Alfred Whiffen of Southern Harbour, passed peacefully early in the morning Friday, October 1st, at St.Clare’s Mercy hospital. Predeceased by his parents Vincent and Margaret, his brothers and sisters: Pad, John, Vince, Gerald, Angela, Lavina, Rita, Margaret, Winnifred and Helen, and grandson Mark. Devoted husband to Aquilla for 59 years. Amazing Dad to Alfie (Mary), Randy, Sheila, Trixie (Dean), Glenn (Susan) and Melissa (Justin). Beloved grandfather to Robin (Jonathan), Stephen, Victoria, Abby, William, Libby and Lily. Also leaving to mourn brothers-in-law Bill and Kevin Wadman. The best provider of baloney to family dogs Cissy, Rusty, Miles, and Lexi (and Buddy Barrett). The family would like to thank the hard working doctors and nurses of St. Clare’s Mercy for all they did for Alfred in his final days. Alfred was beloved by many and will be missed by all.
Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Roman Catholic Church, Southern Harbour.
Visitation: Sunday, October 3, 2021, 2:30-4:30pm & 7:00-9:00pm
Monday, October 4, 2021, 2:00-4:00pm & 7:00-9:00pm
Funeral Service: Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 11:00am
Interment to be held at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Southern Harbour following the service. Donations in his memory may be made to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). In keeping with COVID-19 regulations, anyone wishing to attend the funeral or visitations
should contact Sheila at 427-7049 or Victoria at 330-9106.
If we had asked him what he wanted his obituary to say, he would have said “nothing.” Still, to all of us who had the pleasure and privilege of having him in our lives, that would never do. So, here goes our attempt at remembering someone who truly made the world a better place, Alfred Bernard Whiffen. Alf and Aquilla played 46,567 games of Crib. He loved Crib but loved Aquilla more; he never bragged when he skunked her. He always counted her cards to make sure she never missed a point earned, even though she could count as well as he could. And when playing with Joe and Melinda Slaney, he made sure he was on the losing team. Devoted husband? This is but one example. Randy says, “Dad was my inspiration.” They practiced playing guitar and accordion and sang every day from the time Randy learned to play. Definitely more than 20,000 hours of playing and singing. They played for every family gathering, entertained the Foggy Bay Seniors, played at the Arnold’s Cove Lions Club, and played for anyone who dropped in for a visit, if they stayed more than 35 minutes. Their CD “Better Late than Never” was released in 2012 and topped the charts in Southern Harbour and Burgeo for weeks. They aren’t on Spotify yet, but stay tuned! As a new grandfather, he coined Aquilla “Granny,”… and it stuck. And then came the ice cream… plenty of ice cream. Trips “up da harbour to the shop” for ice cream, chips, bars, or whatever treats well-intentioned grandchildren felt were the healthiest treats they could buy. They loved every lick, bite, and gulp, and they laughed the whole way up and back. We’re not sure how many pounds of treats they ate, but we are confident that he didn’t help them develop a taste for Brussel Sprouts. Alf’s Kitchen Parties were legendary. Boilers of soups, assorted “beverages” and endless jokes and songs until the wee wee hours. To end the night, he would stand on his head in the Living Room. We still aren’t sure why. Jack Mulrooney was laughing so hard that when he was leaving one night, he left to walk home in the snow, in his socks. Aquilla caught him and reminded him to put his boots on, and all ended well. The floor joists had to be reinforced on several occasions over the years. Thank God for open basements. As the “Chief” (Chief Engineer) at Marine Atlantic, he had two roles. The official role: keep the ship running and get passengers and vehicles safely to their destinations. The other role: entertain anyone he encountered when he wasn’t in the engine room. He entertained the crew in the Mess, played for the New Year’s Eve Ball in Ramea when stuck in port that evening. He also entertained passengers and invited them for a visit to Southern Harbour if they were passing by. And they came… in droves. We don’t have room for all of you at the funeral, but you know who you are! Determined to entertain until the end, on his best day in the ICU at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, he challenged Trixie to sing a song. When she protested because she said she couldn’t sing, he proceeded to sing “Pop Goes the Weasel” to the delight of the entire staff of Nurses and Doctors, who provided amazing care to him during his time there.
So please don’t cry that he is gone… well, maybe cry a little. But, be happy that he was here and touched so many of us in such a special way. He is with the angels, and they are probably laughing and asking each other, “how long will he play tonight?”
Condolences(23)-
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Madonna McCarthy says
October 3, 2021 at 1:05 pmDear Aquilla and family.
Today my heart is broken as I read the Obituary, I cried a lot but most of them were happy tears because I remembered all the wonderful times we spent at your house in Southern Harbour over the years and the good care you took of Tom when he boarded with you. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Madonna
😥🤗❤️🙏
Debbie macphee says
October 3, 2021 at 1:19 pmso sorry for your loss sending our Condolence and love
Thomas Strickland says
October 3, 2021 at 1:24 pmOur collective hearts are heavy with sympathy. Thomas & Christine Strickland of Burgeo Newfoundland.
