WHELAN, Maxwell James “Max”
Born Tuesday January 27, 1953. Passed away Thursday June 24, 2021.
Passed away peacefully at Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Dearly loved husband of Trish. Loved and loving father and father in law of Alan and Veronica, Christine and Aaron, Linda and Matt, Claire and Chris, Terry and Kat, Angela and Ben, Catherine and Travis, Trisha and Jason.
Loved and adored Pop of Brooklyn, Trent and Chelsea; Isabelle and Georgia; Hamish and Chloe; Sienna, Isaac and Flynn; Jack, Kiara and Cooper; Fletcher and Willow; Vogue and Cruz; Hazel, Luca, Sylvie and Baby Cartwright.
Always in our hearts.
Funeral notice
Saturday July 03, 2021
Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr. Max Whelan will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Gellibrand Street, Colac on Saturday, July 3, 2021 commencing at 10am.
The Funeral will leave the Church at the conclusion of Mass for the Colac Lawn Cemetery.
To view the live-stream, click here.
Tributes
Leave a tributeDear Trish
Mike & I were shocked & saddened to hear of the untimely death of Max
We send you our sincere sympathy & loving thoughts
Jen McDonaldJuly 18, 2021 11:05 am
Dear Trish and your wonderful families.Heartfelt sympathy on the passing of a loving husband, proud father and grandfather. Memories to treasure.Patricia John Roache.
July 08, 2021 3:30 pm
My Sympathy to Trish & family on the passing of Max, He was one a kind salt of the earth such a great bloke . He will be sadly missed by his family & community.
The Forest/Colac community has lost one of the best
RIP Max
Jeanette Brumby ( Brunt)July 07, 2021 9:27 pm
Our sympathy to all Whelan and Lavery families. We will all miss a lovely and fun loving family man and you all did him proud at his mass.
July 04, 2021 8:54 pm
Trish and family.
What a beautiful service, I watched it online as I was unable to make it. So very sad for you. I sent a card to you and am very sorry I didn’t include Irene in the card. My sincere apologies.
I have so many memories of your family at Gerangamete, our kids were friends. One thing that does stand out is without the Whelan, Lamana and Callahan families there would have been no bridge skits at the concerts.
Bless you all. ????July 04, 2021 12:25 am
Sending my deepest of sympathy to Trish and families. Was very sad when l found out of his accident. Max was always very friendly towards myself and my family and always kept in contact with Mum, so l feel blessed knowing him. Only saw Max and Trish a few months ago and was lovely to catch up, maybe he will catch up with Dad wherever you end up when you gone and they will share some laughs. Hold on to all your treasured memories as they will always remain a special part of your life . Thinking of you all in this very sad time .
July 03, 2021 6:30 pm
To the Whelan family,
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Max. Can still see him taking photos during our Trinity days.
A rare gem ....a farmer with a camera in hand.
Look after each other. Alice ArmisteadJuly 03, 2021 5:10 pm
All our love to the Whelan Family,
So many wonderful memories of a kind gentleman, who loved life and those he shared it with. So loving, so caring and so very mischievous.The Gardiner Family
July 03, 2021 4:09 pm
To Trish and the entire family I offer my sympathy. I only knew Max a little but he was always a friendly and lively person. I have watched the funeral ceremony today and think I can understand a little how much you will miss him. He should have been around for many more years, playing jokes and attending family events. The service was a lovely reflection of his life. Thinking of you all now and in the days, months and years ahead when you will wish he was there.
July 03, 2021 11:58 am
Dear Trish and family.
We are really sad to hear this news. Our kids fondly remember their visit to your farm.
We couldn't be at the funeral, but we were able to watch the live stream.
Much love from Leon, Robyn, Sean, Daniel, Meaghan and BrydieJuly 03, 2021 11:37 am
You left us too early Max, it’s not three quarter time yet. R.I. P Max. Condolences toTrish and the Whelan family. Go Doggies.
Hilda and Roy Bentley and families.
July 03, 2021 11:32 am
Our thoughts are with you Trish and family at this sad time, but there are so many special memories for you to treasure of a very caring gentleman.
Janet and Graham BrienJuly 03, 2021 11:28 am
Dear Trish and Family. So sorry to hear of your sudden loss. A truly beautiful service and celebration of Max's impactful life. Thinking of you all at this time. Love from Brian, Lyn Crook and family.
