Scott, 
I am so sorry about the passing of your father. I know that your father is in a better place and I will be praying for him and you. God bless you and your family.
I love you

Sandy
I'm so sorry for your loss. I never met your father but I'm sure he was a warm fun-loving person just like you. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. 
Love you
Margaret

Scott,

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We pray for the love of God to bring you smiles during your difficult times and it helps you to heal your pain with the passage of time.

Please accept our sympathy for the loss of your father.

B-Line

To Scott,

At this time I know it's hard to see.
What God has in mind, What his plan could be.
To end his suffering and call him home.
Know that he is with the "Father" he's not alone.
Leaving behind a lifetime of memories to be shared.
With family and friends who truly cared.
So celebrate the time that he was here.
Treasuring those precious moments for they are dear.
May the love that you have for your father give you some piece of mind.
I'll be praying for you and your family at this time.

It was such a pleasure meeting Scott, Kenny,Susan, Sandy and Lindsay at the memorial service.I am proud to be a part of the great family we have!  I left feeling a fullness of love in my heart knowing that Bob was truly loved as an individual, but most as a devoted father and friend!I can`t give enough praise for the professional manner in which Ott-lauglin conducted the ceremony, which gave Bob the respect and dignity he so richly deserved.Thank you my friends for a loving and lasting tribute to a beautiful person who will remain in our hearts forever!

Dear Family and Friends,

Sending sympathies to you all.  Each one of us has a wonderful story to share about Uncle Bob.  I especially appreciated what Uncle Jim and Cousin Eddie shared at the funeral.

I remember his wedding.  He is eight years older than I am, so I was just a girl at the time.  He was so handsome!  It was a lovely time.  Mother loved him so very much.

I also remember seeing him at other times in one cast or another, because of all his activities.  He was fearless.  I remember him with a smile on his face, and he always had a joke to share.

What a pleasure to finally meet Cousins Scott, Susan, Sandy and Lindsay; and their friends!  Hoping to be able to keep in touch with you all.

Knowing that Uncle Bob is rejoicing with family, Mom (Aunt Agnes), Aunt Mary, Aunt Alice, Aunt Virginia, Uncle Eddie, Uncle Frank, and the grandparents, with Jesus in Heaven gives me peace.  May His Peace be in your homes, too.

Love and prayers,
From his niece, Cathy

Uncle Bobby, so sad you had to go so early in life, but there was a good thing that came out of it all.  I and several family members finally got to meet your children, our cousins.  I was so excited and happy to meet them.  They were so thoughtful, kind and nice.  Good job Uncle Bobby.  Love and will miss ya.  Ginger

Scott I love you honey and im so sorry of your loss. Just know hes in a better place and hes free. Hold on to your memories. Love You so much.

Sandy,  Peter & I were so sorry to hear of the death of your father.  We did get to meet him a few years back.  He was quite the guy.  I enjoyed hearing about all his adventures when he was younger.  He had quite a few - too many to mention.  I know he will be missed by all.
Love to you and your family.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to family members. Only time can heal the wounds of losing a loved one. Cling to the good memories as they come to mind.

To family and friends of Robert Whalen, I give my deepest condolences. I have had the privilege of knowing his two daughters who are dear to me.  Furthermore, the rich stories of the Whalen family have made me appreciate the life and vigor that Robert Whalen bestowed upon his family.   His thirst for life and genuine spirit lives on through his amazing family.    Love Marie, Athena and Anthony

Sandra I'm sorry for your loss.  I remember meeting your father at a BarBQ at your home some years ago... He seemed pleased that you were surronded by good friends as he had fun with all of us.  I too lost my mother early, she was 57.  I realized I never really lost her...she is with me everyday.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

James

Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

For My Dad

Where do I start? Bob…Bob…Bob! 
You were my father, my dad, my friend and life’s teacher. I am the man that I am today because of you. You were always fair, generous and helpful to anyone that needed it. By no means where you perfect, you lived your life as you wanted; I can say that you lived it on the edge; racing fast cars, motorcycles, karate and chasing whatever else you could get yourself into. You were free spirited and always the life of the party; you danced to your own drummer and when you got tired of that drummer you always found another! Nobody ever knew when you were just going to show up, how long you were going to stay or when you were going to leave, you logged many “happy miles on your heart”. This was your life!
 
