Paul died peacefully on June 29th, 2019 at his second home, the Royal Jubilee Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 62.
Known for his kindness, humour, and short game, Paul enjoyed a full life. Since being gifted with a toy stethoscope at the age of 2, Paul never wavered from his dream of one day becoming a doctor. After graduating from McMaster Medical School and completing his residency in 1987, Paul began a storied 32-year career as a renowned Urologist. He dedicated his life to patient care and advancing his profession. While living in Hamilton, Paul pioneered minimally invasive surgery, founded the McMaster Institute of Urology and was the inaugural holder of the Braley-Gordon Chair of Urology. In 2013, he moved across the country to become the Executive Medical Director of Vancouver Island Health. While continuing his research and Urological practice, Paul and his work partner Norm, transformed the surgical program of Island Health bringing it from ‘worst to first’ (as they liked to brag).
Outside of work, Paul was a lifelong golfer, an avid cyclist, and a voracious reader. In Victoria, he also met his partner Kim and they enjoyed traveling, golfing and laughing together. In the last week of his life, he was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Cole James, into the world.
Preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph, he is survived by his partner, Kim; his children, Lauren (Stefen), Jordan and Kaitlyn (Michelle); grandson, Cole; Kim’s children, Gabrielle (Taylor) and Madeline (Ray); his sister, Mary Ann (Tony); his brother, Greg (Cathy); three nieces and his many friends and family.
A special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that cared for Paul in his final days.
A Funeral Service will be held at Saint Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC at 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Victoria Golf Club from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.
A subsequent Celebration of Life will be held in Ontario at the Ancaster Mill, 548 Old Dundas Rd, Ancaster, ON on Sunday, July 28th, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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John Gallacher
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milt macneil I only knew Paul for a short while. He was my Doc and helped me TREMENDOUSLY. We are both
originally from Ontario and had some good talks about golf—-surprise.
What a nice MAN– Family must be oh so proud of him.
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Paul Harker I was greatly saddened to read of Paul’s passing. I was a major beneficiary of Green Light surgery from him and so am very grateful for having had him as my surgeon. The surgery was done a little over a year ago and went well, but I had little time to do long-term consultations with him as he fell ill only four months later. He is a great loss. My sincere condolences to his family.
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Marcia Townsend My deepest condolences to the Whelan family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.Marcia (Hesson) Townsend employee at the Barrie Country Club
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Sharon Barlow Kim and family, Thinking of You. So sorry for you loss.
Aunty Sharon & Uncle Ken
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Dan and Vicki Sikora We are so sad to hear the news about Dr Whelan. We are forever grateful and thankful to Dr Whelan and the wonderful care he provided to us in Hamilton. He performed my husband’s nephrectomy in 2001 and successful kidney transplant in 2006. The professionalism, kindness and expertise that Dr Whelan demonstrated to us during that time will forever be appreciated. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Dr Whelan’s family and friends.
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Michael and Lori Robinson We are very sorry for your loss. Dr. Whalen was involved in my husband’s kidney transplant in November 1994. He removed the transplant kidney from my sister-in-law for Dr Tai to implant in my husband. Dr Tai had a medical issue while doing the surgery. Dr Whalen had to step in for Dr Tai and complete the first surgery he had ever done with hooking up the transplanted kidney with Dr Tai’s direction from a chair. Dr Whalen did a wonderful job and my husband will celebrate 25 years post transplant this year. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Kathleen Hansen I am beyond shocked and saddened to hear of Dr Whelan’s passing. I had been a patient of his for 25 yrs while he practised in Hamilton Ontario. His dedication and expertise was one that I miss very much. He truly gave me the best care one could ever ask for. I pray for his family and children as they grieve his loss. May he Rest In Peace. Heaven has gained a very smart and knowledgeable angel
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Dr. Jack Barkin A great urologist – always at the cutting edge. An amazing and fun loving gentleman, professional and sportsman. Highly respected by his patients and colleagues.
Condolences to the family. He will be missed by all.
Dr. Jack Barkin -Toronto
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L.Donald Smith As a former patient (Hamilton) of Dr Whalen,I was dismayed to learn of this good Doctor’s illness and subsequent passing..
I had a rather unique relationship with ‘Dr.Paul’ in that perhaps I was the first patient who underwent a laser surgery known as HOLEP by another fine Doctor in Montreal leading to Dr Whalen’s interest in such surgery and the institution of The ‘ Green Light’ method in the Ssouthern Ontario area.
Sincere condolences to the family this good Man.
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John Pooler Sincere condolences to Doctor Whelans entire family across Canada. We know he will be missed in his family and professional realm. John and Debbie Pooler, Hamilton, Ontario.
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Kevin Smith Please accept my deepest condolences on your sad loss. I enjoyed working with Paul for many years at St Jospeh’s Healthcare and his valued his friendship. He was passionate about patient care and scholarship and demonstrated a true fidelity to academic medicine. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss and hope many happy memories console you at this very sad time.
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Niki Kanaroglou My deepest condolences to Dr Whelan’s family. He was a visionary man who built our training program from scratch. As one of his first “batch” of residents, and countless other trainees, I can safely say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for his perseverance, teaching and mentorship. He will be remembered!
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David Tupling Lots of great fun memories with Paul at Barrie North Collegiate.
He was always funny and made everyone feel alive.
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Cheryl Twelves Lauren, Jordan and Katie. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful person and so great to work with!! Many years ago he would bring you to the Henderson Hospital to make rounds on the weekend and you would sit with me at the desk on Ward 498. I send you my deepest sympathy. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this time.
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Leanne Adkin Dr. Whelan treated my husband as a patient – he was always understanding and a great doctor.. He will be missed.
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Kenneth Kerrone July 3, 2019
Duncan, B.C.Kim: We offer our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Ken & Frances Kerrone
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Isobel (Izzy) Gisborn My deepest condolences for Dr. Whelan whom I worked with for many years in the operating room at St. Josephs Hospital in Hamilton
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S Mathew Our Heartfelt condolences to Dr. Whelan’s family . I am honoured to have had the privilege to work for him several years ago while at McMaster institute of urology on a large study. A very kind and dignified person and he will be always remembered by me and my family.
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Stan Ste Croix To Mary Ann, Tony and all of Paul’s family we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of someone so dear to your hearts.
Stan & Sue Ste Croix
I have just learned about the passing of Paul Whelan. I was the Construction Manager at St Joseph’s Healthcare and we worked together on building the new Urology Clinic. He was a joy to work with. My condolences to his family.