By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
Longtime Orland and Glenn County community leader Tracey Quarne died following a vehicle collision in North Dakota on Sunday, June 30.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Quarne, known to many as “Mr. Q,” was driving south on U.S. Highway 83 in northern North Dakota. About four miles south of the city of Minot, Quarne, 68, of Bismarck, North Dakota, driving a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, began to slow in the driving lane to check on a vehicle stopped on the west shoulder.
A 2014 Grand Cherokee Jeep, driven by Geoffrey Vannerson, 36, of Underwood, North Dakota, was behind the Mitsubishi and rear-ended it as it slowed. The Jeep came to rest in the center divide and the Mitsubishi came to rest on the shoulder.
Quarne was taken to a hospital in Minot, where he succumbed to his injuries. His passenger, Cynthia Batchelder, 63, of Orland, Calif., sustained minor injuries, as did Vannerson, the driver of the Jeep.
All of those involved in the accident were wearing their seat belts.
In March of this year, Quarne narrowly escaped death when he underwent life-saving emergency surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurism. Upon returning home from the hospital, he posted a “selfie” on Facebook showing his bare abdomen and its large surgical scar.
For many years, Quarne was a much-respected educator, teaching Independent Studies for the Orland Unified School District and music at Orland High School and Butte College. In November of 2004, he was elected to the Orland City Council.
A couple of years later, he became a member of the Glenn County Board of Supervisors. Then, in 2010, he was elected as the Glenn County Superintendent of Schools, an office he held for more than a decade.
Friends, former students, and others began expressing their condolences and paying their respects on Monday and Tuesday. Bryana Kelly posted the following on Quarne’s Facebook page:
“I have never met anyone as selfless as you, Tracey. It not often that you find people in this world who care as much for others like you did. There have been many times that I have tried to thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me and you refused to take credit but it’s through your passion to see everyone succeed that I and many other kids from Glenn County have achieved the things we have in life. It’s because of you that we were given the chances to see that there is a world outside of Glenn County. Anyone who has ever been graced by your passion for education or music is eternally grateful.
“Thank you for believing in me and being a huge part of the reason to continue pursuing music in my own time. Thank you for sharing your gift of kindness and musicianship with the world. I can’t wait until our paths cross again but until then, I’ll look for you in music and reminisce on all that you’ve taught me over the years.”
Robin Graff wrote:
“… it just doesn’t seem fair! But Tracey made such a huge impact on so many lives and changed their trajectory in such a positive way! He was so passionate about the Pipeline2Success program and the positive impact it made on so many lives! He will not be forgotten for all the good he did for the youth in Glenn County! Prayers and hugs to his family and everyone who was touched by his kindness!”
Graff further stated:
“Our Pipeline 2 Success leader is no longer with us, but his legacy will live on forever! The passion he had for this program was infectious and he made such an impact on so many young lives! We will never forget his famous saying, ‘What will you learn on this trip?’ And all the students would reply in their loudest voices, ‘You can go to college!’ Thank you, Tracey, for sharing your passion and caring so much about the students you served! You will be missed!”
Monica Schweinfurth said:
“Just saw all the RIPs, Mr. Q. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. You were and always will be an inspiration. I remember how the district wanted you out because you shook the boundaries of what was the status quo back then. You took a tiny band of, I think, 16 musicians on a parade tour all the way to Victoria, British Columbia. This small-town girl would’ve never experienced that had you not fought for me, for all of us. Personally, I was facing a lot of trials in those last two years of high school, teen mom and all, and you believed in me. Thank you for who you are and all that you accomplished. I look forward to the day that we get to play trumpet together in heaven!”
Gloria Manjarrez commented:
“I’m glad to have known Tracey. He lived big, and I think he died big. He left a positive mark on so many of us. May he be remembered for all the good he did.”
Ginny Kirkpatrick posted:
“Rest in Peace, Tracey. You had a major impact on our community through music education. Your memory will live on.”
And Colleen Carter Watkins wrote:
“Thank you, Tracey, for your friendship, the great music discussions when we went to DCI, your dedication and passion for improving children’s lives, for making it possible for Emily to write and publish the book, for bringing the gift of music to many, and countless other cherished memories. Yours was a life of service to others. You brought light and humor wherever you went. So sad today for the loss of you in our lives, but just know that you did good while you were here. Real good.”
Plans seem to be in the works for a memorial service for Quarne, but nothing definite has yet reached The Glenn County Observer. Check back here for an update.
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