Michael Devine
Obituary
DEVINE, Michael…
Michael (Mike) James Devine, 86, passed away on November 10, 2023, peacefully at Victoria Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Michael was predeceased by his best friend and wife Eleanor and his parents James and Lily. He is survived by his sister, Marie, his brother, Christopher, sister-in-law, Margaret (Maggie) and his two children, Stephen (Martha) and Karen. He was a loving grandfather to Michael (Emma), Scott (Sydney) and Emily (Marcus).
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Michael moved to Canada after World War 2 with his family. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for 31 years, as a Medical Assistant, achieving the rank of Warrant Officer. He was a Serving Brother in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. Michael was employed as an X-Ray Technician Assistant at Victoria Hospital, South Street, for 40 years. Michael’s professional life was motivated by his desire to help the sick and injured. He passed this way of life on to his children and grandchildren.
In retirement, Michael spent his days traveling and researching his family genealogy with his wife Eleanor until her passing in 2000. Michael was a lover of all thing’s history; he was an avid reader and could be found most days with his nose buried in a history book. In 2011, Michael achieved a lifelong goal of traveling to see Juno Beach and Vimy Ridge. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Cremation has taken place and Michael will be interred at a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be much appreciated. A Celebration of Life Event will be held on Saturday, November 25th, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Officer’s Mess at HMCS Prevost, 19 Beecher Street, London. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
“Mike”, as I remember him, was an incredible man. He had an infectious smile and a look in his eyes that made it easy to understand why Eleanor fell in love with him. Generous to a fault sometimes, he cared deeply for children, Steve and Karen, and then later for his grandchildren, Michael, Scott and Emily. He wanted to see them succeed in life and obtain the best education that they wished to achieve…and they each succeeded accordingly.
What I admired the most about Mike was his devotion and dedication to the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, and the preservation of “never forgetting” the sacrifices made by others. I guess it was only befitting that Mike passed on the eve of the 11th day of the 11th month. Attending Remembrance Day ceremonies were very important to Mike, and by extension, to his family.
Mike is with Eleanor now. And, I can only assume that that smile of his is absolutely beaming.
Will love and miss him dearly. He treated me like family from day one.
I’ll miss our outings and dinners together at holidays. Sweet dreams Mike.
We have very fond memories of Mike when we worked in the X-ray Department at Victoria Hospital. A very knowledgeable man with a great sense of humour.
We extend our condolences to all his family.
Our sincere condolence to family and friends. Our paths crossed a number of times over the years and always on the best of terms. Mike, you will be missed but never forgotten.