Luke Edward Whalen

Luke Edward Whalen died peacefully on September 9, 2024 at Pete Moore Hospice house in Eugene, Oregon. 

Luke was born in Austin, Minnesota on July 12th, 1965, to Daniel Whalen and Marie “Geri” Metcalf Whalen, joining his 3 older brothers Tim, Matt, and Alan.  In 1976 his family moved to Eugene, Oregon where his mom and dad had purchased a par 3 golf course and driving range.  Luke graduated from Marist High School in 1983. He worked at Fiddler’s Green growing up and for many years after, and then at Emerald Pool and Patio and the RV Corral.  He loved working and loved the people he worked with.

They say a cat has 9 lives, and Luke had far more than 9.  And during those many lives he made a lot of friends.  Luke had a large, generous heart and a great sense of humor and he will be remembered for that.

When the Eugene Airport had their Flying People Art installation years ago it was always nice to have Luke see us off on our journeys and greet us when we returned.

Luke is survived by his two German Shepherds Stella and Sadie, who will be well taken care of, brothers Tim (Gail), Matthew, and Alan (Patty), sister-in-law Beth Whalen, nieces and nephew Meghan, Laura, Ryan, Madeleine, and Alyssa, and step-niece Brooke. He was pre-deceased by his mom and dad. 

Luke’s family would like to thank those who were responsible for his medical care: the staff in the ICU and on the neurological floor at Riverbend, Dr. Binaya Rimal at the Oregon Lung Institute, and his long-time physician Dr. Mark Lyon.  We are grateful for the care and kindness he received from them. 

There will be a Funeral Mass in Eugene on Thursday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peter’s Church, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Pete Moore Hospice House, Greenhill Humane Society, or some cause close to your heart.

Godspeed, Luke…