July 03, 2021 10:59 am
Deepest sympathy to all of the Whelan family - thinking of you all at this very sad time x
July 03, 2021 9:40 am
My deepest condolences to to you all Trish, Linda, Claire, Catherine, Angela, Terry, Alan, Trish and your families. What a terrible tragedy. A wonderful human has been taken too early. My sympathetic thoughts and prayers for you all during this tragic times. ????????????
July 03, 2021 4:41 am
Dear Trish, Alan, Christine, Linda, Angela, Claire, Terry, Catherine, Trisha and families. Words aren't enough to tell you all how incredibly saddened we are to know that such a wonderful man like Max was, has left us all. He leaves behind a legacy of what it means to be an admirable kind hearted gentleman. We will remember him very fondly. Wonderful memories we will always cherish. Thinking of you at this terribly sad time. Our love to you all from Lorry and Wayne, Emma and Mick, Daniel and Amanda, Luke and Helena, Jessica and Julian and the rest of the Phillips family. Xxx
July 03, 2021 12:00 am
Our thoughts are with you Trish, your children and partners and all your grandchildren. One of life’s true gentlemen and an inspiration to all.
Glenys and Brendan FinniganJuly 02, 2021 8:32 pm
Dearest Aunty Trish, Alan, Christine, Linda, Claire, Angela, Catherine, Trisha and families,
Keeping you all in my thoughts at this very sad time and wishing I could be with you. Uncle Max was such a wonderful man. He was a great uncle- I have such fond memories of being on the farm with him as a kid. And he was so incredibly proud of all of you. You made him so happy.
I hope you can hold on to the good times.
Much love, Trish.July 02, 2021 5:48 pm
Memories of some good times at Forrest. Sympathy to all Whelan families.
From Colin and Trish WilliamsonJuly 02, 2021 12:36 pm
Dear Trish, Alan, Christine, Linda, Claire, Terry, Angela, Catherine, Trisha and families, We are so very sorry for your loss of Max so suddenly and too soon. We know how very much he will be missed by you all & our heart goes out to you all in this sad time. Marnie, David, Owen & Addison Shepherd
July 02, 2021 11:16 am
Dear Trish and all the family. What a huge loss to you all. I can remember max telling me many stories of how Forrest was in the early days and I loved hearing about those. He didn’t think twice when we asked him to dig the holes for the foundation of our house. I remember needing his assistance one night coming home from work with an injured animal, he just smiled even though it was pitch black outside and came to my aid. You and max were there when I needed an ear to listen to my troubles. Max never judged, never assumed, never turned away from helping anyone. He was a big part of the community and I believe everyone has been touched by this special man. There are no words that I can say that would ease your pain and grief. So I will say there is no better man than max, he was a true gentleman and a great husband, father and a much missed friend to us all. It is hard to say goodbye to someone who has been a huge part of your life, love and support surround you all. Deepest sympathy from julie and Greg clarke.
July 02, 2021 8:32 am
Dear Trish and all your family I am so very sad for you all and extend my sincere sympathy to you all at this very sad time with kind thoughts Marg Riordan
July 02, 2021 7:59 am
Deepest condolences and sympathy to you all.
Such a wonderful man.July 02, 2021 7:03 am
Sending my love to you Trish and your family . I hope that the wonderful memories you have of the times spent together help in some way . It’s true they take the best cause max certainly was a truly wonderful man . My deepest condolences to you all . Erin McGrath
July 01, 2021 10:57 pm
Dear Trish, Alan, Christine, Linda, Claire, Terry, Angela, Catherine, Trisha and extended Whelan families
Deepest and heartfelt sympathies on the sudden and sad passing of Max. ????
Our thoughts are with you all
Allan, Debbie & Frizon FamilyJuly 01, 2021 6:59 pm
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Whelan family.
From
Peter Sandra and familyJuly 01, 2021 5:40 pm
To dear Trish and Whelan families,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all at this terribly sad time. Max was our lovely neighbour at Skenes Creek and a wonderful friend to Alan and Yvette Hore. Always friendly and helpful, we shall miss him. We are so sorry for your loss.
