Michael Emmett Whalen, 71

Michael Emmett Whalen, 71, November 29, 1952 — October 18, 2024. Our beloved brother Mike passed away after a long battle with cancer. Fiercely independent, Mike fought to the end, even walking himself out to the gurney for a ride to the ER the day before he passed. 

He was born at March Air Force Base in Victorville, California, where his father was stationed. He spent his happy early childhood in Conrad, where his dad worked as a high school math teacher. The growing family moved to Great Falls, where Mike spent his audacious formative years attending St. Gerard’s Elementary and Central High School, graduating in 1971. He attended Gonzaga University and University of Montana earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-med focus. 

Mike combined his thirst for adventure with his vocations working on the trail crew in Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Parks, in the ski industry, as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and Oregon, and as a skilled carpenter. Mike had a strong spiritual centeredness and a deep love of nature.  

He treasured his many friends and family above all else, especially his fellow Mustangs from Central High School. Mike loved skiing in Ketchum, Idaho, and at Big Mountain in Whitefish, rowing rivers particularly the Middle Fork of the Salmon, biking, and back-country hiking. He had a thirst for travel and wandered the world. Nepal held a special place in his heart. Although his saxophone talent never took him far, Mike loved music. His final concert was seeing Lucinda Williams in Missoula this fall.  

Many will remember Mike for his countless kind acts and service to his community. 

Mike was enveloped in the love of a devoted family. Those who made it to the pearly gates first: Ina May and Emmett (E.J.) Whalen, and brother-in-law Paul Floro; those who remain to carry on: sisters, Theresa Leland (Brian) of Bozeman, Peggy Floro of Petersburg, Alaska, Monica Whalen (Dan Hinckley) of Salt Lake City, and Cynthia Whalen of San Francisco. 

Please join us at the celebrations of Mike’s life and interment of ashes ceremony.     

A gathering will be November 2, 4 p.m. at Whitefish City Beach. Followed by a celebration of life at 5 p.m. at The Whitefish Moose Lodge. A committal will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls Montana, 3 p.m. Nov. 22, and a remembrance reception will follow starting 4pm at 3-D International Restaurant & Lounge.