Obituary of Harold Whelpley

WHELPLEY, Harold Bruce … 68, Halifax, formerly of St. Martins N.B., passed away in Arborstone Enhanced Care on Monday, November 9, 2009. Born in Saint John, N.B. on March 23, 1941, he was a son of the late Harold C. Whelpley and the late Margaret A. (Ayer) Whelpley. Harold was a friendly and kind-hearted person and was well known in the St. Martins community where he worked at the post office assisting with the rural mail delivery. Among his greatest joys was traveling with his devoted mother to England, Scotland, Expo 67, Major League ball games and yearly visits to Grand Manan, N.B. He had a great fondness for horses and was thrilled to see the Lipizzans perform. Harold enjoyed listening to music and was a big fan of Don Messer. Seeing him play live was one of his fondest memories. His hero was Terry Fox and he volunteered his time along with his mother each year, to canvas for the Terry Fox Fund. Harold was pleased to have met Terry’s mom Betty. While at Arborstone, he enjoyed reading his books on hockey and horses, playing bingo and doing his jigsaw puzzles with the help of the thoughtful staff. Being a kid at heart, Harold’s favorite time of year was the Christmas Season and we will always miss sharing it with him. Harold is survived by sister, Pegi Blackburn (Alan), Halifax; brother, Douglas (Ruth), Saint John, N.B.; several nieces; a nephew; a grand-niece; several grand-nephews; cousins. He was predeceased by infant brother, Walter. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield (477-5601). A service of remembrance will be held in the spring at a time and date to be announced from Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John N.B. (506) 634-7425. Burial will follow the service in Greenwood Cemetery. Harold had a great affection for babies and children and we request any donations made in his memory be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. The family would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at Arborstone for the excellent care and kindness they provided to Harold over the last 11 ½ years, as well as the friendship and companionship the extended to Pegi and Al.