Goldstein
West Hartford
CT
Dear Jean, My condolence to you for your family. Bill was a kind and gentle man, I am truly sorry for your loss. Art Muti 9081 NW 16th Street Plantation, Fl 33322
Art Muti
Plantation
FL
I had the good fortune of meeting Bill Quarton through Tait & Dotty Cummins. Tait often told the story of presenting Bill his resignation, upon applying for the Sports job at WMT in the mid 40s. Tait told Bill he could let him go at any time…he just wanted a chance. Dotty Cummins use to call on “Mr Quarton” every year for the Pineapple Gala. She would go in calling him Mr. Quarton…and as soon as he said, “why sure I’ll help” his name would change to Bill. One year Dotty asked Bill if he had anything that could be auctioned off at the Pineapple Gala. Bill looked around his office and pulled an autographed picture of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush, and Reagan off the wall. He had received it from George Forestner at Amana. I bought that piece at the Gala, which started my Presidential collection. Bill Quarton was a gentleman of incredible integrity. A man extremely respected in his profession. More importantly he crossed all lines and was admired and loved by all those who crossed paths with him. Like many others, I was always thrilled and honored when he would call me and invite me to have lunch at the Country Club with him. Even though he was interested in Camp Courageous and me…I was swept off my feet with the history he lived and made. I could spend all day with him and still want to come back for more. He was such a great resource of knowledge. I feel very blessed our paths crossed. What a wonderful legacy Bill Quarton has left for everyone.
Charlie Becker
Monticello
IA
Remembering Bill Quarton: The greatest of talents is the ability to recognize it in others. The WMT Stations' successes under Bill Quarton's reign as manager, were due to the many fine individuals of diverse talents who, starting there, built the station's prestige, and then went on to outstanding careers elsewhere in the entertainment fields. Vern Hansen WMT employee: 1947-1952 Campbell, CA 95008
Vern Hansen
Campbell
CA
While anchoring one night in the late 70's on WMT-TV, I noted on the air that wife Barb and I would miss the big weekend Hawkeye football game--we had no tickets. Following the broadcast, Bill called up and invited us to attend the game with him! That Saturday he picked us up at home, drove to Iowa City, and shared with us his seats on the 50-yard line. Until then I had only known Bill by reputation. That day I had the chance to confirm what I had heard about him personally and professionally. Bill Quarton set the standard for broadcast management in our state, with unquestioned probity and unmatched achievement. But equally memorable were his kindness and generosity. His was truly a life to admire.
John Bachman
Des Moines
IA
Q, Wally and family: I read your father’s obituary this morning and he truly had not only a long life, but a wonderful life. It’s easy to see why you are so outgoing, gregarious, and willing to grab life by the tail. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time and we hope that we can find some way to be in Cedar Rapids on Monday. If we can’t, please know that we are with you in spirit and our thoughts and prayers are with you as well. Take care! Jim Carney
Jim Carney
Des Moines
IA
To the family of Bill Quarton, We have such wonderful memories of our good times with Bill and Jean during the "Fort Lauderdale years." Bill was a true gentleman and a kind man with an insightful mind and big heart. His legacy will live on in the lives of those who loved him and whom he loved. Jean and George
Jean and George Davis
Pompano Beach
FL
Please accept my deepest sympathies on Bill's passing. I can think of so many wonderful stories of our travels together with the Hoover Association, and of all his generosities. I am honored to have known him, and thus his family. So many memories. Truly, as one of his birthday tributes noted, this was a man -- and I will add, a man who stood tall -- among men. Pat
Patricia H. Forsythe
Tampa
FL
I considered myself a "lucky man" because of Mr. Q's influence on my life, personally and professionally. While my station'sKMRY revenue will never equal the financial benchmarks that Mr. Q. was able put together, his willingness to share some of that wealth so philanthropically is indeed a goal worth pursuing. I hope to someday be able, in a smaller way, to follow a similar path to better this community. God bless the legacy he leaves.
Rick Sellers
Cedar Rapids
IA
Warm sympathy to Diane, Wally, Jean and All from Ann and John Sagers. We miss our good neighbor, Bill, so much. He accomplished his many great goals; he will live on with his good work and in the love we have for him.
John & Ann Sagers
Cedar Rapids
IA
Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Bill Quarton. But I've been well aware of what an amazing, talented, accomplished and extremely generous man he was. I've been able to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist, thanks in large part to a college scholarship that bears the Quarton name. Bill's professional achievements are numerous, but it is his generosity and commitment to the future and improving his community that are truly remarkable. He has helped many, many young broadcasters enter the profession he so dearly loved. His philanthropic arm reaches much further than that, too. His community, his state and the entire broadcasting industry has lost a legend. But his legacy will live on forever. We need a lot more people like Bill Quarton. My condolences to his family. May you take comfort knowing what a meaningful life Bill lived and how many people he has inspired.
Travis Graven
Des Moines
IA
I just watched a television show on Thomas Edison and I always told friends I know someone who worked with him. Now, I don’t. Bill was such a special person and an innovative broadcaster at the same time. The corporate world would be a lot different place if there were more “Q”s in the world.
Dave Towne
Los Angeles
CA
I am overseas and regret that I am unable to attend the Celebration of Life for Bill. I was fortunate enough to become involved in a cable television franchising effort with Bill and his associates. Tasked with certain responsibilities in gaining the Burlington franchise I asked Bill, "what is the budget?" He answered, "whatever it takes to get the job done". Then came the handshake. No lawyers or paperwork with fine print. Bills' word was his bond. It was an honor to count "Q" as a friend, and there are precious few who can measure up to the man. My condolences to the family. Jim Livengood Burlington
Jim Livengood
Burlington
IA
Being a past president of the Cedar Rapids Jaycees as you were, and meeting you at the Old Board/New Board meetings, I will never forget the inspiration that you gave to us "New Kids". God Bless and I will see you in Heaven. God Bless
G.. Scott Ovel
Cedar Rapids
IA
I am having a solitary celebration of my own luck at having had the pleasure and the privilege of working for Bill in the news department at the WMT Stations in the 1960s. His gentle strength, wit, and intelligence were inspirational, and his guidance was always rooted in justice and morality. Rarely in our lives do we encounter personalities so huge that they seem to encompass all of the characteristics of mankind. Bill did not encompass them all; he only exhibited the good ones. We will use his example to make the world better for us all.
Martin Jensen
Haymarket
VA
Dear Diane, I feel so remiss to be so long contacting you after hearing about your father. I have such fond memories from so many years ago of being with your family. What a truly outstanding man he was who contributed so much to so many. Thinking of you as you adjust to the loss. No matter how old we are or how old our parents are it is so difficult. Sincerely, Sue