George Edward (Ted) Whelen

1927-2010

Died peacefully in Victoria, B.C. on September 13, 2010.

Born in Ottawa, Ted was the second of three sons of Major George and Margaret (Armstrong) Whelen. His father retired from the military to Victoria, where Ted finished high school. He enlisted in the army when he turned 18 in 1945, prior to the end of World War II, but the war ended before he saw action overseas.

After earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1948 from the University of British Columbia, Ted began his career in the B.C. civil service, first with the Bureau of Economics and Statistics and, after completing a law degree at U.B.C. in 1958, with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs where he became a respected senior policy advisor and expert in local government. His work took him to many parts of the province.
He was, among other things, instrumental in the implementation of the system of regional districts throughout B.C.

Ted met his future wife Gloria (Kendall) in Victoria and they married in 1951. Their son, John, was born in 1959. Ted and Gloria graciously and frequently entertained their many friends throughout their life together. Ted lovingly cared for Gloria during the illness that preceded her death in 1993. In the process, he developed into something of a domestic wizard (at least for a man of his generation). Consequently, in his many years as a widower, he continued to enjoy food and wine in the company of friends, albeit in a more casual manner.

Following retirement, Ted volunteered for a number of years, supporting the ESL programs for elementary school children in Victoria. A self-admitted news “junkie”, he subscribed to three daily newspapers until his death and enjoyed few things more than a vigorous discussion of politics and public policy, sometimes to the detriment of his blood pressure.

Ted’s final decade was brightened immeasurably by the birth of his only grandchild, Myles. Though Myles lives in Calgary, they saw each other frequently and exchanged phone calls several times a week.

Unfailingly kind, courteous and upbeat, even in the face of years of declining health,
Ted’s resilience was a lesson in the value of an optimistic view of life. He will be sadly missed by son John, daughter-in-law Storm, grandson Myles, brother Bill, sister-in-law Christine, nieces and nephews, and many close friends. He was predeceased by his older brother Douglas.

Special thanks go to the community nursing staff at VIHA Community Health Services, caregivers from Nurse Next Door, Renate Kubanski and neighbours and friends, all of whom helped make it possible for Ted to fulfill his wish to continue to live a full and happy life at home, which he did until his very last days.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 25th at St. Mary the Virgin, Oak Bay (1701 Elgin Road, Victoria, B.C.),with a reception to follow at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ted’s name to the B.C. Lung Association would be welcome (2675 Oak Street Vancouver, BC, V6H 2K2; www.lung.ca). Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.