John Richard Devins

It is with profound sorrow, and endless love that we mourn the passing of our doting father and superhero grandfather, John Richard Devins. After a courageous and heroic battle with not one, but three beastly diseases: Parkinson's, Dementia and Lymphoma, John fought hard every day and brought meaning to Dylan Thomas' poem "Do Not Go Gentle."  He prayed often with friends and family, thankful for each God-given day. John went to be with his Lord and Saviour, surrounded by loved ones, on February 21st, 2026 at Anson General Hospital in Iroquois Falls. 

John is predeceased by his dedicated wife of 50 years, Katherine Devins (née Murray). John will be fiercely remembered by his adoring daughter, Melanie, and his devoted son-in-law, Timothy Shields.  Grandpa John will be celebrated by his loving grandchildren, Tré, Xavier, and Kalora. John was the primary child care provider for all three grandkids from birth through until their school years and beyond. He was instrumental in their upbringing and often revered as the best cartoon-watching sidekick!

John recently lost his sister, Victoria Harvie, his brother-in-law, Gordon Redican and his sister-in-law Carolyn Redican. While remembered by his many nieces and nephews, John will be especially treasured by those closest to him, including Peter, Rebecca and Nathanial Redican; Christie Guigue, Ben and Michael Redican; Jeffrey Freeman; Colin Redican and Chandra Lake. John will be deeply missed by his dear cousin, Peggy Vidoczy, as well as her husband, Jim, and their sons.  John also leaves behind many other Kellett cousins, affinal kin (wife's family), his Godly family at Northern Lights Baptist Church, his close friends, and our family cats, Cinder-Ella, whom he affectionately called "Cindy" and Pepsi. 

John Richard Devins was orphaned at the tender age of 7 by his biological mother, a Kellett from the Minden area. As a teenager, he was taken in by a foster family in Orillia, the Thompsons. John attended a dance on Lake Simcoe in Orillia, where he met the love of his life, Katherine.  John completed his high school education later in life, making himself and his family very proud. He worked several jobs over the years. Some of the most notable places include Abitibi Paper Mill, Casey's Bar and Grill, Golden Crust Specialty Bakery, Mallette Granite and Reliable Cleaning. Interior painting was a particular skillset of John's. His craftsmanship can be seen still today when visiting the Silver Grill Restaurant or St. Anne's Catholic Church. 

Among John's passions were the Kinsmen Club as well as The Terry Fox Run. He dedicated 17 years of volunteer service to Terry's Dream and was responsible for bringing Terry's mom, Betty Fox, to Iroquois Falls. John also attended Toronto Conventions with Darrell Fox, Terry's brother, where dad was recognized for his 17 years of service, commitment and fundraising efforts.  The town of Iroquois Falls also honoured John with a plaque for commitment to the local Terry Fox Run. 

On a lighter note, Dad loved a good card game: euchre, crib, poker, blackjack, memory or go fish depending on his worthy opponent. He was talented, lucky and known as a card shark. John also loved movies and television of all kinds. Some of his favourites include the History Channel, Star Trek, Star Wars, Cartoons of any kind, Curse of Oak Island and any Disney tear-jerker he could sing along to with his grandchildren. 

Last, but certainly not least, John loved his God.  John was recently re-baptized with his family.  He joined his church's prayer group and faithfully prayed, as Jesus calls us to do.  John has been described by his family and friends as "jovial," "happy-go-lucky," "comical," "fun-loving," and "generous." He was truly the most content when he was spoiling his loved ones.  Despite being orphaned and lacking parental figures, he mastered the roles of father and grandfather, always making us feel loved, special and treasured. 

May John- Daddy and G'pa - rest in peace, free from the physical pain and limitations he bore so bravely. His strength and perseverance throughout his battles were truly remarkable. Now without earthly burdens, we pray, as Tennyson suggests, that John Richard Devins will meet his "Pilot face to face" when he has "crost the bar."  

Donations can be made in John's name to the Iroquois Falls Hospice Care Program, the Parkinson's Foundation or the Terry Fox Foundation. Thank you. 

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