...Looking around here today it truly shows the impact that his life had on others, more than any words I could ever share. While his time on earth may be up, that does not mean that his legacy has to be. It is up to us to make sure that the countless years of hard work that he has put into everything is not forgotten or pushed aside. So, I encourage you all to talk about him, tell stories, wear his patch on your vest, ride on a motorcycle, drink a black cup of coffee or two or three or four, support our veterans, and more than anything be patient, kind, and selfless in all that you do. These are all just small ways in which we can honor grandpa’s legacy and give a little back to man that can never truly be repaid. 

Grandpa losing you has been a pain like no other. It breaks my heart knowing that we will never again hear your laugh or see your face light up when you smile. I know that you are in a better place now and that you are continuing to watch out for all of us. Thank you for being the amazing person that you were, for teaching us so much, and giving us so many years of your joy and love. You can rest easy now, we will take it from here. I love you grandpa.

...Then it hit me, that this memory perfectly embodies who my grandpa was, selfless, considerate, and more than anything, a man that would never leave a fallen comrade behind.

My grandfather was loyal like no one else I have ever known. He spent his entire life dedicating himself to others. First to my grandmother with their beautiful marriage, then to his country which he shed blood for, to his children, my dad, Brent, and my Aunt Julee, to this community which he essentially built from the ground up, to his grandchildren Daniel, Brenden, Sarah, myself, and his great grandchild Clancy, and last but certainly not least, to the veteran community. We always joked that grandpa did not know how to sit still, but it is hard to say where we would all be today if it was not for everything grandpa gave to us. 

Grandpa knew the importance of family and being present. While raising my dad and aunt he had always put their aspirations first, even if that meant creating opportunities to ensure they had every experience possible. For instance, when he had turned the backyard into a farm so that they could raise animals to show in 4H. No sacrifice was too big when it came to grandpa giving back. For us grandchildren, he demonstrated this to us by being at every event the four of us had, no matter how tired or busy he was. We were spoiled by grandpa and all that he taught us and everywhere he and my grandmother took us. Even with all that, often the best moments simply happened over a meal when it was just you and him...

Good morning everyone, for those of you who don’t know me my name is Morgan, I’m Phil’s youngest grandchild, and I am honored to be up here today to share a few words on behalf of my family about the wonderful man that my grandfather was. Grandpa had such a big heart, it was one of my favorite things about him, but it was also something that you would not necessarily know from his quiet demeanor. Once you started talking to him, his kindhearted personality came to light. He had a way of making you feel valued and safe, so much so that it was hard not to tell him just about everything. Grandpa was a true friend to everyone that he knew and once he knew you, he was there for you for the rest of your life. Today, I know that grandpa is looking down on all of us with his great big heart and misty eyes, filled with so much love and honor for everyone being here for him.

After my grandfather passed, I was reflecting on all the memories we shared and there was one memory that primarily stuck out in my mind. It is from when I was in high school playing in a tennis tournament late at night and right before one of my matches my parents suddenly had to leave. I was already very nervous and didn’t want to be alone, so I called my grandpa and asked him if he would come watch. Without any hesitation, he was there in the next 20 minutes sitting behind the fence in his lawn chair cheering me on without a care in the world about how late it was or how last minute I had asked him. Of all the amazing memories that I share with my grandpa, from skiing in Mammoth with all the cousins, him teaching us how to fish and ride a tractor, riding on the back of his motorcycle, working on a construction site with him and even him flying all the way to New York to be my first salute, it has confused me why this memory, which feels so random, is the one of my most cherished...

Continued... My father escorted so many of his brothers and sisters home to their final resting place there was no way to keep count and every one was special to him. He led the ALR group for years as president, supporting events all across our communities. Along the way he made hundreds if not thousands of friends and all of these people were aways drawn to my father because he was honest, caring, loving and just a genuine individual. I was very fortunate to meet and ride with many of these individuals and I watched all of it in awe of my father. The capstone of riding with my father was being a part of the Run For the Wall, riding from California to Washington DC to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. It was a very tough ride both physically and mentally, but every day we pushed each other keep going. Reaching the wall with my father was a highlight of the many things we have done together and sharing that with him will live in me forever.
Now my father is at rest in heaven looking over his family and all veterans, so ride safe my brothers and sisters, you have one hell of an angel riding with you always!

