Obituary of WHIPP – Brian John

“Whipper” October 25, 1955 – January 25, 2011 It is with great sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Brian Whipp on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family. Brian was born in Sarnia, ON on October 25, 1955. Brian learned the printing trade at the Petrolia Advertiser-Topic, owned by his father Charles. He worked as the production manager of the student newspaper at the University of Western Ontario, bringing that paper to a level of quality and profitability. In the late 1970’s he moved to Alberta to further his education at NAIT as a computer technician. He began his career at the Edmonton Sun where he was asked to set up the IT department for the fledgling Calgary sun in 1980. Here, he was employed for twenty-seven years, where he eventually became the manager of the IT system’s Department. In 1991 Brian met his soulmate Kim Bullock while they both worked at the Sun. They quickly formed a very close relationship complimenting each other’s personalities. They loved travelling together and spending time with their many friends and family members. In 2007, Brian left the Calgary Sun to start a new enterprise. He and wife Kim purchased the Freeman River RV Park located in Fort Assiniboine, AB. This move demonstrated Brian’s spirit of adventure and Kim’s complete confidence in his entrepreneurial capabilities. It has been a very exciting, rewarding, and fun time for them. Brian enjoyed the campground life, making many new friends, and even learning how to make picnic tables! Brian was also very community orientated wherever he lived – be it Calgary, Airdrie, Sparwood, or Fort Assiniboine. Most recently he volunteered to help create and launch the tourist action plan called Wild Alberta. Brian was a talented photographer and techie who enjoyed biking, cooking for Kim, and playing and wrestling with their dog Charlie. Kim and Brian loved to spend part of their winters in Mexico and in their condo in Sparwood. Brian was predeceased by his mother Mary in 1989, his father-in-law Sam Bullock in 2008, and brother-in-law Richard Hill. He is mourned by his beloved wife Kim; his father Charles (Michele); sister Diane (Don); brothers, Ted (Karen) and Bill; his nieces, Olivia and Paige; and his nephews Tim (Shelly) and Derek. He will also be greatly missed by Kim’s family, mother-in-law Betty Bullock; brothers-in-law, Sam (Eunice), Randy (Linda) and Rick; sisters-in-law Karen Tecza (Elwin), Kathy Henderson (Dale); and numerous nieces and nephews. Such a good guy, he will be greatly missed. Loved lots, Wife and family Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.) on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.) on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Brian Whipp, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.