ARCHIBALD WHALEN Obituary
Archie was born on December 31st, 1949 in Dumbarton, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada at the tender age of seven. He passed away suddenly on April 13th, 2012, and is predeceased by his mother and father, Martha and Hugh Dunion Whalen; his younger brother Hugh; his nephew Jamie and niece Angeline. Archie is survived by his loving sister Anne Tennant (Murray); nephew Rob (Krista) and great niece Alexia; niece Jennifer Brady (Jeff); and sister-in-law Wendy Whalen & family. Archie will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Archie's teaching career spanned 41 years. He had a passion for learning and mentored many young, up & coming teachers. A very special thank you goes out to his colleagues, students, and parents of Richmond School District and St. John's School. He loved you all dearly. The sock drawer is now closed. Good night Witch Winnie, Paddy O'Furniture, Ether Bunny, Old Father Time, Chicken Little and of course our beloved Archie. A Celebration of Archie's Life will be held at St. John's School, 2215 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, on April 29th, 2012, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
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35 Entries
sandy burgoyne
April 14, 2019
hi archie, i always say goodnight to you every night with your brother hughie and nephew jamie. i know your around to keep an eye and smile on your family. so much love from your cousin sandy. love you and miss you always.
February 24, 2018
Mr. Whalen was the greatest teachers I've ever had at St. Johns, and by far the greatest teacher I've had in whole. He was smart, spirited, outgoing, and well known for his love for children. On halloween, he would dress up as a witch. On St. Patrick's day, as a leprechaun and would hand out lemon-drop candies and say they were gold. On valentines day, as cupid with big red circles of makeup on his cheeks, and for the Terry Fox run, he would run around with a boom-box in short shorts motivating us kids to keep on running. We will always miss hearing him tell us interesting facts, and will definitely miss debating whether piano was pronounced "piana" or "piano". Loved by everyone he met, never forget Mr. Whalen.
Carisa Pattinson
August 8, 2015
I was blessed to have Mr Whalen as my grade 1 teacher in 1978-79 at Maple Lane Elementary. My father had died the summer prior to entering grade 1, and having him as a male role model was so important and special to me. I have vivid memories of his kind heart and fun disposition. I will always remember him dressing up on Halloween & making a candy brew! He was such a caring teacher to his students. I will always be grateful to have had him as my teacher.
April 11, 2015
anne, vinny stewart here please call me at 778 772 9527 your family and mom and dad are on my mind .god bless
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sandy Burgoyne
May 23, 2013
archie watching you dance brings tears and smiles to my face..you were such an uplift to any day...missing you always...sandy....i know your teaching everyone everything...
Anne Tennant
May 22, 2013
Brother Dear, My friend and confidant
Archie, I miss you terribly. I miss our weekly dinners. Your infectious laugh. Reminiscing and laughing until our stomachs hurt. You were always there for me. My lifeline. Life will never be the same. You will never be forgotten. All my love. Your sister Anne xox
vince stewart
January 6, 2013
very sorry to hear of archies passing. My name is vinny stewart i worked with his dad hughie for a while at c.p.r.pipefitting' we hit it of quite well i still think about the tough man a lot.if anne could call me at home 604 5903894 i would appreciate it ,may he rest in peace , vinny stewart
Helene McGall (Anderson)
August 24, 2012
Sorry to hear of Archie's passing--he was just beginning teaching in Hudson's Hope when I met him. We certainly had lots of fun parties and times together. My dear wishes and thoughts go to those of you who knew him for a life time.
King Hong
July 19, 2012
Thank you for the best kindergarten year anyone could ask for. I recall you bringing chicken eggs to hatch in the classroom and letting us kids play with the newborn chicks after school. The whole year was filled with laughter, music and happiness. I am grateful and lucky to have you as my teacher, especially since you left Diefenbaker just 2 years later.
"See you later alligator."
Sandra Bennett
May 9, 2012
To my Archie Whalen you were a true legacy a great friend Ill always cherish our talks Saturday mornings 930 sharp new train mag in hand ;) forever loved your stylist Sandra Bennett.