Janet Hiscock says
October 3, 2021 at 1:54 pmGlenn, Susan, Libby & the Whiffen Family,. Sorry for your loss of a wonderful person. Such a beautiful tribute.
Daphne Crocker says
October 3, 2021 at 1:58 pmAquila and family. So sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Linda Brewer Tremblett & Joe Tremblett says
October 3, 2021 at 2:51 pmTo the family of Alf Whiffin so sorry for your loss. Cherish all your memories. Fly high with the Angels Alf. Rest In Peace.
Susanna and Tony Gilbert says
October 3, 2021 at 3:48 pmSo sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aquila and the Whiffen family.
Kathleen and John Whyte says
October 3, 2021 at 4:11 pmSo sorry to hear of Alf’s passing.Deepest condolences to Aquila and the family.He was one of a kind.RIP Alf .
Ernie & Carmel Brenton says
October 3, 2021 at 4:30 pmThe Whiffen Family & Friends our deepest condolence to all of his family & friends . ANOTHER GREAT MAN GONE HOME TO ONCE AGAIN TO COMPLETE THE FAMILY CHAIN .IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU ON THE MARINE ATLANTIC VESSELS. RIP ALF . REGARDS ERNIE AND CARMEL BRENTON
Sylvia and Herb Trowbridge says
October 3, 2021 at 5:37 pmSo sorry to hear of Alf’s passing. He will be missed by so many people. Our sincere condolences to Aquilla and all his family. Rest in peace, Alf. God bless you all.
Irene Ryan says
October 3, 2021 at 6:07 pmMy Deepest Condolences to Alfs family.. Alf had a beautiful soul. I remember being small going to the shop for treats and was always greeted with welcoming smiles, I also had the pleasure of being his hair dresser for a short while lol. He had a beautiful personality. He made a set of brass candle holders for me years ago and still have them today. I hope you are flying high with the Angel’s Alf and I pray your Family will take comfort in all the treasured memories that they hold so dear of you.
Yvonne Hepditch says
October 3, 2021 at 6:52 pmAquilla and family. So sorry to hear of Alf’s passing. Loved the obituary. Somewhere I have a recording of Alf, Randy and me singing and playing in his kitchen in Southern Harbour about 20 years ago. Alf was my cousin and godfather. I am out of the province but pass on my condolences to the family. RIP Alf.
Margaret (Power)Whyte says
October 3, 2021 at 9:45 pmTo Aquilla and his family my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,Alf was a long time family friend who had a song for every occasion,a fine musician as well as a great since of humour he will always be remembered by everyone that ever knew ,rest in peace Alf and play your music and share ur songs with all ur buddies up above .God bless you all
susan quilty says
October 4, 2021 at 9:23 amso sorry for your loss, Mr. Whiffen was best man at mom and dad’s wedding [harold and madonna kearley] mom often talked of him and i know she loved the visits she had with Mr. and Mrs. Whiffen . May Alf rest in peace
Michelle & Darrell Green says
October 4, 2021 at 1:02 pmGlenn & Family, Deepest Sympathies on the passing of your Dad. May the many wonderful memories of the time you shared, help you through. Hugs.
Lucille and Gord Gambin says
October 4, 2021 at 4:09 pmAquila and Family,
Gord and I were saddened to hear of Alf’s passing. He was a gentle man and a gentleman!! I always enjoyed being in Alf’s company when we lived in Southern Harbour, we both happened to be at Tom’s and Madonna’s home at the same time on many occasions. Rest in Peace Alf! ♥️
Florence Higgins says
October 4, 2021 at 7:53 pmAquila and family, my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Germaine Rose says
October 4, 2021 at 8:45 pmAquilla and fam.so very sorry to hear of Alf,s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Family R.I.P. Alf
Donna Hynes says
October 4, 2021 at 10:22 pmAlf was a wonderful man, I remember when he stayed with my family while he was going to school. . He will definately be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. One time me & my father (Doug Hynes) took the ferry to North Sidney, Alf gave Dad his room for the crossing so he could rest..
May you Rest now Alf , in Eternal Peace.
Doreen & Tom Ryan says
October 5, 2021 at 9:19 pmAquilla & Family
Tom & I are very Sorry for your tremendous loss,please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers.
May you Rest in Peace Alf
God Bless You All
Emma Kennedy says
October 5, 2021 at 10:22 pmDear Robin & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. As I mentioned to Robin, I still get goosebumps when I think of the dance Alf and Aquila shared at her wedding. They were the only ones left on the dance floor as they had been together the longest out of everyone in the room. A special memory.
Take care,
Emma Kennedy
Christine Howard says
October 6, 2021 at 10:18 amOur thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Treasure the memories.
Bride Hepditch says
October 10, 2021 at 7:05 pmAquila and family, Sorry to hear of Alf’s passing.
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