Brian Whipp is someone I will never forget. He gave me a huge break that started my career in the IT field back in 1981. I was a somewhat lost 21 year old kid when he gave me a very informal interview at The Edmonton Sun one evening for a computer operator position. A few days later he told me the job was mine and I went on to enjoy a rewarding career that lasted almost 19 years there.

He left Edmonton not long after he hired me but we kept in touch frequently over the years as he ended up working in the same department at The Calgary Sun. I left in ’99 and hadn’t spoken to him since unfortunately. Last year I discovered he owned a campground with his wife in northern Alberta and thought I should contact him. I procrastinated, but today I Googled his name to find his contact info and I was shocked and very sad to find his obituary.

As everyone knows, Brian was a special one-of-a-kind man – very smart and very easy going with a great sense of humour. It seemed nothing ever fazed him much, he always rolled with the punches. I owe Brian a huge debt of gratitude and it’s now too late to thank him properly. He had an enormous positive effect on my life and I wish I could tell him that. I regret not calling him last year when I could have. He is no doubt being missed by many. My condolences to Brian’s family and wife Kim.

We are so deeply saddened to hear about Brian’s passing. We will miss seeing Brian biking around the campground or rushing to our aide with some extra spaghetti. He was always smiling, and his kind heart knew no bounds. He will be deeply missed. We wish you srength as you go through such a difficult time.

We were very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I always enjoyed chatting with Brian as we filled our trailer water tank, we will miss him at the campground. Our thoughts are with you Kim.

Derek,Lori,Max and Finn Torringa

Spruce Grove,AB

I was shocked to learn the news that Brian has passed away.

I knew Whipp through Fay and Carl in Edmonton.

I am so sorry for your loss!

I would like to extend my condolences to Brian’s family. Gonna miss you Chas.

I was saddened to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Our annual trips to Freeman were made all the better because of Brian and Kim, and he will be sorely missed.

Kim, you are in our hearts in this difficult time.

Our family only knew Brian for 4 years, and only for the short time we had available to camp at Freeman. What a great person and along with Kim, the perfect hosts. Endless memories in such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kim.

I would like to extend my condolences to the family. I met Brian at The Edmonton Sun many years ago. He was a great, smart, guy who invited friendship. You will be missed.

Hi Kim,

We are very sorry for your loss. Brian will be missed. If you need anything please be sure to call. You’re in our thoughts.

Mark, Louise, Curtis, Brittany and Jacqueline Ralston

Fort Assiniboine

Whipper, you will be sadly missed, you made a lot of people’s jobs a whole lot easier, with your can-do attitude & great personality.

I first met Brian at the Edmonton Sun, we also worked together at the Calgary Sun, 19 years together old friend, you will always be missed.

Ron Farmer

Councillor

Village of Vilna, Alberta

Dear Kim, Although we never met Brian, we have been close friends of Brian’s sister Diane and her husband Don for many, many years. To you Kim and to the Bullock and Whipp families, we send our sincere sympathy. The many touching messages of condolence and tributes to Brian show what a great person and wonderful husband Brian really was. In Brian’s memory we are sending a donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. God Bless!

Sincerely,

Sonny & Betty Chisholm

Goderich, Ont.

We have just learned of Brian’s untimely passing. Doug knew Brian way back in high school in Petrolia, and the two would occasionally cross paths in Calgary. Please accept our deepest sympathies over your loss.

Our sympathies to the Whipp and Bullock families. Over the years we lost contact with Pat’s cousins the Whipps and with Uncle Charlie, but it still came as a big shock when Barb told us about Brian’s passing. We can tell from all the online messages that Brian was dearly loved by his family and many many friends. We will be in touch.

Love,

Pat and Kee, London, ON

Dear Kim and family,

Grant and I are so very sorry to hear about Brian. We were truly blessed to know him—–1 in a million for sure. Remember him riding around on his bike at the campground checking things out. Hours spent at the store just chatting and Grant trying to help Brian with the quad. Sorry we could not make it to the service-weather was an issue. Take care and God Bless.

My condolences to the Whipp and Bullock families. I remember Brian from our days at the Petrolia Advertiser-Topic back in the 70s.

