Obituary of Edward Whelan

Passed peacefully away on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Carbonear General Hospital surrounded by family, after a short illness. Mr. Edward Whelan, age 91 years, of Harbour Grace. Predeceased by his father and mother: Edward and Helen (nee Connors); step-mother: Catherine (nee English); sisters: Marie and Joan. Leaving to mourn his loving wife of 60 years, Ruby (nee French); three sons: Eddie (Deanne), Carbonear, Woodley, Toronto, and George (Shelly), Victoria; two daughters, Anne, Carbonear and Helen (Phillip), Bay Roberts; six grandchildren: Edward (Nicole) and Antonia (their mother, Marliese), Alexandra, Rubyanne, Lauren, and Phillip; special friends: Jim Coady and Aidan Moriarty. As well, his two beloved furry friends, Willie and Tommy. Ed was born in Brooklyn, New York to Edward and Helen (Connors) Whelan and they returned to Newfoundland shortly after his birth. At the young age of 11, Ed lost his mother and with his father working away in Argentia he learned quickly to work for himself. In his early 20s, he worked as a taxi driver and travelled throughout the area providing vital transportation to many, including patients to hospital appointments in storms, and doctors and nurses to the sick when most refused to go. While living in Quincy, Massachusetts as a truck driver, Ed saw a Drive-In, and remarked to his wife Ruby, that upon his return to Newfoundland, he would start his own Drive-In business. This idea became reality in Ruby’s Drive-In in Harbour Grace in the 1960s. This small Drive-In developed to Ruby’s Drive-In and Restaurant, and later to a Mary Brown’s store. This developed further to a very successful three store Mary Brown’s Franchise and a 46-year association with Mary Brown’s. Ed was known for his knowledge of Harbour Grace and its related history. He was often called for information regarding historical events and was interviewed twice by the Conception Bay Museum for their archives. He served on the R.C. Cemetery Committee. His knowledge in this area often helped family from outside the province find the final resting place of loved ones resting in the R.C. Cemetery. Ed was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Parish and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. His generosity to his parish was significant, and frequently anonymous. Ed worked into his late 80s. He was a very rare individual. What a man, what a life, what a character. He was as hard as nails, with a heart of gold. At Edward’s request, cremation has taken place. A private visitation and funeral service to be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in his memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 429, Carbonear, NL, A1Y 1B8, TCP Health Foundation, 86 Highroad South, Carbonear, NL, A1Y 1A4, Baccalieu Trail SPCA, P.O. Box 273, Carbonear, NL, A1Y 1B7 or a charity of one’s choice.