- His Stampede Wrestling (1957) was syndicated worldwide and brought Mr. Whalen great fame in many countries. He accepted invitations to Guyana and Belize, but turned down the opportunity to visit Idi Amin in Uganda for dinner - as he said, he wasn't sure if he was to be the guest of honour or the entree.
- Married to former city councillor and marriage commissioner Nomi Whalen.
- Known as "Mr. Calgary" due to his work with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation and other charitable organizations.
- Once hit out-of-control wrestler Abdullah the Butcher in the head with his microphone during a taping of Stampede Wrestling. The wrestler needed 13 stitches.
- Member of the CFAC/Global news and sports department for over 44 years.
- Voice of the Calgary Flames.
- Got into broadcasting in 1948. Whalen was headed for medical school (at the insistence of his parents) when he heard about a part-time job in radio. He auditioned and got the job. Three months later, he joined the station full-time.
He was in the radio business for over 50 years. - Public memorial service was held at the Pengrowth Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames. Over 2000 people attended the memorial. Attendees included Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Mayor Dave Bronconnier and Alberta Premier Ralph Klein.
- Has a public hockey arena named after him in Calgary, Alberta.
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