Walden Henry Whyman (“Wally”) of McKinney, Texas and formerly from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away on January 4, 2021, at the age of 89. He was born on September 5, 1931, to Henry C. Whyman and Alice (Bengtson) Whyman in New York City, New York. He married Hope Noxon on January 28, 1956, in Baldwin, New York. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this month.
Wally had a love for the ocean and water which began at a young age while growing up on Long Island Sound. He was a life-long sailor of the Eastern US Coast, and later on Lake Erie. He was happiest on the water, with the sun shining, and a stiff breeze in the sails. He left New York to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, and it was there he discovered his love for ensemble singing, which became a large part of his and his family’s life and ministry. Music was important, whether formal sacred selections in church choir or family sing-alongs accompanied by Wally playing his guitar. He and his family enjoyed traveling and they spent several years living abroad in both Brussels, Belgium, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on work assignments as a Business Executive. Wally loved immersing himself in different cultures and languages as it was a way to hear others’ stories and connect with people.
He was a spiritual person, coming from a long line of United Methodist clergy. Assuredly he knew the gospel, but more importantly, he lived it. He had an intelligent, self-deprecating wit, which sometimes bordered on the profound. An honorable man of integrity in all respects, and faithful spouse to Hope, whom he cared for without thought of his own needs through her long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Even through his own health struggles, he was devoted to Hope and was so thankful, grateful, and proud of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and for the blessings of family that he and Hope enjoyed. He cherished each grandchild and great-grandchild. He had a humble, gracious, and tender heart, which he willingly shared with others. His beautiful soul will be sorely missed.
Wally is survived by his wife, Hope Whyman of McKinney, Texas; son, Peter Whyman (Francine) of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Wendy Vetter (Bud) of Mansfield, Ohio; and daughter, Susan Elliott (Todd) of Lucas, Texas; grandchildren, Michelle Whyman, Mira Whyman, and John Whyman; Kelly (Vetter) Coley (Tyler), Jenny (Vetter) Kraus (Jason), and Tom Vetter (Caitlin); Gavin Elliott, Avery Elliott, Aidan Elliott and Amelia Elliott; great-grandchildren, Noah, Andrew, and Luke Coley; Audrey and Braxton Kraus; and Charlie and Henry Vetter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alice Whyman and his sister, Carolyn Byrne.
There will be a private family burial service on the shores of Lake Erie at a later date.
The family requests any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://alz.org.