Posted on: Tuesday, August 29, 2006

'Much to admire' about Quinn, Lingle says

STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE ON THE PASSING OF FORMER GOVERNOR WILLIAM FRANCIS QUINN:

Lt. Governor Aiona and I join the people of Hawai`i in mourning the death of former Governor William Francis Quinn.

As our last appointed territorial governor and first elected governor, Governor Quinn played a pivotal role in Hawai`i's historic transition from a U.S. territory to America's 50th state.

There is much to admire about this Harvard Law School graduate, who distinguished himself as a Navy officer in the South Pacific during World War II, and later served as an attorney and as president of Dole Pineapple Company.

Governor Quinn, who like me, spent part of his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, grew to love Hawai`i and made these islands his home together with his wife Nancy and their seven children. Throughout the years, Governor Quinn remained active in our community and he continued to serve as an elder statesman who many looked to for guidance and mentorship.

I extend my deepest sympathies to Governor Quinn's family and friends during this time of sorrow and remembrance.

In remembrance of former Governor Quinn, I have ordered state flags at all state and county buildings to be flown at half-staff from today, August 29, 2006, until day of internment.