Sending my Deepest and Sincerest Condolences to the Entire Whelan Family.
Condolences for Joseph John Whelan
Sending my deep condolences. Joe was an amazing guy. We, like many others, met at Kezars & became friends at Kezars Pub :). Joe knew I didn’t really love to run, but I loved the after run time sharing drinks & stories. We cheered races, went to Vegas, help in Houston after the hurricane … Bday parties & most recently boat ride. I always stayed late at the jingle run so that we could share a drink together and catch up. I’ll miss you joe. Thanks for being in my life.
20 years of friendship.
I will most definitely miss you!
So many people know you as there run coach but you where so much more. You were there for everybody yet not many people knew what lied beneath the surface.
Love you Joe
So sorry to loss my cousin. Although we did not know each other, because I am your older cousin. Yes my Dad Jack and your Dad, Jim, were brothers. RIP
Joe,
I'll never forget my first night coming to track, thinking I would just come once. Because of you and the community of Kezar Road Runners, I started coming back every Wednesday. Even on the nights when it was foggy and cold and I didn't want to run, I knew you'd be there, ready to gently push us all. Through track, I made lifelong friends and developed the courage to run my first marathon and then ultimately an ultra. You came and cheered me on at every race. You told me once that what made me a good runner was that I pushed hard during the interval sets and went super easy during the rest. I have tried to apply those words of wisdom to my life and career. You were one of the most generous people I've ever known. Always quick to buy a beer and to celebrate at the pub. I'll treasure the time we ran the Hood to Coast relay together with other KRR runners. We couldn't celebrate at the finish line because of a torrential rain and windstorm that had blown away all the tents. But no matter. We found a way to get beers anyway!
You touched all of us in innumerable ways and modeled what it meant to support and coach others. Thank you for your kindness and your gentle spirit--for knowing when to push and when to hug. I couldn't have asked for a better coach or friend.
Joe was a truly wonderful coach and mentor to THOUSANDS of runners and walkers through Team in Training. I remember going to Maui with the team and sitting next to him on the flight. Just chatting, and having a beer, (of course!) and getting to know one of the nicest people ever made for a short plane ride. Joe cared about his friends so deeply, and it was always evident. He will be missed by so many. I imagine him now, organizing a training run with the angels.
My deepest condolences to the Whelan family. Joe and I hadn’t seen each other since he moved to San Francisco, but had always promised each other a drink through the years. I’ll eventually take him up on that. A good man and good friend gone too soon that will be missed.