We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph Roger Royal "Roy" Whelan in Ottawa, ON on 4 April 2017 at the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus at the age of 97 years.
Roy was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 3^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers during the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions during the Gothic Line Battle. On 19 September 1944, Roy was a member of an engineer reconnaissance party seeking a possible crossing of the Ausa River near Rimini. They came under mortar and machine-gun fire from the enemy in a nearby house overlooking the site and preventing the party from moving forward. With complete disregard for his own safety, Roy successfully cleared the house and captured five prisoners.
After the war, Roy was a civil servant with the External Affairs Department who had postings to Rome, Italy, Beirut, Lebanon, and London, England. He was an avid golfer and played into his 90s.
A funeral service will be held at the Kelly Funeral Home, Walkley Chapel in Ottawa on 13 April at 2:00 PM. In memoriam donations to a charity of choice appreciated.Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{(dcSep17kh}[zpp]}