I will tell you my father was a quiet an fearless hero, that led by example in everything he did. He so deeply cared for all veterans and always desired to lift them up, in life and death. I can never imagine what he went through as a young man in war, especially in a war that made little sense, and in a war that when you came home people hated on you even though you just put everything including your life on the line for the country you loved. He never let any of Vietnam bother him on the outside, but on the inside he fought the demons of war and did that completely on his own. Through all of that he married the most amazing woman, Nancy Pike Waln and together they lived side by side for almost 60 years setting the example of what a marriage was, and how to be a family and what family means. Julee and I were extremely lucky to have parent that always put us first and set the example for us to follow with our relationships and our families. My father so loved his 4 grandchildren, Daniel, Brenden, Sarah and Morgan and they were the highlight of his life and my sister and I were so lucky to watch him spoil and love on our children, they all idolize him and this was such a loss for them. He also got to see his first great grandchild and he shred the same love for Clancy. But besides going to war for this beautiful country, sharing a beautiful life with his bride and family, he always wanted to do more and giving back to his community and to veterans was his second life. For a few years I had a Harley and joined the ALR and PGR to ride with my dad and see what this life was about. I never was in the military, but I also love and admire our veterans as knowing what my father went through is just a glimpse of that world. What I witnessed was a man that was so strong he wanted to honor and help carry other veterans burdens to help ease their pain or to help families of lost soldiers be paid the highest respects possible for what their son or daughter gave for this country.

Nancy, we are praying for you from HUEYTOWN, Alabama. 
We met Nancy and Phil on a cruise.
I cannot remember the Island, maybe Antigua.  We were on a beautiful beach together, we laughed and talked for hours.
Phil and Nancy were alot like us.  Empty nesters but loved our 
grandbabies.
WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Born in 1948, Phil grew up in Southern California. He was a part of that generation that served when called. When it was his turn he joined the Army to fight in Vietnam. Wounded in battle and awarded a Purple Heart, he finished his service back in California. Like so many combat veterans, he didn’t talk much about those years, though he’d answer if asked. He never let it  define him.

In 2008, at age 60, he bought his first Harley-Davidson. It wasn't a midlife crisis—just a toy he’d always wanted. After the Army, Phil worked in construction. When times were good, the family enjoyed great toys and fun outings. When work was lean, they scaled back, but they always had fun. Long after his son and daughter married and started families of their own, it was time for a motorcycle and Momma insisted on a Harley-Davidson. Shortly after that purchase they joined Bakersfield HOG.

For years, they rode over for meetings and group rides—a 90-minute ride each way. They enjoyed the Bakersfield members' friendliness to new members. They also enjoyed riding with Julee and I.

As Mom got older, the ride over became harder, and they needed to stay closer to home. Not feeling the same welcome from AV HOG, Phil joined the local American Legion Riders. Being the person he was, he quickly found himself serving as President.

It was with the ALR, Phil embraced his military history more openly. He found a deep purpose in supporting veterans and their families. He escorted fallen heroes to their final place of rest and rode in Run for the Wall with his son just a few years back. But it was the escort rides that held a special place in his heart.

Phil was still serving as ALR President and planning upcoming events at his passing at 78. His current ride was a full dresser, 2022 Ultra Limited with many more miles to ride.

Nothing was above his love for his family, but riding a Harley-Davidson gave him freedom, connection, and a meaningful way to give back.

We will forever miss him!

Kim and I had so many memorable times with Phil and Nancy! There were dinners, cruises to Alaska and Mexico, New Years in Mammoth, and even a limo ride to a Rolling Stones concert. I met Phil more than 50 years ago while I was struggling to start a business. Our association in the building trades became a lifetime friendship. He was one of the finest men I have ever known. I find comfort knowing he is at rest now and is with our Lord.