Stephanie and Wayne Ramsey.July 01, 2021 3:22 pm
MY THOUGHT ARE WITH YOU TRISH,I CANT EXPRESS WORDS .HOW YOU ARE FEELING
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOST MAX WAS A GREAT PERSON GREAT WITH HIS GRAND CHILDREN,
AND ANY ONE HE MEETJAN PEACH NEVILLE
July 01, 2021 3:21 pm
Trish and family,
Such a kind hearted man who was a such a good friend to our family. We will never forget the kind and thoughtful person that Max was, especially the special friendship to mum and dad at Skenes Creek.
A very special person who will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Jenny, Shane, Elise and Andrew, Tim and Nina and boys. XxJuly 01, 2021 11:49 am
Our deepest sympathy to Trish and the Whelan family on the tragic passing of Max, a true gentleman.
Kerry Cullen(Neale) & family
July 01, 2021 10:29 am
My thoughts are with Trish and family on the sad news of Max’s passing. He always greeted me with a happy smile and a kind word. Rest Peacefully Max. Lesley O’Neill
June 30, 2021 11:51 pm
Dear Trish and family. Still can’t quite believe what’s happened. I
am so sorry for your loss. I remember Max always having a smile, whether it was at the netball or footy all those years ago or if I ever ran into him elsewhere. It was a no brainer asking Max to be my photographer when I got married….. he would say he wasn’t professional but oh my goodness those photos were spot on! Rest peacefully Max.
Cathy Ritchie (McNabb) & Steve, Josh, Callum, Jake, Kody and Mayah xxJune 30, 2021 9:30 pm
Our deepest sympathy to Trish and all the family on the tragic loss of a truly wonderful Man.
Love Julie Brasher (née Whelan) and family xxJune 30, 2021 8:37 pm
Deepest sympathy to Trish and family, we were shocked and saddened to hear of Max’s accident and then his death. A much respected man, our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
John, Catherine Callahan and family.June 30, 2021 12:13 pm
Our thoughts and love are with you Catherine, Trav, Vogue, and Cruz on the loss of your dad, special father in law and pop.
Fond memories are yours to keep.
Deepest sympathy to the entire Whelan family.
Barb and Gary ????June 30, 2021 11:29 am
Deepest sympathy to you and your family Trish,will miss seeing him on Friday nights.
June 29, 2021 6:51 pm
To Trish and all your family,
You and Max are such great and thoughtful friends to mum and dad and our family. Beer o'clock will not be the same for them at Skenies without Max but they will keep up the tradition with you Trish.
Our thoughts are with you all
Jenny, Shane and family. ❤❤June 29, 2021 3:13 pm
To Dear Trish and all your beautiful family, Deepest sympathy from Lorraine and Chris Knight and family
June 29, 2021 1:36 pm
To Trish and Whelan Families,
Sorry to hear sad news about Max, a true gentleman.
Deepest sympathy.
Daryl Marendaz and Family.June 29, 2021 12:40 pm
To Trish and the whole Whelan family we were very saddened to hear of the passing of Max. He was a wonderfully humble man much devoted to his family. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mike and Heather GreenJune 29, 2021 12:03 pm
Deeply saddened by Max’s passing. Condolences and love to you Trish and family Fromm Eppy Hickey and families????
June 29, 2021 11:01 am
Our heartfelt sympathy to Trish and family on the sudden loss of Max - our dear cousin and childhood neighbour whose lifetime of laughter and loving kindness will remain treasured memories. Thinking of you all. Denise, Peter, Jenny and families.
June 29, 2021 9:54 am
Trish and family my deepest sympathy to you all on the sad loss of Max find memories of a lovely man
Julie CampbellJune 28, 2021 10:00 pm
Dear Trish, and the Whelan family
Our thoughts are with you all at this devastating time. I have been lucky enough to know Max, Trish and the Whelan family for over 40 years. Max was a true character with a big heart and a great sense of humour.. He was generous with his time- always ready for a chat and to lend a helping hand. . Many fond memories and stories over the years. An incredible family man and friend.