The Whipp family was like my second home during my teen years and was a very strong influence in my decision to follow a career in the newspaper business. It’s so sad to see yet another brother in this business pass on.

Through tears of sorrow, and great joy, I remember Whipper as one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest of men. Though it was long ago when we worked and roomed together, the memories never fade. Thanks, pal, and rest easy. Strength to Kim and Brian’s family and many friends.

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Brian. We will miss his friendliness and the willingness to make our camping more enjoyable. We will miss him greatly. It was a pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kim and your families.

From Dan & Linda Simard; Harold & Georgina Cober; Garnet Simard/Claudette Lappin

Kim,

I am so sorry (and shocked) to hear about Brian :( I wish I had known last week so I could’ve been at the funeral to give you a big hug! You and Brian were the perfect match! I know you have so many wonderful memories of him…as do we…baseball game ring any bells? :)

I haven’t seen or talked to Brian in years, but I do remember his smile and his kindness….and how much he loved you!! Please take care of yourself. If you need anything PLEASE let me know. My heart goes out to you and Charlie!

Love Amy

Kim and families:We are shocked and devastated by the loss of a very dear and loyal friend that we had the pleasure of having in our midst for over 30 yrs. He was there when I got married, standing by my side, and was there in the same manner for the duration of our time together. He will truly be missed. I know that he was extremely happy with you, his soul mate Kim, and also happy at Freeman River. I am so appreciative of our conversation the Friday night before his health took the sudden turn, and I will cherish that conversation and the fact that he took the time to call me, what a precious gift!!! His memory will live on in our hearts and in our conversations. Thanks for being a true friend!!!

My condolences to Brian’s family and friends. It was a shock to hear of his passing. I too want to add my fond memories of “Whipper” from the Calgary Sun. No matter how crazy or stressful the times, Whipper would handle himself with this calm demeanor on the outside. He always dealt with our issues and made my life easier whenever possible.

Hi Kim…..it was such a shock to see Brian’s obituary in the Barrhead Leader today. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and my prayers are with you. I will miss our conversations we had when I stopped for ice cream on the way to Goose Lake every weekend. Don Baron-Barrhead

Kim, Words cannot express how shocked I am. Our times at your campground have been some of the happiest holidays and hold very special memories for me and my children. I hope that you can find some comfort in those memories.

Sending you our love…

Kim and family, I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the Whipper was gone. He was a friend that I have known for more than 20 years and I will miss him. Brian’s BIG SMILE and big heart was what Brian was all about and anybody that knew him would agree. Whipper, I will miss those times we spent together talking about world events and how technology was going to change how we worked and played. Know one thing buddy you left your mark on all of us that knew you and you will be missed!

My condolences go out to all of the family for their loss.

Your Friend

Jeff

Dear Kim, Charlie and both your families:

I am greatly saddened to hear that Brian has passed away and wish you to know that you are in Lexie and my thoughts. I did not know a kinder soul during my time at the Sun, during which Brian and I became good friends.

To the Bullock and Whipp families: our sincere condolences for your loss Kim. Brian – ‘The Whipp’ as we dubbed him, was a wonderful guy and good friend to us over the years. Whenever he came this way, he would make a point to drop in for a visit. He always had lots of interesting tales to tell and we shared many a hearty laugh with him. Even though we hadn’t seen him in quite some time, we would always ask any of the ‘old bunch’ out West, if they’d seen Brian and how he was doing. We did know that he had married ‘you’ and that life got busy (er), once you bought the campground. He will be missed. Love and prayers…Joe and Toni O’Keefe

Hello Kim and family. I am Karen Scott a good lifetime friend of Diane Stinson. We grew up across the street from each other in Sarnia, Ontario. I got to know all the family and we kept in touch all the while when growing up. I knew Brian very well when he was young. I used to spend time at Charlie and Mary’s house. The boys were always there and I really enjoyed the family. I have not talked to Brian for quite a while but Diane would keep me posted. I was very sorry to hear about Brian and I want you to know that I will always have fond memories of Brian when we were young. Diane and I are still good friends and still see each other. Karen Scott – Goderich, Ontario

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Vy & Jamie

Kim, We met Brian through Carl back in the 80’s and have always had great conversations, plenty of laughs and just a great time. I am glad we had a chance to see him on his birthday and never thought it would be the last time. I am truly lost for words to comfort you, and know that we are so sorry for your loss.

