COL. (ret’d) Edwin Charles Quinn
February 17, 2015
Peacefully at McCormick Home, with family at his side, on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, aged 78 years, Col. Edwin Charles Quinn (Ret’d). Loving husband and soulmate of Blanche (Purves). Cherished father of Robert (Carol), Diane Bayley (Nicholas), and Raymond (Katharine). Beloved grandfather of Peter, Matthew, Carolyn, and Rachel Bayley, and Maggie and Trevor Quinn. Dear brother of Alfred (Betty), Trevor (Norma), and brother-in-law of Bob Purves (Carolyn). He is survived by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Myrtle Quinn. Ed joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1954, proudly serving until his retirement in 1987. Ed served 2 tours in Germany, 2 tours of Cyprus with the U.N., commanded the 2nd Battalion (R.C.R. Gagetown), member of the Directors Staff, Army Staff College, Kingston, and Director of Infantry in Ottawa. In 1983 he became commander of Home Station, The R.C.R., London, and Base Commander, C.F.B. London. Following retirement in ’87 he assumed command of 4 R.C.R. (Reserve). Ed was the only officer to command 2 different battalions of the same regiment. His 2nd career was as Operations Officer for the Corps of Commissionaires. A special thanks to the staff at McCormick Home for their wonderful care over the last five and a half years. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at WESTMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 521 Village Green Avenue, on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wyoming Public Cemetery, Plympton-Wyoming at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edwin may be made to the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum or Autism Ontario.
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Rock of Ages Posted by Stuart Quinn (Nephew) On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Uncle Ed was indeed a rock. It was always great to see that one of the Quinn boys had the will power to stay out of the candy jar and keep himself in top notch shape. I admired Ed's calm and composure and I could always imagine the kind of respect he would have received from his men. I remember his discipline and yet he wasn't cold or standoffish. I would have gladly followed him into battle. I will remember you aways Uncle Ed. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Rob.
The comments about “Quinn”’s honourableness are valid. “Quinn’ was an officer and a gentleman, (the likes of which are considerably diminished these days), under whose command my father ultimately served. My family appreciated the stories about my father his buddies shared, so I want to reciprocate in kind about Quinn also. Quinn is fondly remembered for his ‘doing the right thing’ for one of his men, even post-humously. I only knew “Quinn” when he was instrumental in asking my mom at my father’s (Cpl. Stanley) funeral “Hey, there are only three medals … where’s the fourth”. My mom has never forgotten this. So it in is this forum that I’d like to canvas, ‘does anybody know which medal Stan is missing and what does it look like’. Could some military folks/buddies reading this help my mom bring some closure. The comradery of anyone reading this post would be most appreciated. ‘Cpl Stanley’ had a tough time even securing an English course (as even Capt Jazey may remember) . Stan wasn’t even told to get a Veterans Affairs Canada number to get benefits. We fought in military fashion. We took on Blaney and Fantino. We exposed Colonel (now dead General) Chouinard and the Royal 22e abuse of Stan at the VRAB. We had a tough fight post-humously … and we won them for my mom. I would like to hope that in the spirit of continued honourableness that Quinn would like to see perpetuate, I would like to ask for your kindness in answering Quinn's question, helping Stan’s family get whatever medal(s) for Stan that ‘Quinn’ knew Stan should have had. With kind wishes for you all. danusiaso@gmail.com
Blanche, sending you hugs with my condolences on Ed's passing. You took great care of Ed through his hard battle these past few years. Cherish the memories of your great years together. Warm regards,
I served under Col Quinn on a few occasions during our service, however, I really believed in him when it was my responsibility to set up for the Merit boards as an asst career Manage for the Regiment. His experience and guidance was true to form and the Board went on without a hitch. I have respected Col Quinn to this day and pass on my condolences from the heart to his family. RIP, Col Quinn until we meet on the other side. John Pearman
The roots of Uncle Ed's family tree run deep and true. He and Alf and Dad are a special breed of gentlemen. There are such special memories of those few Quinn Family Reunions. It's too bad that we didn't live closer so we could have been together more often. We will be thinking of you all this weekend and Monday with love as you celebrate Ed's life. May you find comfort in the love, respect, and great esteem in which he was held by so many! A man of strength, love, faith, honour and humour.
Del and I have known Ed for over 50 years. I served with him in Germany, in Cyprus and as his staff officer when he was the Director of Infantry. I consider him to be one of the finest officers that I have ever known. He was indeed a true gentleman. Blanche, you have our deepest sympathy. We know that the past years have not been easy for you and your family but we can believe that you will be able to continue in life knowing that Ed has left us with a beautiful legacy: a wonderful husband; father; grandfather; and father-in-law. Our regiment and indeed our country have been truly blessed by having Ed in our ranks. Don and Del
Ed was a great man, who loved life and taught us all so much. He inspired all of us to be better people. He was a wonderful grandfather to our kids, father-in-law and friend to me. He was a leader amongst men who never forgot the little guy (even when a prospective son- in-law asked for his daughter's hand in marriage). I recall him telling me at that time, "Nich, you can have all of Diane, why did you ask only for her hand?". ... that was Ed, funny, generous, genuine and full of integrity and love in everything he did. He will be sorely missed. Through all the tears, I am left with the feeling that I was so blessed with having had the chance to get to know him and experience his and Blanche's love, and get to be part of this wonderful family. As my Dad said to me once, "we can never hope to repay our parents (or parents-in-law) for all they do for us, we can only hope to live up to their example with our children". Thanks Ed for all you did, for me, Diane, and our children! I will do my best to live up to your example.
To the family of LCol Ed Quinn We are indeed sorry for your loss. As an ex-employee of his please accept our deepest condolences. Bob and Hilary Butt
Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Our Country, our Royal Canadian Regiment and his family have lost a true gentleman, the best Commanding Officer I ever had the privilege of serving under and one who was loved by subordinates and peers alike. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to Blanche and the family. Pro Patria.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Ray and Catherine. I'm so sorry for your loss.
While I never served directly with Ed, I met him often during our careers. He was in every way, an excellent officer, and a fine gentleman. I was proud to call him a friends. With my most sincere condolences to his family and his many fiends. Doug Yuill.
Sending warm hugs...love Tracy, James, Korie and Nick
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Dear Blanche & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Ken & Nancy Ashton
~ Ken & Nancy Ashton