Caitlin
May 5, 2012
One of my favorite teachers! I can still remember being in your Kindergarten class and all the fun times I had. Holidays were extra special because you always had a fun outfit or costume. All the songs you sang and played on the piano are still with me today :) And whenever you missed a note on the piano, you'd jokingly bash the keys and we'd all laugh. I was so sad when you left Diefenbaker and am even sadder to hear you gone. We'll miss your child-like spirit
Brian Audrey Tennant
April 29, 2012
A true Gentleman
Ellen Gilmour
April 29, 2012
Archie, forever and always you will be remembered.. Always a huge laugh when anyone was around you :) I remember your smile and the laughter that would make you shed tears,xx precious are the times we spend no matter if not as often as we would like. Remembering you and sad you are gone to this earth..Wayne has been taking me down down memory lane and we have been remembering you and Hugh and of course Aunt Mattie and Uncle Hugh .. Heaven I am sure is happy to have you :) love always your cousin Ellen and Wayne xxxxx
Joan McElhinney
April 28, 2012
Archie,
When I think of you I have to smile,what a great nephew,what will I do with my Saturday's,Till we meet again I will alway's love and miss you. RIP.....Aunt Joan
Carla Bennett - Danielsen
April 27, 2012
Mr.Whalen!
You were my grade 1 teacher back in 1979 at Maple Lane. Best teacher I ever had. You were always so much fun and so very patient!!
RIP - will always remember you. xoxoxo
Krystin Clark
April 27, 2012
Mr. Whalen.... in grade 1 (circa 1979) I accidentally called you "Mommy" in front of the entire class. I never did that with another teacher. A sign of exactly how special you were. Peace be with you.
Krystin Clark, Maple Lane Elementary School (once upon a time)
April 26, 2012
Archie for well over twenty years you were the best neighbor we've ever had the privilege to meet. My wife Patty enjoyed many a conversation with you while you were both out working in the yard.
We will miss you kind sir but we won't soon forget you. RIP
Patty & Cyril Barry
April 26, 2012
Hi there
My facebook friend in Canada sent me the link to Archibald Whalen's obituary. Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy.
I stay in Dumbarton and my father was Hugh Dunion b.1936 d.1994. His father was also Hugh Dunion and we have Whalen relatives in California. I'm sure there is a connection there.
Love Helen Dunion
Wendy Whalen
April 26, 2012
Archie
I'll never forget all the stories you'd tell at "tea time" that had us all laughing 'til we had tears rolling down our cheeks. You were the best brother-in-law a person could ask for and if Hugh was still here I know he'd say you were the best brother a person could ask for. I'll miss you dearly.
Love Wendy
April 25, 2012
Westwind Staff sends its sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Archie. Staff, students and parents were honoured to celebrate Archie's "retirement" in 2005 at Westwind. Archie's joie de vivre touched everyone as peals of laughter trailed in his wake each day at school. A natural wit, Archie has left a legacy of great memories and funny, fun times together as a staff. A master teacher, Archie has left a legacy of teaching "outside the box" with his humour, passion and love of children. Archie, you are greatly missed. Pamela Lum, on behalf of Westwind Elementary, Richmond
Nathan Faryon
April 23, 2012
At the end of Gr.1 my friends and I were all anxious to get our new teacher. Most of us already knew who to pick and of course like everybody else we wanted Mr.Whalen. He was the best teacher in our eyes and we all wanted to be in his class. Especialy since the next year would be his last class at Westwind. Luckily I got in his class along with my good friend Chris. The year with Mr. Whalen was the best year of my elementry school years. On holidays he would dress up as different people like Witch Winnie and Paddy O'Furniture. When it was someone's birthday he would always smush a cupcake in his face. He also had this M&M's game on the computer that everybody loved and wanted to go on. At lunch there was these cardboard bricks that we would build with and make games with. Whatever Mr. Whalen did we loved it and most of us still remember it to this day. The big thing that made me love his class was that he believed in me. Whatever I did he belived I could do it. So many great memories came from his class. When the Tim Hortons "Roll up the rim to win" contest was on, he bought a coffee from them everyday and one day he got lucky. He won that day another Free coffee that he used the next day. With that coffee he won a free doughnut.It's small things like that I still remember. They show me that no matter what I will always remember Mr. Whalen. We will always miss you Mr. Whalen and we will never forget the huge wonderful impact you had upon us.