Kim & Tom Hudson

Kim and the Whipp family, I am sorry to read of Brian’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Brian for 15 years at the Calgary Sun. Brian really was a good guy and helped me tremendously with computer issues involving the newspaper. I had the opportunity to socialize with Brian on numerous occasions and we always had good conversation and lots of laughs. I wish that I could of celebrated his life with you today. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely

Louis Myers

Very sad news. I worked with Whipper at the Calgary Sun for many years. You knew he was a good guy just by the unfailingly calm and good-natured way he handled all the craziness those of us in the sports department subjected him to. Sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Dearest Kim, Bullock and Whipp families

I am so sorry I can’t be at Brian’s service today but will be thinking about you and your families, wishing you much strength and courage to cope as best you can during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss Kim. Losing your soul mate is an earth shattering experience that forever changes your life and nothing I can say can take away the pain you you are feeling. I will miss Brian deeply but he will always hold a very special place in my heart. I amoung many will carry and live his memory as he has been such an amazing friend over the years. I feel grateful that we all got a chance to see you guys last October at Carl and Fay’s and hope there will be an opportunity to see you once everything settles a bit. Take good care Kim, surround yourself with those who love and care about you. Big hugs and much love. Judi

Kim,

I’m so sorry for your loss. It just breaks my heart. I hope in time the pain you feel eases and the wonderful memories make you smile. My sincerest condolences.

Kim:

My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. I know how close you and Brian were and how special you were to each other! We will all miss him.

Kim, we are so sorry for the loss of your husband, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Kim

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kim, you have been blessed and privliged to have spent time with Bryan during some of his most happiest times, and so have we.

Bill and I are truly going to miss Bryan.

We always will remember his cool conversations, dropping wood off, having some laughs and always taking the time to send a Christmas card and post pictures of the the events that went on at the campground. Thank you, Bryan.

Take Care, Kim

May God’s peace be with you during this time.

Love and Friendship

Bill and Robin

You have our truest sympathies for your loss. We know that you have a good group of supporters there. What we knew of Brian is that he was kind and gentle. I wish that we could have gotten to know him better. Take care Kim.

Our thoughts are with you. Gary, Debbie and family

Kim, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Connie & George

We are thinking of you in your time of loss. It is never easy loosing someone that you love. Our hearts are with you.

From

Stan, Grace & Kim

Kim

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, we know times like this are never easy, so our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.

Stan, Grace & Kim Martin

We send our deepest sympathy to Kim and the family. We loved Brian. He was such a kind and helpful person. We will miss him dearly. Again our deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Our thoughts & prayers are with Kim &family. The Maxwell family.

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with Kim and all who knew and loved Brian. We particularly enjoyed Brians wit and humour. He was truly a good man.

Dear Kim;

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are deeply saddened by your loss. Know that Brian will watch over you from a far better place.

As Always, Ray & Florence Duczek

Dear Kim, Whipp Family, and the Bullock Family,

I just read Brian’s obituary and you covered all that needs to be said.

Kim, I remember you telling me after your 1st season at the rv park that Brian had told you that that was the happiest time of his life. He was living his dream with his soulmate. The two of you lived life to the fullest, and you should have had many more years.

Brian will be loved and remembered forever.

Thinking of you all,

with my deepest sympathy,

Carol.

Sincere condolences to Kim and family on the loss of Brian.

I worked with Brian at the Calgary Sun, and always found him to be cheerful, hard working, ready to do whatever he was asked.

We will all miss him greatly.

===Jack Sheedy

Dear Kim.

We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Brian. He was such a SPECIAL friend for so many yrs. He always made time to drop by for a visit to let us know what was going on in your lives, and just how happy you both were with you new life adventure with the RV park. All the new things that he was learning to do. We who had the privilege to know Brian were so blessed to have him in our lives. We will miss him lots. Take care of yourself and Charlie (who I know will miss him also) talk to you soon, Love Sherry

We are very saddened by the passing of Brian, who we fondly called Whipper during our days at the Calgary Sun.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.