Thirteen years ago you came back into my life once again knowing you weren’t going to leave. The table now was turned and it was my turn to take care of you! Kenny and I took you into our home. These years were not easy at all; after all, you lived life freely and now having limits was not an easy task for you to accept. I know you hated hearing all the time what you should or shouldn’t do.! You did what you wanted anyways; many times. We only wanted the best for you. We had many, many good times along with some tough ones. Do I have regrets? Dad, I can honestly say “no” you were my father!

When you were in the nursing home, I wanted so much for you to just get up and walk right out of there. I’m not sure where that free spirit went? Maybe your heart couldn’t log any more “happy miles”. Dad we made our peace with one another several months ago and you said, “That one of these days I’m going to be riding that big old Harley in the sky”. Dad, I know you’re riding that Harley right now with that great big grin on your face!! Be safe and log some more “happy miles” on that heart.

Scott,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.  If there is anything I can do, just let me know.
Kelly

Uncle Bob,
"May the Lord hold you in the palm of His Hand and never close his fist too tight"
 ~An old Irish Blessing

I don't know who I admire most - Uncle Bob for living life to the fullest, his way - or Scott & Kenny for having the patience & tolerance to let him.

I have many fond memories of Uncle Bob and his his family visits when we were young - the laughing, eating & teasing. As I got older, I was fortunate to enjoy a special bond with Uncle Bob. We both enjoyed our motorcycles. I will treasure the conversations we shared over the years. Peace be with you. 

Barb Russell, Amherst, Ohio (Niece / Alice's Daughter)

Great Uncle Bob, We loved you from the minute we met you!

Love, Lilly & Katie Russell (Alice's Granddaughters)

Scott,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your Dad Rest in Peace.
Jamie

Scott, my family and I were so devastaed when we heard what happened and we are so sorry. Our condolences are to you and your family. We love you.- Lahnichi Family

My family and I are so devastated to hear this news and he will be in our hearts and prayers. My condolences are with you and your family, Scott. May your father rest in peace.

Scott, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You must know that you are the son that most Dads would only dream of.I feel so special to have known him and to have shared  your lauphs and tears.Scott you are so special to me and i love you sooo much.Debbie

Scott I don't know what to say this was really a shock.My thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Keep the memories close to your heart.You have taken care of your father and loved him all these years. He was tired and wanted to rest. You did everything you could do. I love you and will always be here if you want to talk i will be here to listen. Love You Always Your friend Karen Montgomery.

Sandy, My condolences to you and your family. May dad rest in peace.

For My Dad

Where do I start? Bob…Bob…Bob! 
You were my father, my dad, my friend and life’s teacher. I am the man that I am today because of you. You were always fair, generous and helpful to anyone that needed it. By no means where you perfect, you lived your life as you wanted; I can say that you lived it on the edge; racing fast cars, motorcycles, karate and chasing whatever else you could get yourself into. You were free spirited and always the life of the party; you danced to your own drummer and when you got tired of that drummer you always found another! Nobody ever knew when you were just going to show up, how long you were going to stay or when you were going to leave! You logged many “happy miles on your heart”. This was your life!
 
Thirteen years ago you came back into my life once again knowing you weren’t going to leave. The table now was turned and it was my turn to take care of you! Kenny and I took you into our home.These years were not easy at all; after all, you lived life freely and now having limits was not an easy task for you to accept. I know you hated hearing all the time what you should or shouldn’t do. ! You did what you wanted anyways; many times. We only wanted the best for you. We had many, many good times along with some tough ones. Do I have regrets? Dad, I can honestly say “no” you were my father!

When you were in the nursing home, I wanted so much for you to just get up and walk right out of there. I’m not sure were that free spirit went? Maybe your heart couldn’t log any more “happy miles”. Dad, we made our peace with one another several months ago and you said, “That one of these days I’m going to be riding that big old Harley in the sky”. Dad, I know you’re riding that Harley right now with that great big grin on your face!! Be safe and log some more “happy miles” on that heart.

