John Michael WHELAN

1943 - 2024

Dr. John Whelan died peacefully, at the Vancouver Hospice on April 4, 2024. Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Peggy Whelan of Sea Road, Galway. Survived by his wife, Catherine Dell Whelan (née Cooney); his daughters, Ciara (Joe) and Julie (Ming); and his grandchildren, Orla, John, Rohan, and Rossa. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne (Michael) Erett, Mary (Paddy) Flemming, and Ursula (Pat) Whelan-Burke. John was born in Galway, Ireland, in 1943. He attended St. Joseph's Patrician College and then medical school at University College Galway. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Bethnal Green Hospital in London's East End to begin his residency. There he met a striking student nurse, Dell Cooney, from Dungarvan, Waterford. He proposed to her within six months and remained devoted to her for the next six decades. In 1969, he and Dell moved to Vancouver for "a year," but John fell in love with the west coast. As a couple they were perfectly balanced, Dell the enthusiastic organizer and John, the quiet listener. John completed his residency training in psychiatry at UBC and worked in the field until his retirement, first at Shaughnessy and St. Vincent's hospitals and then for nearly 30 years as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Vancouver General Hospital. John's daughters sought his wisdom in all things and will rely on his thoughtful guidance for the rest of their lives. An avid golfer at Quilchena Golf Club, John relished being out on the course. On Tuesdays, he joined his friends at the pub to talk about current events, music, and books. John loved reading in the quiet of his personal library, combing the offerings of Kitsilano's many "little free libraries" and could never resist a second-hand bookshop. He particularly loved to read to his grandchildren. He and Dell rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy. His advice: when in doubt, guess the Aleutian Islands. Our immense gratitude to everyone who supported John and Dell this past year - especially Christine Broatch, Cecilia Maerov, Sue Hurd, Ginny Mulhall, Carol Molley, Ann Joven, Duane Woodside, Pat Richardson, and also for the incredible care he received from Dr. Fiona Duncan, the Vancouver Hospice, the Home Support team at Pacific Spirit, and the ALS team at GF Strong. Slán go fóill, John. Ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 11th at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish (3778 West 28th Ave., Vancouver, BC). Reception to follow at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Childhood Cancer Family Support (ccfsupport.com), Vancouver Hospice Society (vancouverhospice.org), or the ALS Society of BC (alsbc.ca). Walkey & Company Funeral Directors, (604) 738-0006.