Sean loved Christ and his family.  These were the most important parts of Sean's life.  He was intelligent and brought a bit of humor to conference calls and never let you know if he was truly sweating over anything.  He was confident and sure, even while battling cancer. Kind and professional to all and in many ways reflected Christ's love. 

To all of Sean's family, my heart goes out to each of you, and please know you continue to be in my prayers. I did not have the blessing of meeting Sean in person, but I've been incredibly fortunate to know Eva and Kathi and I treasure their friendship. Reading of his faith and his many friendships and selfless service to others has been inspirational. May God continue to be your comfort during this time of loss.
Love in Christ,
Jennifer Rogers and family


Sean was a friend.  He always had a positive attitude, even though his health situation was difficult.  He cared deeply about his family.

On the business side, he was a good presentor.  He was, smart, logical and always kind.

As a Christian, in response to his health issues, he told me "just let Jesus drive."  Sean will be missed.

Katrina, Colin  and Ryan ,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Sean was a dedicated professional, and a wonderful neighbor.  Although we moved out of the neighborhood in 2001, I still hold you as neighbors in my heart.

  Depest sympathies to you and your family.

--David Sternquist and Susan Charlton.

Sean was a beauty guy and full of life and spirit.   I had the pleasure of working for Sean at IBM and enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and goofyness.   A true family man, a passionate worker and a stand up human being.   I am blessed to have been a little piece is his puzzle of life.   

I had the pleasure of working with Sean at IBM and Lenovo.  He was a great person and wonderful colleague.  Always smiling even in the difficult times, Sean was a pleasure to be around.  Sean will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers.  With deepest sympathy, John McDonald

Kathi faithfully reported Sean's health-related struggles, triumphs, and stalemates over the 11 years of his illness. I was always amazed at Sean's can-do spirit of living life to its fullest and to Kathi's faith and resiliency as well. My heart goes out especially to Kathi because I know you loved Sean deeply as you do all your family members. I can only imagine how difficult it is to lose a beloved brother. All the precious family is in my prayers. 

Kathi, when you and Eva get home, your Nashville "family" will rally around you for love and support. We love you. With prayers and for the peace of God which passes all understand. Hugs, Sarah

Sean was such a wonderful person - I was lucky enough to be one of Kathi's law school roommates and got to see Sean as a fantastic brother to Kathi.  My heart goes out to his family and friends. I hope your memories give you some comfort now.

Katrina , Colin and Ryan and Whalen family,
I am so sad to learn of the passing of Sean.  Sean was an inspiration to all of us and I was proud to be on his team.  He loved his family and had passion for the work he led, which was something that he loved.  

His honesty, courage and care will be something I will always remember.

One of a kind - a wonderful man, who will be missed.

Jay

Sean and I went all the way back to Akron, OH when we worked at the local IBM branch office together.  We played golf together quite often and lost contact after I moved away to NY and eventually Raleigh, where we reconnected once again.  My deepest condolences to his family for their loss. Looking forward to seeing him again on the other side.

As many others have noted, I know Sean from working at IBM.  While I knew many incredible people from IBM, Sean stood out because of his kindness, sharp mind and the way he conducted himself every day.
I will be praying for his family and close friends as he will be missed by us all!

Many of us worked with Sean during our career at IBM and Lenovo.  He was always there to help and provide guidance and wisdom.   You would not have known he had cancer because he was always there working, providing guidance and helping others.  He will truly be missed!!! My heart goes out to his family. 

Deepest condolences to the Whalen family.   Sean - you will be greatly missed.   Over the past 20 years, you were a calm voice of reason in this hectic business.   Rest in peace and God bless.

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sean for so many years as part of the System X family. His positive attitude and humor always kept me going. I enjoyed his friendship and he will be missed.

I'm so sorry for your loss.   I worked with Sean while in System x at IBM.   He was the most intelligent, hard working, and humble individual.   While going through his treatments, he never complained.   He grounded us all with a sense of calm and peace.  A truly exceptional IBMer and person!

