Born December 10, 1959, in Cheticamp, Herman was a son of the late Adelaide (LeBlanc) Deveau. He was raised in Belle Cote and carried his love of home anywhere life took him. Cape Breton was always where his heart belonged.
Herman began his working life fishing out of the Belle Cote Wharf, where values of community, resilience, and pride were built. Later, he headed to Fort McMurray, where he built a long career as a Heavy Machine Operator and Supervisor, working at various sites before retiring in 2024. Even in retirement, he wasn’t one to sit still for long. He returned home to Belle Cote and worked as an on-call driver with L’Acabie in Cheticamp, glad to be back among familiar roads and faces.
He was predeceased by his parents, Adelaide and Gerry.
Herman leaves behind his daughters, Cassey and Caithlin (Walter); who were a constant source of pride, and his cherished granddaughter, Leighna; whom he adored. After receiving a life-saving lung transplant in 2022, he was thankful for four more years — years he used to make memories, especially with his granddaughter.
He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Johnny (Linda), Junior (Cecile), Ella (Frank), Lucy (Lawrence), and Ann (Ross); along with extended family across Canada and the US and a wide circle of friends across the Island and beyond.
Herman had a strong presence and enjoyed conversation and storytelling wherever he went. He loved a good laugh and connecting with people. Music was at the centre of his life. He played guitar, sang with heart, and started a weekly jam at the local firehall so musicians could gather and share an evening together while fundraising for Margaree Meals on Wheels.
He enjoyed a lively game of crib, whether at local tournaments or around the kitchen table. He was known for his competitive spirit and love of the game, but it was always the laughter and camaraderie that mattered most. A devoted sports fan, he proudly supported the Montreal Canadiens and held spirited rivalries with family members each year as playoffs began. He was also a loyal Toronto Blue Jays fan and rarely missed the chance to watch hockey, baseball, or golf.
Herman was proud to give back to his community. He was involved with the Belle Cote Days committee and could often be found helping prepare chicken fricot for community gatherings — happy to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
In gratitude for the lung transplant that extended his life, Herman became an organ donor himself. His family encourages others to consider registering as organ donors, donating blood, or supporting the Canadian Transplant Association in his memory.
Cremation has taken place. Herman will be laid to rest in Saint Michael’s Cemetery, East Margaree, beside his mother. A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2026, with the date to be announced.
He was proud of his family, and proud to call Cape Breton home. He will be missed in Belle Cote and beyond and remembered whenever the music plays and the crib board comes out. As a tribute to Herman, take the time to enjoy a Belle Cote sunset, drink a good cup of tea, and listen to John Prine.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
