Pennsauken Scouts Lose Dedicated Leader, Friend
By Mary Anne McFarland
On Saturday, April 1, 2017 after being injured at work, Michael Whelan, Jr., a dedicated leader with Boy Scout Troop 118 and Cub Scout Pack 116, passed away from his injuries.
Michael Whelan, Jr., a dedicated leader with Boy Scout Troop 118 and Cub Scout Pack 116, passed away on April 1, 2017.
Whelan joined Cub Scout Pack 116 with his son, Michael III, and became an integral part of the Pack leadership team. He generally preferred to stay behind the scenes and his passion was the annual Pinewood Derby. Even after Michael III graduated to Boy Scouts, Mike continued to come back to the Pack each year to cut and shape the Pinewood Derby cars for the new generations of racers. If his work scheduled allowed, he would come and help with the weigh-ins and be a race official on race day. He was awarded the Pack and Troop Outstanding Volunteer award multiple times.
When his son joined Boy Scout Troop 118, Mike came with him, again assuming a behind-the-scenes leadership role. He was an “unofficial Assistant Scoutmaster,” often accompanying Scoutmaster Tom McCue on their camping trips and other activities. Even after Michael III earned Eagle, Mike continued to stay with the Troop and work, helping boys become good, decent young men. Most recently he served the Troop as treasurer.
Mike will be missed by the leadership and the boys. They will be showing their respect and appreciation by serving as an honor guard at his funeral. He is survived by his wife Noel, son Michael, daughter Mary Catherine, his mom and dad, and one brother and three sisters.
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