Former Canucks GM and coach Pat Quinn passes away at 71

Then-Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Pat Quinn answers questions in Toronto on April 19, 2004. (Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Former Vancouver Canucks general manager and coach Pat Quinn has died at 71 years old.

Quinn’s death was announced by the Vancouver Giants, a major junior hockey team in the Western Hockey League, which Quinn co-owned.

The team said he suffered from a lengthy illness before he passed away Sunday night at Vancouver General Hospital.

Several days before his death, reports emerged that Quinn was unable to attend an induction ceremony for the Hockey Hall of Fame, of which he was on the induction committee.

"Words cannot express the pain we all feel today for the Quinn family," Giants owner Ron Toigo said in a statement. "Pat was an inspiration to all of us. He always said that respect was something that should be earned, not given, and the respect that he garnered throughout the hockey world speaks for itself. He will be sorely missed."

Former players remember ‘Coach Quinn’

Canucks President Trevor Linden, who was drafted by then-GM Quinn in 1987, held a news conference at Rogers Arena to talk about the impact his mentor had on his career – and his life.

“He really taught me the game,” Linden said. “A lot of the lessons he taught me I still think about today.”

Linden said he last saw Quinn on Friday alongside former Canucks goalie Kirk McLean, and despite his mentor not looking well, he told Linden he was still watching the team’s games.

“He was obviously a huge part in our success in ’94 and to have him on that bench and leading the way was very special,” McLean told reporters. “He really did turn around what it meant to be a Vancouver Canuck in this city, and to be part of the community, a family feel, that’s what it really was.”

Despite a “gruff and tough” exterior, Quinn “loved his players and he cared about people,” Linden said. “His presence in the locker room was incredible.”

Many took to Twitter Monday to express sadness and offer condolences upon hearing Quinn’s death, including Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa , Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and B.C. Premier Christy Clark.

The Canucks are planning on offering a tribute to Quinn during the 2014-2015 season, Linden said.

A storied career

Quinn was born on Jan. 29, 1943 in Hamilton, Ont. He coached in 280 games with the Canucks from 1990-1996, and famously came within one win of the Stanley Cup with the team in 1994.

He played as a defenseman in more than 600 games with Toronto, Vancouver and Atlanta and coached more than 1,400 games with five teams over 20 years.

His coaching career was highlighted by claiming two Jack Adams awards as the league's top coach.

He’ll be fondly remembered by Canadians as the coach who led the men’s hockey team to gold in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was the team’s first gold medal in 50 years.

Quinn was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012.

His family is asking media for privacy in light of his death.

Those wishing to send condolences to the Quinn family are asked to email [e-mail].

With files from TSN.ca.