Paul died peacefully on June 29th, 2019 at his second home, the Royal Jubilee Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 62.
Known for his kindness, humour, and short game, Paul enjoyed a full life. Since being gifted with a toy stethoscope at the age of 2, Paul never wavered from his dream of one day becoming a doctor. After graduating from McMaster Medical School and completing his residency in 1987, Paul began a storied 32-year career as a renowned Urologist. He dedicated his life to patient care and advancing his profession. While living in Hamilton, Paul pioneered minimally invasive surgery, founded the McMaster Institute of Urology and was the inaugural holder of the Braley-Gordon Chair of Urology. In 2013, he moved across the country to become the Executive Medical Director of Vancouver Island Health. While continuing his research and Urological practice, Paul and his work partner Norm, transformed the surgical program of Island Health bringing it from ‘worst to first’ (as they liked to brag).
Outside of work, Paul was a lifelong golfer, an avid cyclist, and a voracious reader. In Victoria, he also met his partner Kim and they enjoyed traveling, golfing and laughing together. In the last week of his life, he was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Cole James, into the world.
Preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph, he is survived by his partner, Kim; his children, Lauren (Stefen), Jordan and Kaitlyn (Michelle); grandson, Cole; Kim’s children, Gabrielle (Taylor) and Madeline (Ray); his sister, Mary Ann (Tony); his brother, Greg (Cathy); three nieces and his many friends and family.
A special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that cared for Paul in his final days.
A Funeral Service will be held at Saint Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC at 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Victoria Golf Club from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.
A subsequent Celebration of Life will be held in Ontario at the Ancaster Mill, 548 Old Dundas Rd, Ancaster, ON on Sunday, July 28th, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
Sincere condolences to Doctor Whelans entire family across Canada. We know he will be missed in his family and professional realm. John and Debbie Pooler, Hamilton, Ontario.
Please accept my deepest condolences on your sad loss. I enjoyed working with Paul for many years at St Jospeh’s Healthcare and his valued his friendship. He was passionate about patient care and scholarship and demonstrated a true fidelity to academic medicine. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss and hope many happy memories console you at this very sad time.
My deepest condolences to Dr Whelan’s family. He was a visionary man who built our training program from scratch. As one of his first “batch” of residents, and countless other trainees, I can safely say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for his perseverance, teaching and mentorship. He will be remembered!
Lots of great fun memories with Paul at Barrie North Collegiate.
He was always funny and made everyone feel alive.
Lauren, Jordan and Katie. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful person and so great to work with!! Many years ago he would bring you to the Henderson Hospital to make rounds on the weekend and you would sit with me at the desk on Ward 498. I send you my deepest sympathy. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this time.
Dr. Whelan treated my husband as a patient – he was always understanding and a great doctor.. He will be missed.
July 3, 2019
Duncan, B.C.
Kim: We offer our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Ken & Frances Kerrone
My deepest condolences for Dr. Whelan whom I worked with for many years in the operating room at St. Josephs Hospital in Hamilton
Our Heartfelt condolences to Dr. Whelan’s family . I am honoured to have had the privilege to work for him several years ago while at McMaster institute of urology on a large study. A very kind and dignified person and he will be always remembered by me and my family.
To Mary Ann, Tony and all of Paul’s family we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of someone so dear to your hearts.
Stan & Sue Ste Croix