-Nathan Faryon
Winnie Chew
April 23, 2012
Dear Archie,
You taught our children many important life lessons - ones that weren't found in a curriculum outline! You are a gem that will forever remain precious in our hearts!
The Chew Family - St. Johns School
April 23, 2012
Archie,
You will be sadly missed but we will remember you.
Norm
Rhona Daws nee Francis
April 22, 2012
I met Archie when we both began our first year teaching in Hudson's Hope, B.C.way back in the early 70's. I think all of the teachers were first year so we all stuck together, worked and played.The first day of school we were all sent home as a bear had marked the tree in the school grounds . It was a terrific year. Being a small community social get togethers were all important. I always wore yellow socks when we went out to parties to dance and eat. Archie was a kind, gentle person who loved a laugh. Over the 40 years I have lived in Australia I have often thought of Archie wondered where he was what he was doing and on occasion tried to find him. I arrived in Canada in Sept 2011 and looked in the paper this week to see his name. I hope in some way he knew I always remembered him . Thankful he continued his life as a teacher as I did.This is sent with the very best wishes to his family and friends, love Rhona
Andrea Lupini
April 22, 2012
Archie inspired my children to pursue wonderful, new creative heights and their mother to pursue a wonderful, new career change to teaching. Every time my students sing an "Archie song" we'll celebrate you, Mr. Whalen! Thank you.
April 22, 2012
Some go to soon and Archie was one of them. Full of life and humour and a joy to be around. He always had a good 'take' on things and will be missed by all. Our condolences. Al & Carol
Lorraine Dowdall
April 21, 2012
Archie Whalen was at Quilchena school and my children were sooo fortunate to have him as their grade 1 teacher. He taught them so much in that year and especially loved the characters of Witch Winnie, Patio O Furniture, etc. He will be missed but know he is at peace.
April 21, 2012
Hello Anne,
I am Kimberly Hayek. Sorry to hear about Archie's passing. My mother, Yvonne, says 'hello' and take care.
Memories of Thornhill and highschool are coming up for me. Archie & Hughie bought brownie cookies from me and I felt special.
Kimberly Hayek (New Westminster, BC)
sandy burgoyne
April 21, 2012
to my dear cousin,
with so many memories of all the great times and laughter shared with family gatherings. many of times of jokes, dancing and simple life fun with you. archie you are so forever etched in my heart...i will always remember that smile and laughter you shared with all of us...so much love, sandy
Glen Gough
April 21, 2012
I consider myself honoured to have worked with Archie on the Primary Teachers' Assoc. and to call him a friend. He taught me a great deal about teaching and life. God bless him and all who mourn his passing.
Carol Lodge
April 21, 2012
Archie's sense of humour will be much missed. I thank the family for sharing Archie with the Richmond School District's students and teachers.
April 20, 2012
Mr. Whalen,
You are the best teacher I have ever had and I wish you had stayed at Westwind forever. I will never forget you smashing cupcakes on your forehead, Patio O'Furniture and Witch Winnie locking you in the sock drawer - that was a crazy day! You were always so fun and so nice to me when I cut my forehead on the door and was bleeding. I'm going to miss you.
Sydney
April 20, 2012
Mr. Whalen,
You are the best teacher I have ever had and I wish you had stayed at Westwind forever. I will never forget you smashing cupcakes on your forehead, Patio O'Furniture and Witch Winnie locking you in the sock drawer - that was a crazy day! You were always so fun and so nice to me when I cut my forehead on the door and was bleeding. I'm going to miss you.
Dale Bailey
April 20, 2012
" Dear Archie, my good friend, colleague and ballroom dancing partner..for 30 years.. you will be "forever plaid" in my heart...with much love and sincere condolences to your family..".Dale and Blaine Bailey
marcia rheault
April 20, 2012
Archie you are in a better place where they are so blessed to have you teach all of their beloved children. Your memory lives on.
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