Joseph Whalley

Joseph M. Whalley
1927-2010
Joseph Whalley, former aerospace engineer, stained glass artist, wine-maker and all around "Renaissance man" died at home October 5, 2010.  He was a Lompoc resident for 45 years. His was a life propelled by lifelong curiosity, a wry sense of humor and a brilliant mind.
He was born in San Francisco, and grew up on a farm in Tracy, California in pre-aqueduct days, when growing crops in the Central Valley was called "dust farming".  Though very poor, books and learning were always important to him.  After high school, he earned his engineering degree at UC Berkeley and served with the US Navy through the end of World War II developing early radar systems.  In later years he worked for Hughes Aircraft in LA, Aerospace Corporation at VAFB and AMF in Santa Barbara, among others.  He was involved in projects as varied as missile design, robotics, remote-controlled fire suppression systems and desalination plants.
Outside of work, he was intrigued by just about everything that came his way.  He took up stained glass and built many large windows around Lompoc, including those at the Seventh Day Adventist and United Methodist churches.  Several residences in Santa Barbara County also feature his windows.  He invented and built electronic games and robots for his kids – long before video games were available.   In later years, he became interested in wine making, and was an early member of the Central Coast Amateur Winemaking Association.  His award-winning wine was wonderful, both grape, and a rare pomegranate variety.  He grew his own grapes and persuaded friends and neighbors to take cuttings - thus increasing his yearly yield!  His vines are in many back yards in Lompoc.  He was an avid cook, made great jams and jellies – and in true engineering fashion, kept his spices in alphabetical order for easier access!
He had one great love, his wife Barbara, who he married in 1952.  She died in 1993 and he missed her every day.  Though raised and practicing Catholicism, he also attended his wife's church (Lompoc Methodist) continuing until the month before he died.  He had many life-long friends of all faiths.
He leaves his son Bill  Haines-Whalley and daughters Elizabeth Lee and Christine Lynch, as well as their spouses Wendie Haines-Whalley, Art Simons and Charles Lynch.  He had two grandchildren, Christopher Whalley and Annie North, and 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 
Funeral service will be Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 1:00PM at First United Methodist Church in Lompoc.  Viewing one hour prior to service, and reception following.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the United Methodist Church Missions Fund, or the charity of your choice.