San Antonio, Texas-based wholesale insurance broker, Quirk & Company, announced the passing of its president and CEO for the past 41 years, Robert (Bob) C. Quirk.
Born in 1946, Quirk graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with honors and was inducted to the Beta Gamma Sigma academic honor society.
In 1969, he became a licensed CPA and joined Haskins & Sells as a senior accounting assistant in Dallas, Texas. In 1974, he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. That same year he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas.
Robert Quirk began working with Quirk & Company in 1961 in both full and part time roles. He became the manager in 1974 after his graduation from law school. To increase the markets with which Quirk & Company was dealing, he visited and contracted with Lloyd’s of London Underwriters to bind and issue several types of first party business. This contract has successfully remained in place for over 40 years.
As a well-respected leader in the wholesale insurance industry, he served as an advisor regarding insurance matters to the State of Texas during legislative sessions. His visionary work brought surplus lines into the limelight. With his help some of the first state legislation that paved the way for The Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas was drafted and became law.
His dedication to the industry included his involvement with various associations. He was the past president and chairman of the board of directors of the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA). He served on the executive committee of the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA). He was a member of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) Legislative Committee. He served, in an advisory role, as vice president and secretary of National Unity Insurance Company from 1984 to 1991. As the chairman of Quirk Group Inc., he managed Quirk & Company, Mission Claims Service and Dragonflyware. His leadership contributed to the growth and prosperity of each subsidiary.
Quirk was born and raised in San Antonio and was an active member in his community. He served on charitable boards including: president and director of the Clarity Child Guidance Center of San Antonio, past president and director of US Friends of English National Opera, Inc., past director of San Antonio Opera, Inc. and past director of the San Antonio Symphony.
His love of sports included both the San Antonio Spurs, and all things Longhorn. As a proud Texas Ex, he bled burnt orange and could often be found attending a game or watching Texas football, basketball, or baseball on TV. He always gave the “Hook ’em” sign to others in the room or would break out into song with the “Eyes of Texas” — always a non-apologetic Longhorn fan.
Quirk was inspired by the outdoors. He typically started his day with a long walk with his beloved wife, Karen. His lifelong passion for nature included back-packing through the Rocky Mountains and hiking Hadrian’s Wall in England. His most recent and notable accomplishment was his completion of the Thames Path National Trail, a 180 mile walk to the source of the River Thames in England.
Other interests included attending the opera, reading, cooking, sailing, yoga and entertaining family, friends and business associates. He was known to many as the ultimate foodie and wine connoisseur.
Quirk’s deepest and most cherished love was for his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Colleen, Cathleen, Christopher, Reuben (Daniel) and Robert, and grandchildren, Griffin, Mairin, Taylor, Abaigeal, Caden and Ryland.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at 2:30 PM at Crossbridge Community Church located at 25700 Overlook Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78260.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer charitable donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Doctors Without Borders, two of Robert’s favorite charities.
Acknowledgements for charitable donations can be mailed to Karen Quirk & Family, c/o Quirk & Company, P O Box 792030, San Antonio, Texas, 78279-2030.
Robert lived by his uncompromising principles of integrity, service, security and stability. His lifelong work and legacy will continue to live on at Quirk Group, Inc.
Hook ’em!
Source: Quirk & Company
Topics Texas Excess Surplus
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