Harry Ford Whalen
April 17 1950 – November 7 2021
Ford died at home, surrounded by his loving family in his own bed after a courageous battle with cancer on November 7 2021 at age 71.
He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Louise Whalen, his brother Edgar, sister Priscilla and dear son-in-law Len Ivany. Left with fond and loving memories is his beautiful wife of 47 years Wanda, daughter Shannon, son Jared (Julia) and his pride and joy – his two grandsons Caleb and Gabriel. Also left to mourn are his sisters Josephine (Howard), Emma, Shirley and his brothers Jack (Patsy), Greg (Norma), Bruce (Susan) and Morris (Lynn). Ford also leaves behind a large circle of family and friends who will dearly miss Ford’s stories and enthusiasm for life.
Ford was born on April 17 1950 to Harry and Louise Whalen from Lumsden NL. Ford grew up as part of a large, loving and close family. He entertained his own children with many stories of the fun he had as a boy playing hockey on the ponds, playing with his grandmother’s chickens and sneaking the horse out for a ride in the middle of the night.
He learned so much from his father Harry about raising a family. His advice to Ford when he had his own family was to ‘be as happy as you can with your little family and waste a few dollars.’ And Ford did just that. When he and Wanda had Shannon and Jared he worked hard to provide for his family but his priority was always being with them. He would spend the winter with Wanda and the kids ice fishing and skating on the ponds and in later years having family suppers in his two story shed where he also hosted Monday coffee for his friends. In the summer they would travel around Atlantic Canada in their trailer and spend time at another love, his boat. Ford loved being on the water in his boat named after his kids and he spend many summers on Gander Lake. It was a wonderful life, and the whole family felt blessed to have each other. Some of the happiest days of his life were when his grandsons were born, ‘Poppy’s boys’ he called them. He spent many precious moments taking them out to the trailer and playing on Lumsden beach with them. And even when he was too sick to get out of bed he took joy just out of seeing them play with Nanny.
Ford loved people, talking with them and asking about their families. He was genuinely interested in others and they could sense it. When Ford got sick the phone was constantly ringing with friends concerned about him. He especially loved the cards they would send. He would read them over and over and even when he got really sick he would have Wanda read them again for him. He adored his beautiful nurses at the cancer clinic and at the Emergency department. He loved to buy them coffee and ask about their families. The family truly appreciate all the kindness showed by his nurses, and Dr. Cullerton and Dr. Armstrong. But especially his favourite nurse and friend, Amanda Parsons, who stayed by his side right to the end, caring for him and supporting his family. It is a kindness that will always be remembered.
What made Ford a truly exceptional man was his love for his creator Jehovah. Ford dedicated his live to Jehovah God 53 years ago in 1968. He was a faithful servant, and stayed busy in his service. He served as an elder for many years and was known to be a kind and loving shepherd. Every year when he was well we all looked forward to his talks at the regional convention. His enthusiasm and warm demeanour made him a pleasure to listen to. As his health deteriorated Ford stayed faithful, even at the end when he was in much pain. He often reminded his loved ones of his favourite scripture in Revelation 21:4 where Jehovah promises: ‘And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’
He will be greatly missed.
In keeping with Ford’s wishes, cremation has taken place with funeral service and internment to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy, in the form of a donation in his memory, be made directly to the Janeway, Canadian Cancer Society or the world wide work at JW.org.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harry Ford Whalen Sunday November 7th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Gander, Province: T-N