We had our last Carnival Glass meeting a Phil and Nancy’s house.  It was the last time I saw Phil.  Phil and Nancy’s had inherited a bunch of glass from Dave Middleton.  Dave had a piece of glass that I was hoping to purchase from him one day.  It was not a real valuable piece but it was special to me.  I asked Phil if he would be interested in selling the piece to me.  He said he would think about it and that it was in a box somewhere out in the trailer out back.  After the meeting was over, he took me out to that trailer and we started going through many boxes.  I was almost ready to give up but he didn’t quit.  After a few more boxes, we finally found it.  He asked me how much I wanted to pay for it.  I gave him a price and he sold it to me for less.  I will never forget what he did that day.  It has been a privilege knowing Phil.  I will miss him very much.  I wish Nancy and the family God’s comfort and peace during this difficult time.  Heidi Ritterbush

At a carnival glass convention Phil was to give a talk on carnival glass he has collected.  While waiting for Phil in walked a woman or so we thought 
 In fact It
was Philamedia . Everyone laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes. What a fun memory

Jeff and I are truly sorry to hear of the passing of Phil . He was a great friend and all around wonderful man . We are going to miss him dearly. 
 Jeff and Nadine Adams

I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Phil for very long. My son, Andrew, recently married his granddaughter, Sarah, and I first met Phil when we had Sarah’s family over to our home for dinner to celebrate their engagement.

One of the things that immediately stood out to me was the tender way Phil cared for his wife, Nancy. It left an impression on me and spoke so much about the kind of man he was.  I was also very impressed to find out that he would style her hair for her. :) So sweet!

I’m especially thankful that Phil was able to be there to see his granddaughter marry Andrew and to share in such a special day with their family. 

Praying for the entire family that God would surround each of you with His peace, comfort, and love as you grieve the loss of someone so dearly loved. 🙏♥️🕊️

Phil, Nancy and family have been very dear friends to my husband, and I for 50 years. Our families have shared many wonderful memories, including boating, camping, snow, skiing, and manyfamily barbecues.  
My husband had a stroke 15 years ago and Phil was there for us the day he came home from the hospital and every day after, 
He was a gift from God that we were both alway very grateful for and will be truly missed. 
Rest in peace, our dear friend

I didn’t know him, but the kindness and the goodness you and your family gives to others is most likely the mirror image of him. 🙏🙏for u all.

There are not enough words to say how sad the world is to hear this. He was one of the best men and brothers I have ever known. So many great memories but I will always remember we use to give him a hard time about his bike being so slow that Lino and I would bring rope so we could pull him faster. Then one Saturday morning we were meeting at the Harley dealer lie we did for our ride. We saw this
 beautiful new bike coming around the corner, We all looked and wondered who it could be? It was the boss and his bride "mom". WE all had a good laugh and never got to use or rope line ever again. We had so many rides together so many miles and so many memories. I know he is in a great place with our brothers that went ahead to get it all set up. He will be missed so much but will never be forgotten. To his family we all love you and you are in our prayers during this hard time.

What I recall is that Phillip Waln was ride captain for so many escorts of the The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall - AV Wall and so many times in leadership with Legion Riders 311 and Patriot Guard Riders escorting our veterans on their final journey. But mostly that he was kind, and warm with his family and most others he met.🫡🇺🇸🪖 Miss you Brother.💙💜❤️‍🩹 Dennis Anderson - Friend and 8th Cav Regiment Brother

The Waln Family,
 
I treasure my friendship with Nancy & Phil & family from over 35 years and began at a carnival glass auction.  So many great memories at auctions,  calling about stretch pieces.  Visiting in Quartz Hills.  Mexican restaurant Nancy forgot about Phil & I.  George & Dales at the Chinese Restaurant, w/ Don Clarke! 
Help on setting up my glass 14 years ago.   More recently , Phil came up to help with a few projects and helped laser my walls to hang carnival glass.  I treasure our friendship and treasure I ended our calls/visits with I love you! Love you Phil!

Sending our love and sincere condolences to the family during this very difficult time.  We have many great memories of Phil that we will cherish and reflect upon.  He was a great man, both personally and professionally and will certainly be missed.  His integrity was certainly one to be admired!  Ride with the Angels my friend!!!

OBITUARY

Phillip Eugene Waln

April 18, 1948 – August 11, 2026

Joshua Mortuary & Joshua Memorial Park

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