Safely Home

I am home in heaven, dear ones;
Oh so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in heaven at last.

Did you wonder how I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh, but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And he came himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remains,
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

Dear Sandy, Sue and Scott,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  
One of the most beautiful truths of our faith is that life does not end at death.  In the liturgy, the Church teaches us that "Life is changed, not taken away".
In faith we know that those who have died remain with us in love and in the communion of saints.
In hope we look forward lovingly to the day when we will be united with them for all eternity.
In memory we recall all they meant to us.
Bob is Safely Home now.  His pain and suffering is now over.  As humans, we are selfish, we always want our loved ones here with us.  Always remember, God has a plan, a special plan for all of us.  Although we do not understand now, one day we will.  We must always continue to have the faith and not question it (even though we hurt).  I truly hope you and your families soon feel the peace knowing that Bob is in that very special place, Safely Home with our Heavenly Father.  A place where we will all be someday.
May God always bless and watch over all of you.
With my deepest sympathy,
Love,
Patti Wilson

My fondest memory of Uncle Bob is when he came to visit Mom & Dad (Aunt Mary & Uncle Pete in Parma, OH). He pulled up in a racy Corvette. At the time, it caught the neighborhoods eye. I was nine years old, and he said, "I'll take you for a ride". I was thrilled and the envy of my neighborhood friends. He always had a kind word and great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. My deepest condolences go out to Scott, Susan and Sandy.
Linda Jenkins (Niece)

My Uncle Bob was, like the other members of the Whalen family, a jokester to say the least!  He asked me a question once to which he said I would not be able to give the answer! I thought I was a bright guy and replied "Go ahead, ask away!" He said there was a story on the news that indicated that a woman had been accidentally shot, and the bullet was in her yet! Then he asked me, "What part of the body is your "Yet?" I was not able to answer the question!

Scott, Susan, and Sandy, my deepest sympathy at the loss of your Father.  I was reflecting on his life and my fond remembrances of him today. I regret that my memories are through the eyes of a child, as I barely saw him over the past 30-some years.

Some of the happy times I’ll always remember include his visit to California with the family, and a few years later, his trip to Texas for a karate match.   He arrived with his right eye swollen shut and a huge bruise on the side of his head.  I think he had a few loose teeth.  We took him out to dinner and my dad made him shave.  I think his face was worse for the shaving than for the karate match!  He came out of the bathroom covered with nicks and cuts.

I remember his visits to Florida before he moved from Cleveland.  He always felt bad that he missed our birthdays or Christmas, and used to joke about some day sending a “big box from Cleveland.”  It was a big joke that we always laughed about but I felt guilty for perpetuating it when he clearly couldn’t afford to do anything of the kind.  One day he did show up with a big box, and while Debbie and I were thrilled, I had long since decided that he didn’t need to bring a big box.  I thought I was too old for a big box full of toys and gifts, and felt embarrassed that he took the joke so seriously after all the years.

Once he moved the family to Fort Lauderdale, I loved our weekend and Holiday visits.  I remember sitting in folding chairs along the Intercoastal, the mosquitoes and sand fleas biting more than the fish.  I remember Bob laughing and goading Oma into putting on her German marching music and stomping around the living room.  It was a big joke to him, but she seemed so serious!

I’ll never forget the Christmas at our house on Plateau Road when he arrived with literally a boatload of gifts for his and our family.  We hid them in the boat in the garage on Christmas Eve, and then got up extra early to put them under the tree.  There were so many, they were piled up from the corner with the tree, to the two steps where the sunken living room met the hallway on one side and the dining room on the other.  We literally had to unwrap our way into the room that morning!

I’ll always remember Uncle Bob as I envision him now: young, happy, handsome, a roguish smirk on his face, and just a little hint of ‘dangerous’ in his eye.  May he rest in peace.

I remember my Uncle Bob as a fun-loving guy who liked to laugh and joke around.  Years ago when I was a teenager, he bought me my first Led Zepplin album and took me on a motorcycle ride.  I thought he was cool! 
I wish him peace and happiness now after so much suffering. 
Love from his niece, Diane (Alice's daughter)

OBITUARY

Robert H. Whalen

March 12, 1940 – July 25, 2011

Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home

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