Flag will fly at half mast for two members of the York community

The flag will be lowered from sunrise today and will remain at half mast until 1 pm tomorrow in honour of Michael Whealen, writing instructor in the Centre for Academic Writing, Faculty of Arts, and Justin Cumming, a second year student in the Faculty of Science & Engineering.

Mr. Whealen is described by his colleagues as being a gifted writing instructor and an irreverent wit who was loved by all who knew him. Funeral services for Mr. Whealen will be announced shortly.

Justin Cumming died on Saturday, March 7 from injuries he sustained in a traffic accident. He was just 23 and a second-year student in the Faculty of Science & Engineering. A science enthusiast, Justin was studying physics. He was well-liked among his peers and his classmates have expressed sadness upon learning of his death.

Justin leaves his parents Rita and Michael, his sister Lisa and grandmother Sara. Visitation for Justin will take place today, from 10 to 11am at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street at Goulding, south of Steeles. A funeral service will begin at 11am.

As an expression of sympathy, the family requests that donations be made to PETA or the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Online condolences can be made to the family on the R.S. Kane Web site.