Brian Lloyd and family
June 28, 2021 8:58 pm
No words
Deepest sympathy to the whelan families
Thinking of you at this sad time
Love Kellie, Eric, Hayden and Symantha BennettJune 28, 2021 8:48 pm
dear Trish and family.....for me personally to hear of Max's passing was totally devastation and heartbreaking.....such a gentleman in every way with an amazing wife and family to be so very proud of....I cannot begin to understand how you are all feeling at this time, his parting has bought such sorrow.....my love to all, RIP to you Max....he will always be with youxx
June 28, 2021 6:50 pm
To Trish and all your families,
Such sad and tragic news with the passing of Max. Remembering days in Colac and what a wonderful husband, father and later a grandfather he was. Treasure all the happy moments you shared as they become wonderful memories.
You will all be in our thoughts.
Jan&Peter. ❤️????June 28, 2021 6:00 pm
To the entire Whelan family,
Our hearts ache for you all after the tragic loss of your precious Max. We cannot begin to fathom your pain.
We will always remember Max with fondness. We will remember his warmth and his gentleness. We will remember that beautiful smile he always shared with us when we were graced with his presence.
Please know that you all have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and our prayers.
All our love,
Jo, DOK, Billy, Annie & Jimmy O’Kelly
June 28, 2021 3:45 pm
Our families have been associated for years, either at Skenes Crk or at the farm. The loss of Max will leave a void in all our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
June 28, 2021 11:28 am
Our deepest sympathy to you Trish & your family. Many happy memories of Max from Forrest days. Love to you and all the Whelan family ????????
…Russell (Darky), Marg Williamson & Family xxJune 28, 2021 11:15 am
Deepest Condolences Trish and your family
Chris and I were so shocked to hear about Max and we were praying for his recovery.
This is sad news about Max who was just in the Prime / twilight of his life and was looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time out.
We were so glad we were able to catchup with you and Max in the last couple of weeks. Thankyou for your support during that time.
Every time I spoke to Max there was always laughter in the air.
He was always willing to offer assistant or lend a hand. He had time for everyone.
I still remember the days on the farm shooting, wood cutting, and cups of tea with Darkie. They were memories not to be forgotten with lots of laughter with Max and your family Trish.
Thankyou for the good times.
Wayne, Christine and familyJune 28, 2021 9:26 am
Our Deepest Sympathy to Trish and your beautiful family with the tragic loss of Max.We feel so much for you Trish in the hours of Max’s accident. I had the pleasure of knowing Max my whole life not just as a cousin but a brother and friend. I will miss our phone calls and fun gatherings.Max will always be the most beautiful person I have met.Gone way too soon and our Love to Irene,Patrick,Vicki and Families.Rest Peacefully mate until we meet again.
June 27, 2021 5:49 pm
Dear Trish, Alan, Christine, Linda, Claire, Terry, Angela, Catherine, Trisha and families
We send all our love, deepest and heartfelt sympathies on the sudden and sad passing of Max. A true gentleman, always up for chat. May all your wonderful and special memories bring you comfort through this difficult time.
Love Amy, Len, Leah, Alana, Adam and their families ????????June 27, 2021 5:10 pm
Dear Trish and family,our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the death of your loved husband and father Max.We know this will be a very difficult time for you all.Lots of love from Bernadette and Peter NOLAN and family ????????
June 27, 2021 3:11 pm
Deepest sympathy for Trish and family also the extended Whelan family.
Years have melted away as we remember our treasured times as neighbours.
Our thoughts are with you all at these sad and complex times,
Judith, Geoff, Richard & Sue (Mighall), KennedyJune 27, 2021 1:24 pm
Trish. & Family.. I was saddened to hear of Max,s death. Always a smile & hello when you saw him. . He will be sadly missed by Family & Friends.. Take care. Love Terri.
June 27, 2021 12:17 pm
Our Blessings and sincere condolences to you Trish, and your family and the Whelan Family on the passing of Max
Max will be sadly missed.
Love and prayers to your family.
Colleen O’ShannassyJune 27, 2021 11:43 am
Deepest sympathy to Trish and all the whelan family.I’m so sadly deepened on the passing of max,he was a true gentleman.Fond memories of him from the old time dances,my thought are with you all.
June 27, 2021 10:17 am
To Trish and family,
No words can take away the pain you feel at this sad time of loss of your much loved husband, father and Pop, Max. Our love and thoughts are with you all at this heartbreaking and difficult time.Angela, Neil, Mary, Phillip and Kim Janes
June 26, 2021 9:01 pm