John "Len" Leonard Whelan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Leonard (Len) Whelan, at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital on March 7, 2026

He was predeceased by his parents; Lawrence Whelan, Bridget (nee Ghaney) McDonald and stepfather, Thomas McDonald, parents-in-law; Thomas and Frances Pritchard, daughters; Rosemary Duffenais and Michele Milmore, brothers: Patrick (Mary), William (Geraldine), Samuel and Thomas (Alice), sisters; Anna Murray (Roy) and Stella Gushue (Charles), brothers-in-law; Thomas Pritchard and Hubert Furey and sister-in-law, Shirley Sharpe.

Leaving to mourn are his wife Elizabeth, of 63 years, son, Steven, Special grandson, Shane Whelan and wife Sarah, sons-in-law; Shawn Duffenais and Kevin Milmore, grandsons: Andre & Ian Duffenais, Gerard Milmore and Dawson Whelan, great grandson, Zachery Wells, great granddaughter, Rihanna Reid. sister, Eleanor Furey (Hubert deceased), brothers; Lawrence (Bernice) Whelan and Ambrose (Mary) Whelan, sisters-in-law: Mary Whelan, Alice Pritchard and Marlies Pritchard, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews and many special friends.

Len loved his family and spent many happy times in his boat fishing with his grandson, Shane and his wife Sarah. That was his happy place, just give him trout pole and let him sit in the boat for hours on end. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 5 years. When RCSCC 251 Southern Cross Sea Cadet Corps started in Colliers, he served as Acting Sub-Lieutenant and taught Seamanship to the very eager first recruits. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 64 in Holyrood for many years, where, when he was Service Officer, he started visiting Veterans and their surviving spouses at Christmas. He always received a warm welcome and many cups of tea. He also served on Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery Committee for many years until his health failed and he had to resign.

Resting at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10th from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Harbour Main on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:30 am with cremation to follow.

**For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed with the link available below.**

Thank you to Dr. Lake, the doctors and nurses at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital for their care over the last four weeks. Thank you to Father Barker and Angela & Maria of the bereavement team of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish for all their help and to Dunphy’s Funeral Home for being so understanding and compassionate during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery Committee; the Canadian Diabetes Association; or the Kidney Foundation.