The tractor is parked, the sawmill has made its final cut, and the music has paused.
It is with heartfelt sorrow our family announces the passing of Harry Alvin Whalley on October 15, 2023, at the Algonquin Nursing Home at 92 years of age.
Beloved husband of Gladys Whalley (nee McMaster) of 70 years. Loving father of Terry Whalley (Sharran) of Timmins, Paula Laronde (Dave) of North Bay, Wanda Laronde (Ron) of North Bay and Helen Michaud (Alain) of Val Therese. Predeceased by their young son Harold, his parents Alvin & Mildred, and his brothers Russell & Dennis.
Admired Grandfather of Natalie Roy (Andre), Laurie Venne (Tyler), Melissa Haylor (Jordan), Trevor Lee Laronde (Tamie), Cynthia Laronde-Mack, Jason Laronde (Sarah Kenny), Steven Laronde (Meghan), Toni Leclair (Kyle) and April O'Link (Devin). Cherished Great-Grandfather to Tyler, Brayden, Carter, Jackson, Madeline, Samantha, Danny, Emilee, Paige, Austin, Moira, Ewan, Lennon, Harrison, Alexander, Elizabeth, Meredith and Maverick.
Dear brother of Ida Wall, Evelyn Beckett, Doreen Beckett, Lila McGunnigle (Whit), Philis Whalley, Ruth McMaster, Kathy McAran, Ron Whalley, Joan Mechefske (Keith), Deb Lacelle (Wayne) and Walter Whalley. Harry leaves behind many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
Born and raised in Calvin, Harry started working at a young age on the farm alongside his siblings. He met the love of his life and married Gladys in 1953, and they too made Calvin their home, raising their children. Before retiring in 1996, Harry's career included farming, logging, paving, road construction, and all aspects of the waste and recycling industry. He and Gladys took great pride in their large vegetable gardens, sharing their harvests with many. After retiring, Harry refurbished a sawmill, which he used to work on at the age of 17.
Music was Harry's first official language. If he wasn't proudly singing, or sharing his amazing talent on the mouth organ, he would be humming a hymn or favorite tune. He and his siblings proudly shared their talents of music and song visiting local nursing homes and senior clubs playing for the residents and staff.
Harry and Gladys were very active in the local Square-Dancing Club, literally swinging Gladys off her feet. The second love of Harry's life was anything and everything tractors, which was apparent by his personal collection. He loved to talk and show them off, and nothing made him prouder than when he had one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren on his knee driving around the yard.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff and administration of the Algonquin Nursing Home, Dr. Terry Rotondo, Dr. Bryan Williams, and to our dear family friend Lori Pearce for providing such loving and respectful care to both Harry and Gladys over the years.
The family will receive visitors at the Martyn Funeral Home, 464 Wyld St. North Bay on Thursday October 19, 2023, from 3 - 5 pm and 6 - 8 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Trinity United Church 111 McIntrye Street East, North Bay on Friday October 20, 2023, at 10:30 am. Interment in Calvin Union Cemetery (60 Peaceful Lane, Calvin Twp) immediately following the service.
Reception at the Calvin Community Centre (1355 Peddlars Drive). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Algonquin Nursing Home would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.