Walter "Sonny" Quinn

The American Legion has lost one of its most loyal and dedicated members. Walter “Sonny” Quinn passed away on June 1, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
The “Mouse That Roared”; “The Little Engine That Could” – that was the 5’2” fiery and dynamic “Sonny.” He may have been small in stature, but he loomed larger than life - an extraordinary man who forged a 50-year trail of service, dedication and loyalty to his beloved Legion.
Walter James Quinn was born in the small town of Zanesville, Ohio, on Aug. 27, 1935. He joined the Navy Reserve while he was still in high school because his school didn’t have a JROTC. Immediately upon graduating, he joined the Air Force. Upon his discharge in 1954, he joined The American Legion.
“Sonny” (as he was known by everyone) moved to California in 1962, where he immersed himself in the Legion community for more than half his life. He was a member of the El Monte and Arcadia posts before joining Panorama City Post 817. A life member of the Legion, he held membership continuously for 43 years in California, going through all the “chairs” in the local posts. He was highly instrumental in Legion leadership and served as commander for the 20th and18th districts, and was the Area 6 Vice Commander in 2002-2003. Sonny also served at the department level, and was the California Department Sergeant-at-Arms in 1995-1996 and was the California Department Historian in 2004-2005. He was also on the Leadership Commission for the Department of California.
Sonny’s smile and laugh were contagious and he enjoyed making others laugh. For instance, whenever he appeared at the podium, you can be sure that someone would yell, “Stand up Sonny! We can’t see you!” or “Someone get him a box to stand on!” He would always draw all 5’2” of himself as erect as possible, and in a dignified manner he would good-naturedly holler back, “I am standing up!” Considering that he could barely see over the podium, everyone present would burst into laughter -- and no one laughed harder than he!
“Sonny” will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, but he will be especially mourned by those in his American Legion “family.” A memorial service was held at Post 817 on June 14, which was standing room only and packed to overflowing, as his fellow Legionnaires gathered from near and far to show their respect.
On July 27, “Sonny” was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery. An honor guard detail from March Air Force Base performed the time-honored 21-gun salute.
He leaves behind family in Zanesville and California, including his beloved wife, Pat; his daughter Charlene and son-in-law Harry; his cousins Starlee and Eldon; and his granddaughter, Amanda, who was the apple of his eye.
Sonny lived a full and magical life – he was an unforgettable character who touched the hearts of many along the way.
“To live in the hearts of those we loved . . . . is to not die.”