A Midland academic, well known for his work in education and the church, has died aged 74.
Dr Michael Whelan passed away peacefully at home in Kenilworth on July 31 following a battle with throat cancer.
He was one of the founding trustees of the Friends of the Holy Land, a national charity developed over the last four years to support the Christian community in Israel through projects and regular pilgrimages.
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He was recognised for his devotion to the Holy Land in 2011 when he was honoured with the Freedom of Bethlehem.
Throughout his life Dr Whelan was involved in supporting educational projects, including serving as a governor of St Augustine’s school, in Warwickshire.
He also set up the Friends of Warwick University Chaplaincy, acting as chairman for ten years.
In 1980 he was involved in the organising committee for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Coventry.
John Bradshaw, national committee member of the Friends of the Holy Land, said: “Michael’s personality, kindness and spirit of dedication encouraged others to join him in his mission.
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“His gentleness and care for the poor and needy was an inspiration reflected in his maxim ‘Doing nothing is not an option’.
“Michael will be greatly missed in many circles, above all by his family, fellow parishioners in Kenilworth, and by everyone involved in The Friends of the Holy Land, the organisation that is his great legacy.”
Dr Whelan was born in Birmingham on July 8, 1939, to Phyliss Margaret and Edward Whelan and had six siblings.
Educated at St Philip’s Grammar school in Edgbaston, Birmingham, he was deputy head boy and gained school colours.
He attended the University of Leeds and graduated in 1961 before he went on to obtain a postgraduate Diploma at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, and joining the staff at Ratcliffe College, teaching physics.
He married Norah Keniry of Birmingham in 1963, having known her since primary school.
In 1965 he completed a doctorate PhD in low temperature physics at the University of East Anglia and went on to have a successful career as a business consultant in the field of IT.
He leaves his wife, Norah, three children, Patricia, Michael and Rachel, and seven grandchildren.