Obituary of Donald Alexander Whalen

Donald Alexander Whalen

September 17, 1941 - September 28, 2025

Passed away suddenly at his home in Unionville, Ontario on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Anna Mae Whalen (nee Stanley); dear father of Jeff Whalen, Janice Whalen (Peter Tomes), Brett Whalen (Alexis) and Michael Whalen; loving grandfather of Kayley Whalen, Noah Whalen, Hannah Whalen, Brady Tomes, Amy Whalen, Bryce Whalen and Ryder Tomes; loving brother of Doug Whalen (Dale), Ted Whalen (Judy) and the late Bill Whalen (Irene). He also leaves behind a beloved group of nieces and nephews, as well as a wide, loyal circle of lifelong friends who adored him.

Don was born on September 17, 1941, on Helendale Avenue in Toronto. He attended North Toronto High School and demonstrated a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic from an early age, taking on a paper route and various odd jobs. It was during this formative chapter that he was introduced to two of his lifelong loves: he met the love of his life, Anna Mae, and developed a passion for horse racing by frequently visiting the racetrack with his father.

He graduated from North Toronto in 1961 and began his studies in Economics at the University of Toronto. After attaining his degree, he travelled through Europe with his best friend. Upon his return, Don began a career with IBM, where he spent 29 great years. Following his retirement from IBM in 1993, Don pursued his passion for investing in junior mining stocks, becoming Executive Chairman of High River Gold in the mid-1990s, a position he held until his second retirement in 2009. He was appointed Chair of the Canada-Russia Business Forum, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Toronto in 2000. In his retirement, he continued to serve as a Director for several global mining companies.

In search of a family home, Don and Anne ventured north to the small rural village of Unionville in 1967. They purchased a house on Fred Varley Drive, where they lived until last year. Don was actively involved in the community and was one of the founders of the Unionville Slo-Pitch League (USPL). The pitcher's mound at Crosby Park was his second home for over 40 years, lobbing strikes to all corners of the plate. Don was also proud to coach his twin boy’s baseball team, travelling across the province from one ballpark to the next for over a decade.

Don’s story wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to his profound love of horses, especially his devoted Standardbred colt, Fight Around. The horse was a frequent competitor at the Greenwood and Mohawk tracks, known for his ability to find the wire first. The memory the family holds dearest is a Sunday race in 1988: entering the final stretch in last place, Fight Around, with the heart of a champion, never gave up. He fought past the field to win the race by a nose, making  Don and his fellow owners immensely proud. Tragically, Fight Around life’s ended moments after that photo-finish victory.

After his illustrious racing career, he was honoured as the first horse ever to be buried at an OJC track, a final testament to the champion who went out fighting.

In the final moments of his life last Sunday, Don's heart, which was truly that of a champion, gave out as he cared for the love of his life, Anna Mae. Don was, above all else, a devoted family man and a loyal friend to many people. He leaves behind a rich and beautiful legacy rooted in his profound love for his family, friends, and community. While his absence leaves an immense void, he will continue to live on in our hearts and in the treasured memories we share. We know he’ll be watching over all of us, including his beloved Blue Jays in their quest for the 2025 World Series title.

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