Rita Mingo and George Johnson

On Behalf of the Nunn’s were sorry for your loss Kim. He was a great fellow and will be truly missed.

I have known Whipper since Jan. 1978, when we first met at The Edmonton Sun then later worked with Brian at The Calgary Sun. Brian was also the photographer at our wedding.

He was a great guy and will be missed.

Terry and Jo-Ann Strachan

Kim,

My deepest regrets on the loss of Brian. He was always a true friend ready to help me whenever the moment arose. He was truly the best friend anyone could’ve had. You know this. My constant thoughts are with you and Whipper. Wish there was something I say that would make you feel better but I so admire your strength. I really do wish you the very best as time passes.

Kim,

My heart aches so much for you. Brian meant so much to all of us. He was a wonderful, wonderful man who loved you and your family so much. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. We have great memories to cherish. Know that he is with you. And as Carol said, the time he spent with you at Freeman River was the best time of his life.

He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Kim

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Brian. I’ve known him for 25+ years when I first moved to Calgary. He was a delight. He was always interested in what other people were doing and always made time to call just to say hi. I know he loved the campground life and would always ‘consult’ me on the price of ice-cream. He was a great support to me in the last couple of years during my hardship and I will never forget that. I will miss him terribly.

My dear Kim, and all your family. I an so shocked to hear, through Nancy and Bruce, of the news of Brian. I always looked so forward to seeing you both when I had the chance to vacation at Freeman River, and I can’t imagine him not being there. No matter where you went, whether buying ice cream, or just wandering, you were always sure to spot him bustling around. I’m so sorry I couldn’t tell you this in person, but just couldn’t be there. I’ll think of you often. Most sincerely, Edie.

We are so sorry for your loss Kim. There are no words to say how deeply saddened we are. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this very difficult time. Brian will be truly missed by all of us.

Kim, we are so sorry for your loss. Brian was a great guy and we always enjoyed talking with him. We regret that we never got up to your campground to visit you.

Please know our thoughts are with you.

Dear Kim,

We are so sorry for your loss and for all the stress you both had to endure with Brian’s unexpected diagnosis. Hopefully memories of your time together will ease your grief and the support of friends and family will comfort you.

Our sincere condolences, Betty and Terry McKay

Kim,

Although at a time like this there is little we can do or say to comfort you, I hope it helps in some small way to know we are thinking of you. When we think of Brian what comes to mind is all the great times we shared with you when the family got together. He was comfortable to be around, a gentle soul, non-judgemental, a bit of calm in the Bullock clan. He was one of those special people in the world who made it a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marie and Arne

Our deepest condolences to you Kim. Brian may be gone but his memory will live on through the memories of his friends and family. We will never forget the good times and conversations spent around the fire at Freeman River.

Words can not express how deeply sorry I am for your loss Kim. Please know you are in my thoughts . Brain was an exceptionally good man , who touched everyone he met in some some way , I wish I could be there but please know that I care . love always Val

Kim and family,

It was with deep sadness that we extend our condolences for your loss. Brian was one part of a team that made the atmosphere at Freeman River so inviting. He alway took time to visit with each and every camper, introducing us to others, lending a hand with us novices and ensuring that everyone’s stay was memorable. We feel honored to have known him, and wish we could be with you to lend a shoulder during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you Kim.

We are deeply saddened, and perhaps still in shock, at the events of this past week.

Our hearts go out to Kim (who Brian treasured!) & family, and especially to Uncle Charlie, Diane, Ted and Bill. Brian deserved more time on this earth. We thought highly of him. We particularly enjoyed his zest for life and were enriched by his friendship. Even though we saw cousin Brian infrequently, we were always close. Love, Barb and Dennis

We love you Uncle Brian, you will be missed.

I’m sorry for your loss Kimmy and to all his relatives and friends. I wish I had more time to have spent with you both. My heart is with you, Take care

Your friend Barry.