Gardner Whalen Obituary (2012)

Gardner A. Whalen, Sr., 78, of Lebanon, died at his home on Friday, April 20, 2012.Gardner was born in Sullivan, Maine on April 1, 1934 to Cecil and Mabel (Strout) Whalen the 18th of 21 children and attended local schools. Gardner held several jobs during his life including working for Bath Iron Works, Rochester Shoe, Molly Trolley Corp., driving a bus for MSAD 60 and for Simplex.Gardner enjoyed spending time at the Sanford OTB where he was known by his friends as the "Old Dawg." When he was younger he also played on the church softball team. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows Hall in Milton Mills. Gardner was a football fan and enjoyed rooting for the New England Patriots. He liked to spend time at his home watching the wildlife and was particularly fond of the deer and turkeys.Gardner was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis M. Whalen and by a son, Gardner Whalen Jr.Surviving are four children, Ruth Whalen, Ella Kneeland and her husband Norman, Lisa Gray and her husband Frank and Steven Whalen and his wife Martha and many grandchildren.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 11:00 AM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford Maine. A reception will follow at the Sanford OTB.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association, 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.