November 18, 1944 – January 31, 2015
“GONE FISHING”
Garry Edward Whalen, also fondly known as Papa Winky, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on January 31, 2015.
Garry was born November 18, 1944 as the youngest son of 5 siblings to Henry and Annie Whalen. He was raised at the farm in Blackhawk and various locations in the Rainy River District, before crossing the country for over 20 years as an Equipment Operator with the Pipeline. Garry then settled in Thunder Bay and joined the team at Thunder Bay Terminals. After retiring, Garry loved to putter in his garage and if he wasn’t there, he was out on Lac de Mille Lacs at Saw Mill Bay trying to catch the “big one”. He was also a real sports fanatic and a staunch supporter of the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team and the Montreal Canadians. And anyone who knew Garry will know that he and the referees didn’t always see eye to eye.
Garry will be missed by his wife Jonna; his daughter Karianne (Denis) Ekholm and his grandchildren Austin and Brandon as well as his step-sons Bryan (Rose) and Tyler (Tracey). He is also survived by his mother-in-law Hansine; brother-in-law Chuck, sisters-in-law Leonne and Carol as well as many special nieces and nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Annie, as well as siblings: Merla, Gene, Ruby, Mona (Gordie) and Donnie.
Funeral services for the late Garry Whalen will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James Street. Interment will take place at a later date in Stanley Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donation in Garry’s memory can be made to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