Katrina, Colin, Ryan . . . and extended family:    We loved Sean; he was quite a guy.    Over so many years, any time I was in Sean's company @ IBM, he shared his lite and love for Jesus with me.   More so, he lived by the Fruits of the Spirit  . . . this is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a person living in accord with the Holy Spirit as found in the book of Galatians: "........love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."   THAT was Sean to me and I bet a lot of us feel the same way.    Sean was a FUN guy to be around and work with, but even more so he was a man of deep faith and conviction.  It's something we shared; we talked about.  My heart and prayers go out to your entire family.  I'm SO thankful that my life and the lives of so many of us had the opportunity to cross paths with such a fine man as Sean Whalen.  And even now, in reading his obit, we have even more in common.   I was just on www.oneworldhealth.com    He and I share a love for this ministry.  I have been to Uganda and know it first hand.   How wonderful; and yet I didn't know, but now I do.  How I wish I could have shared this with Sean; but we will in heaven!   I pray that God can comfort each of you at this time and know he won't ever leave you.   I thank God for the great man and witness ....... in Sean Whalen.    dk

Katrina,  Just know you are much on my heart and in my prayers.  So very, very sad for you and your sons.  So thankful you are surrounded by friends and family.  Much love, Julia Bradley (Rebecca’s Mom). 

My heart goes out to Sean's family.  I had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions while at IBM.  What a wonderful person!  Always thoughtful, creative and Sean had such a dedication to those he worked with.  --Frannie Matthews  

I've known Sean since he was a young man.  Always the gentleman with a bright smile.    We usually only saw him at family holidays, but his younger cousins, Beth and Rachel, really thought he was fun and named their first cat after him.   

Katrina, Colin, Ryan, Kathi and Eva please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts.  We know he is at   peace. 

Long distant HUGS to you all.
Auntiex Barb, crabby (my words) Uncle Bob, Beth and Rachel.

Sean will remain my idol for positivity and honesty, His energy and understanding of business was unparalleled. I pray for him and his family. 

I had the privilege to work alongside Sean for many years at IBM.  As others have stated, Sean had a wit and wisdom that was only matched by his compassion and patience.  He always led by example and was a true friend and colleague.  I will always remember his contagious smile and easygoing demeanor.  Until next time Sean. 

I worked with Sean for over a decade. He was always helpful, kind and considerate, even when it would have been much easier to to have been impatient and short with my requests and what must have seemed like endless questions. He was, to put it plainly, a Christian from the bottom of his toes to the top of his head. he was quietly living a Christlike life and being that stable and steadying influence for good with all those that he came in contact with.  My heart aches for those much closer to Sean that I was. He was an influence for good upon me personally and I lived on the other side of the country.  How much greater influence for good must he have been on those he was around on a daily basis. You will be missed, Sean. 

Sean and I only crossed paths a handful of times in my career at IBM/Lenovo but every time was memorable. He was a truly compassionate and wonderful guy, always willing to stop and listen to your challenges and ideas, no matter your title or role. My condolences to all his family and those who were lucky enough to have made his acquaintance over the years. You will be missed sir.

Sean, may you Rest In Peace. You were always with a steady smile and a welcoming posture. No doubt the reason why you have so many friends. While I knew you at IBM in the daily grind of work, each of our encounters was accompanied with laughter and a sense of purpose - made it easy. God bless you who mourn his loss. God Bless.

Deepest sympathies to Sean's family and friends from all of us here at Lenovo.   Many of us had the honor of working with Sean back and IBM.   We'll miss his wit,  his brilliance, and his friendship.   Sean's life was an example to others.   How symbolic his passing during holy week.  

My condolences to Linda and the entire Whalen family for your loss. I am heartbroken to hear of Sean’s long struggle and passing. I wish we had reconnected over the years. Sean had a powerful and lasting impact on my life as a friend and a human being and I have, and will always, carry him in my heart. Peace be with you all.

I grew up with Sean in the CMRA neighborhood.  He was always such a nice guy.  Gentleman from the start.  So sorry to hear of his passing.  Wonderful memories.

Katrina,  I am so sorry for your loss! Take care of yourself! You will be in my thoughts and prayers! 
Aimee Cochran Davis











Sean was a friend and brother in Christ. A great father & husband. A man who loved the Lord. Always a smile and never negative no matter how bad things were and what he and his family struggled through with his battle with cancer.  He will be missed. May you Rest In Peace, brother.

Memorial Service

Visitation will follow service

Sean is survived by his wife of 25 years, Katrina Whalen; sons, Colin Whalen and Ryan Whalen; mother, Linda Whalen; sisters, Kathi Whalen and Stacey Rauch (Steve); brother, Trevor Ford.

OBITUARY

Sean Michael Whalen

August 6, 1966 – March 31, 2018

Apex Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services