Michael Whelan with Roger Llewellyn at the Society’s Annual Dinner in 2009
The Society is sad to announce the death of Michael Whelan, a good friend to Holmesians and Sherlockians on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world. He died on 30th October 2021 after some years of illness bravely borne and doughtily fought, and had every intention of attending the 2022 January celebrations of The Baker Street Irregulars.
Mike was the ‘Wiggins’ of the Irregulars for 23 years until passing the mantle on to Michael Kean in January 2020 – having taken over from Tom Stix in 1997. He was a formidable figure both in physical stature and practical authority and, together with his wife Mary Ann Bradley, oversaw the vicissitudes of piloting the BSI through two decades of change.
Mike was one of the most senior members of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London, having joined in 1969. His imposing presence at Annual Dinners at the House of Commons was unmistakeable, very welcome and a wonderful affirmation of the ‘Quartering Flag’ culture among Holmesians (and Sherlockians).
Mike was a collector as well as an organiser: he was infuriatingly delighted in obtaining ownership of one of the best Sidney Paget original Sherlock Holmes drawings – especially since he purchased it from Douglas Wilmer!
Keeping the Sherlockian memory green is a given for most of us: Mike Whelan went above and beyond in organisational skills, affability and gaining all-around regard from his peers.
