Obituary of Len Whaling

WHALING:  Peacefully at his home, on Thursday, October 24^th, 2019, surrounded by the love of his family, Leonard “Len” Joseph Whaling of Grand Bend, passed away at the age of 87. Beloved husband of Donna Anne Whaling (nee Grainger). Loved father of Vicki (Barry) Branston of Millgrove, Geoffrey (Trisha Hessinger) Whaling of Pennsylvania, Kelly Whaling of Dashwood, and Shawn (Kelly) Whaling of Morriston. Cherished grandpa, singer, comedian, harmonica player, poem & storyteller to Stefanie (Richard) Lucas, Stephen & Colin Branston and James & Katey Whaling. Treasured great-grandpa and sunshine in the sky to Ariana & Roswyn Lucas. Len was the last remaining member of the Gerald Francis Whaling and Margaret Jane Stinson family of St. Marys, Ontario. Predeceased by his siblings Peggy (Irv) Heimpel, Sally (Bill) Steinburg, Frank Whaling, Bill (Helen) Whaling and Betty Riddell. He is survived by his brother-in-law Doug Riddell of Grand Bend. Len will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and their families. At Len’s request a cremation has taken place and there will be an end of life celebration on Sunday, November 17, 2019 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Best Western – Arden Park Hotel, 522 Ontario Street, Stratford. Len started his career in Stratford with the CNR, and retired after many years, ending his successful career as Trainmaster of Union Station in Toronto. Once he and Donna retired, they owned and operated Grand Bend Orchards for many years and were famous for their Nova Scotia caramel apple pies. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, in Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Donna says, “Len picked his last apple, boarded the train and left for places unknown.”