Omer Joseph Devlin

Dev, was born in Vawn, Saskatchewan, and despite it being the Great Depression, wouldn’t have traded those character building, gopher chasing days for anything, and loved to recount stories of life on the farm. The family moved to Chilliwack in 1943.

Dev was hardworking and dedicated which was highlighted in his 42 year career in the propane industry. Though the business on the corner of Yale Rd and Airport went through many changes, from Bibby’s to ICG Propane, his commitment was unwavering. As a young manager he suffered a life altering, tragic fire in 1961 during a propane delivery to Hope, while giving his driver a break, involving the tank truck, which left him with severe 3rd degree burns on 50 percent of his body. In a twist of fate, his bookkeeper at the time, Carmie Johnstone, came along for the ride, though not yet dating. Not expected to live, enduring skin grafts and striker beds, he went on to build a beautiful life. Carmie and Dev, married on May 9th 1964, moving into their forever home along Luckakuck Creek, where they raised 3 children. Happy memories were made boating, fishing and singing around the campfires, made beautiful by Dev’s guitar.

After retiring, if not on some travel adventure with Carmie, Dev seized each day, with woodwork, restoring old gramophones, and conquering downhill skiing in the Yahoo Club. Music, church and playing with the Good News choir was essential to life.

To those that knew and loved Dev, witnessing his ability to rise above each challenge, most often on the coattails of humour, with courage, and strength, was a gift. With that joyful mindset, he taught us how to bend and thrive in the face of adversity.

Dev was predeceased by his parents, Bertram and Matilda Devlin, his siblings Leonard (Bunny) Devlin, Elvia Conroy (Bud) Ethel Devlin s.e.j, Louise (Bob) Percher, Fred (Lena) Devlin.

Left to mourn are his wife, Carmie Devlin, his children Darcy (Jim) Potter, Brent (Priya) Devlin, Troy (Melena) Devlin, grandchildren Josh (Cassie) Potter, Jesilyn (Tim) Wierks, Brook (Jordan) Potter, Preston and Cody Devlin, Shawn and Siffith Chaudhary. He has six great grandchildren and also leaves behind his last surviving sibling, Lloyd (Ann) Devlin.

A funeral Mass will be held on, November 29th, 11:00 am at St.Mary’s Church in Chilliwack, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Chilliwack Foundation.