January 12, 1929-January 10, 2003
Fred Devlin passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home in Dartmouth, N.S.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen; children, John (Nonita) of Guelph, Ont., Andrew (Leila) of Halifax, N.S., and Kim Taylor (Mike) of Lunenberg, N.S.; grandchildren, Sean Devlin, Aaron Taylor and Allison Taylor; as well as family in Chilliwack, sisters, Louise Percher (Bob), Elvia Conroy (Bud), and Sister Ethel Devlin; brothers, Omer (Carmie), and Lloyd (Ann) of Lac La Hache.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Mathilde; and brother Leonard.
Born in North Battleford, Sask., Fred moved with his parents and siblings to Chilliwack in 1944. Spending his teenage years in Chilliwack, Fred completed high school in 1947 and subsequently joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a radio repairman. His 27 years of Naval service were highlighted by his commissioning from the ranks, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander, serving on both Canadian coasts and at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, and completing an exchange posting with the Royal Navy. In 1975, Fred retired from military service and became a French Immersion teacher with the Halifax School Board, remaining there until retirement in 1988.
Tireless and dedicated to the betterment of others, Fred was a respected community volunteer for a variety of organizations; dictated talking books for the CNIB; was active in the Liberal Party, the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union and Alliance Francaise, and generously contributed to many charities.
His deep love of family and sport were cornerstones to his active and vibrant life, and he is fondly remembered as a patriotic, kind-hearted and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour.
There will be a Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Chilliwack, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 10 a.m., Fr. Gary Gordon, Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QEII Hospital Foundation, 1278 Tower Rd., Bethune Bldg., Halifax, N.S. B3H 2Y9.