Leonard Melvin Whiffen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Len peacefully on December 29, 2017 at age 95 surrounded by his loving family. Len was born in Bonavista, N.L. to parents Janie (Swyers) and Joseph Whiffen. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Grace; brothers, Wilson and Bill. Len is survived by daughters, Diane (Bill Luedey) and Donna (Ray Mattholie); three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Annie Dicks, and many nieces and nephews.

In October of 1939, age 17, Len volunteered for service in the (British) Royal Navy in the Second World War. In February 1940, he departed from St. John's on the RMS 'Newfoundland' for England to commence training. On completion of his service, he arrived in St. John's on December 29, 1945.

Grace and Len met at a dance in Pouch Cove and shared almost 70 years together, moving to Toronto in 1950, and after retirement, to Halifax in 1995. Together they explored Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda, eastern seaboard of the US and western Canada.

Len retired in 1987 from the Engineering Division at CN Rail after 38 years of service. He loved gardening and was renowned for his roses. He enjoyed playing the piano and organ, fishing, golfing, and attending theatrical and musical events. Len became a member of the Masons (Caledonia Lodge, Toronto) in 1961, and was elected District Deputy Grand Master in 1979. Since his arrival in Halifax, he was an active member of Virgin Lodge No. 3, GRNS. He was a dedicated volunteer and his work with the Memory Project, visiting or entertaining residents in nursing homes, his church and other endeavours made him a worthy recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Len's happiest times were spent in the company of family and friends. "Poppo" loved his family deeply and cherished every moment of their time shared together. He was a steadying influence, never judgemental, always patient and kind and gave to so many people, so much. We shall miss his smile and the twinkle in his eyes.

He was a devoted member of Rockingham United Church. A heartfelt thank you to the medical team in 8.4 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre who tenderly and with great compassion cared for our hero. We are grateful to Rev. Diane Tingley for her prayers and support.

A Celebration of Len's Life will be held on Thursday, January 4th at 2 p.m., in Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Dr., Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Save the Children Canada, or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

The difficult we do at once;

The impossible takes a little longer.

(Royal Navy)