WHELAN, John Desmond

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, May 20, 2014 John Desmond Whelan, 81, of Payson, passed away in Scottsdale, Ariz. following a short illness. Dad (also known and loved as “Uncle Des” and “Grandpa John”) was born in San Jose, Calif. in 1932 and while he lived in the Bay Area for most of his life, he counted his 10 years in Payson as some of the happiest in his memory. An outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, he was always at his most content when relaxing in his back yard with friends and family. We will remember him always for his open, loving heart, his irreverent sense of humor, and his generous and trusting nature. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ivon and father, Edward; his brother, Ted and sister, Ann; and by his son, John Timothy Whelan. He is survived by Anita, his wife of 58 years; his daughter, Lori (Keith) Nelson; and by grandchildren, Sandra and Zachary Nelson. A Celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on May 24 at the Church of Holy Nativity, 1414 N. Easy St., Payson, Ariz.