Brendan Whelan Obituary

Brendan "BJ" Whelan

December 11, 2024

Brendan Joseph Whelan, known affectionately as BJ, passed away quietly on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in Albany, Ore., his home of over 50 years. Born to Matthew and Anna (Dwyer) Whelan on August 26, 1946, he was raised with his sister Patricia and his brother Ellis at his birthplace in Connecticut. At the age of 19, he was drafted and served in the army in Company B, 83rd Engineers. He made Spec 5. BJ received a European discharge and travelled around Europe for a year. In 1969, he spent some time with family in Dublin, Ireland. In his mid-20s, he moved out west to Oregon, where he earned his private pilot's license, and learned the concrete trade from his lifelong army friend Duane Stovall. He worked for Albany Concrete Contractors and later became an independent contractor. He phased out his career in construction with Terry Miller Concrete, retiring in the early 2000's. In 1978, he had built a duplex in Albany, Ore. and sold it to Diane Serface, who would become his life partner until her passing this May. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, travelling, and the beautiful northwest. BJ was diagnosed with Parkinson's about eight years ago. Despite Diane's own health challenges, she stuck by BJ and facilitated his care up until her last day. BJ spent the last few years of his life in Albany, close to Diane's family and his friends.

Brookdale Senior Living on Geary Street will hold a simple memorial service for BJ on Wednesday, December 18th at 2 p.m. All are welcome. BJ's ashes will be interred with Diane's at Palestine Cemetery and scattered at a place special to them in Yosemite. BJ is survived by his many cousins; his nieces, Kerry Combs of Mass., Deirdre (Whelan) Wilson of Calif., Constance (Combs) Fitch; and nephew, Matthew Whelan of Conn.; and his good friends.