Brian B. Whalen

Brian Bayles Whalen died on June 21, 2016, 4 days after his 76th birthday, knowing that he had loved, and grateful that he had been loved. He has entered the soul sleep phase of his existence, where he is awaiting further developments. He leaves to carry on the dream, his wife of 32 years Jan Koopman and their children Daniel Whalen, and Julia Whalen; a previous marriage to Carmen E. Beauchamp ended in divorce, but produced three wonderful children: Marie Whalen, Carmen Whalen and Brian Whalen (Leigh Ann) and eight grandchildren. Also much beloved are Caryl Koopman, Brian’s mother-in-law, and her husband Don (deceased) who loved and supported him; Pastor George Brown, who shared the journey, special young children, youth and adults from Central Reformed Church and from far away who touched Brian’s heart and offered encouragement. He graduated from Ohio, Wesleyan University (BA in English), The American University (MA in Government) and completed a fellowship at Cornell University. Brian was an Elder of Central Reformed Church. He had a thirty year career serving in a variety of Federal agencies; he was a proud “bureaucrat”. He saved his best for his second career as a full time Dad to Dan and Julia, as an encourager of children, crossing guard, lifeguard, classroom assistant for autistic and other special children, Sunday School teacher and “Chauffeur” for foster children.  He was a marathoner (including a 2:58 Boston), a State Masters swimming champion, Triathlete and a 27 gallon blood donor.  He was a prolific card writer.  Brian will join his parents, Claire and Henry, in the columbarium of Central Reformed Church. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 5th. at 7:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends for one hour prior to the service.  For those who wish memorials may be made to Room for All or Central Reformed Church. 

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