Obituary of William Ross Whalen

William (Bill) Ross Whalen 75, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2010 in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, N.S. Born in Liverpool, N.S., on March 18, 1935, Bill was the son of the late George (Ed) and Ellen (Lannon) Whalen. Bill was a devoted husband for 50 years and a caring father and grandfather. He is survived by wife Koreen (Oickle), Bridgewater; daughter Wendy (fiancé Cory Whynot), Charleston; daughter Sherri (Geof) Turner, Steam Mill and son Victor (Andrea) Whalen, Clementsport. Grandchildren, Cody, Justin, Jenna, Drew, Madison, Rachel and Zoe. Bill is survived by brothers James, Liverpool and Roy (Gail), Liverpool; sisters Betty (Leo Pennell), Newfoundland; Janette, Chester; Barbara (Wayne Peterson) Digby; brothers-in-law Roger Rafuse, Liverpool; and Walter Whalen, Pentz. He was predeceased by sisters Margaret, Dorothy, and Mary; brothers George (Budd) and John; and many nieces and nephews. During the Second World War, the Norwegian Naval Fleet, stationed in Liverpool, adopted Bill as its mascot. In 1993, as part of the fleet’s reunion, they searched for “Billy the Mascot” with help from the local newspaper and as a result, lasting friendships were formed. As a Liverpool High School student, Bill was an accomplished scholar and active in sports, particularly basketball, rugby, badminton and baseball. He played baseball in the Halifax and District League and softball on the 1956 provincial champion senior team. Bill was also actively involved in men’s basketball as a player, coach, and referee. One of Bill’s passions was little league baseball where he coached and was a member of the executive. He also enjoyed golf as a member of the Osprey Ridge Golf Club. Bill was a physical education teacher, having taught at North Queens Rural High School, Windsor Regional High School, Bridgewater Junior Senior High School and 27 years at Hebbville Junior Senior High School, where he coached and officiated athletics and instructed drivers’ education. Bill was a very active member of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union (NSTU) executive for many years and served as local president. When he retired in 1990, he became active in the Retired Teachers’ Organization and served on its executive. As a congregation member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater, he joined the adult and men’s choirs. He did not consider himself a great singer but enjoyed the camaraderie. Bill was a warm-hearted person who cared about his family, friends, and community. His gentle nature and dry sense of humour will be greatly missed. Sincere thanks to Dr. E. Morse, Home Care, VON, 4th Floor Medical Nursing Unit at the SSRH, Palliative Care and the ALS Society of Nova Scotia (especially Rudy). Special thanks to Rev. Paul Jensen for his compassion and support. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for everyone will be held Thursday October 7 at 2 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater with a reception afterwards in the church hall. A private internment for family will follow the service in the Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia ALS Society or Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.