I knew it was coming… I knew it was coming.
And then it came
Without a tender touch and
Without a kiss… not even on the cheek.
So frail. Physicality waning weekly.
Weak but pressed on. –cw
John Francis Whalen III, known to all as Tim, was born February 27, 1945 in Denver
Colorado. The first born of John F. Whalen Jr (Jack) and Betty (Cabble) then three years later his sister Linda was born. He was her ultimate protector and championed her throughout his life. Tim married Cheri (Mazone) in 1982 after a multi-year courtship. Their loving bond traversed forty-four plus years.
The earthly journey of this proud Irishman ended on August 11, 2026 at his residence in Mesa, Arizona with loving family members by his side.
Tim spent many, many years doctoring heart disease with remarkable strength, determination, and an unwaveringly positive spirit. Eventually he said, “Enough. I am done.” His taxed heart muscle needed rest. Now Tim is finally liberated.
Tim was a star athlete. During his era at Thomas Jefferson High School, Denver, CO and into college, his natural athletic abilities ranked him as one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks in the metro Denver area. He was also an accomplished baseball player. His athletic achievements were rewarded with accolades, scholarships and statewide recognition. Later in life, his growing collection of golf trophies evidenced his enduring athletic talent and fierce competitive spirit. Despite his remarkable resilience and love of life, his failing heart condition eventually made it impossible to play a full round of golf, competitively or socially. The sport he loved became a cherished memory.
He had the wisdom to embrace and accept the last season of his life. Staying close to home, his time was spent with visiting friends, reading Grisham novels, watching sports and westerns, being challenged by tablet games of Woodoko and Solitaire and completing crossword puzzles, always in pen, not pencil!
Tim’s engaging personality was a natural fit for his career in sales. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led to him owning the Colorado distributorship for a nationally known company, marketing a silent communication system designed to improve medical office patient flow. As a long-term member of Apache Wells Country Club, his leadership abilities shone through in his service on the club’s Board of Directors and golf committees as well as through many years at the helm directing the club’s semi-annual fund-raising golf tournaments.
Tim always welcomed both long-time friends and new acquaintances into his world with
his magnetic smile, piercing blue eyes and quick humor. He had a delightful way of bringing people together. He was friendly and funny, positive and playful, cheerful and caring. He relished the time with friends, one on one or in a group. He especially relished the time spent with his favorite three nephews and niece: Matt (deceased) and Toby (children of Tim’s sister Linda and brother-in-law Jack Tieman) and Joshua and Seanee (children of his sister-in-law Franny Mazone) and of course their spouses and children.
Tim’s love and commitment to Cheri was unparalleled. He expressed his love with charm, humor and passion and honored her with understanding her sometimes-quirky ways!
He would want you to remember him with a smooth glass of red wine or when you hear a Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley or Nat King Cole song and definitely when you shoot a great round of golf!
Tim shared his big heart with many. His loving touch, caring presence and magnetic personality will be missed by family and friends alike. Those who walked alongside him in his life journey, thank God that he is now free from his earthly struggles.
With profound gratitude to all who surrounded Tim with love and support during his final season of life. Special thanks to Camille, Dawn and Cari from Emblem Hospice for their compassionate and gentle care. And heartfelt appreciation to dear friends Gina and Mike for being so available, so caring, and so attentive to Tim’s needs as death approached.
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community