Regimental Number: M35524
Robert, born on April 23, 1924 at Bezanson, was the youngest in Mabel (nee Robideau) and Leon Whalen’s family of two children; he had an older sister, Eunice. The Whalen’s divorced and Mabel subsequently married Nathaniel Hunter in 1933 and the family resided on a farm in the Glen Leslie District. Eunice and Bob attended the one-room Lindsay School followed by the Somme School. Robert went to Crystal Creek School for Grade 9 followed by the Lindsay High School that was located on the highway west of the hamlet of Bezanson. Bob completed Grade 10 in Grande Prairie. Robert than worked as a logger for 3 months and on the family farm.
On May 25, 1941, Bob enlisted with the Army at Grande Prairie. Bob was transferred to Edmonton and later Red Deer for basic training. He embarked for the UK on November 13, 1944. Private Robert Whalen served with the RCASC in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and received the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45. Once discharged, Robert returned home.
In 1944, Mabel and Nat purchased a ¼ of land that was located on the south side of 84 avenue in Grande Prairie. Bob subsequently married Nancy Evelyn Boyd in 1950 and lived on the same family farm for a period of time before moving to Cold Lake. By 1956, they had moved to Edmonton but were back in Grande Prairie on the family farm in 1961. Bob was a qualified carpenter who was employed by Len Rice Engineering and was responsible for the construction of several prominent buildings in Grande Prairie such as the Harry Belfour School and the Jan Theatre to name a few. Bob and his family lived on the same farm until 1969 when they moved to Edmonton. Once settled in, Bob incorporated his own general contracting business known as Crystal Contracting Ltd. He was awarded many government contracts to build schools and nursing homes all over Northern Alberta. In 1978, the Whalen’s sold the house in Edmonton and purchased a ¼ section of land in the St. Albert area where they built a large new home. Nancy and Bob had seven children; Gregory, Gordon, Debbie, Dianne, Jamie, Beverly and Jo-Ann.
By the early 1980’s, Bob and Nancy had retired and finally had time to travel and spent a considerable amount of time in Phoenix. Dancing was another activity that they not only enjoyed but were exceptionally proficient at. Bob was especially fond of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and horse-back riding. He had ventured on several excursions to the mountains to ride horses with family and friends. Bob had just returned from a trip to the mountains when he was asked to compete in a horse show in Wetaskiwin. While waiting for the results of the competition, Bob’s horse spooked and went over backwards. Bob passed away from his injuries on September 1, 1990 and was buried at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Edmonton. Nancy continued to live in St. Albert until she passed away in 2013 and was laid to rest alongside Robert.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
History provided by Bev Whalen – daughter
Photos by Bev Whalen