It is with deep sadness we say good-bye to our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Murray Douglas Devanney, 88, who passed away suddenly at Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Hospital on January 3, 2013, after 6 months residence.
Dad was born in Prospect, Nova Scotia, the son of Edward and May Coolen. During World War II, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Canadian army and fought for his country in Italy and Holland. Recently he was delighted with the presentation of a Century of Service Award during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, honoring those who served. He spent 43 years with Canada Post as a Railway Mail Clerk. His greatest joy in life was his family and we will always remember him for his unconditional love. He especially treasured his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who provided him with warmth and laughter in his later years. Dad will always be remembered for his sharp wit and dry humor, as well as his love of the Blue Jays, card games and gardening. He particularly loved his time spent in Prospect near the ocean and at the cottage in Caribou, where he and Mom spent so many wonderful days together with family.
Dad had a great love of learning, read voraciously and remained engaged and interested till his last day, always eager to discuss national and world events with friends and family; conversations were one of his primary sources of entertainment. He was a man we were always proud to call our father and his devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was an example to all of us. We are thankful for the number of years we had with him.
He is survived by his children, Carol (Ken Francis), Brian (Sally ), Gary, Eric (Marion), Ellen, Dale (Harold White), Peter (Shelley) and Juli (Fred Rhodenizer).
He is also survived by grandchildren Chris (Jasmine), Robbie (Pam) and Andrew Francis; Nicole, Laura (James) and Kate Devanney; Grace Devanney; Michael (Maria) and Neil Devanney; Ashley (Sean), Liam (Kathleen) and Ben Campbell; Jennifer (Nick) and Kevin Walker; Amy Devanney; and Josh (Jolinne), Holly and Nicholas Rhodenizer.
He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Rio, Olivia, Dane and Ross Francis; Max Thompson; Oliver, Findlay and Maeve Campbell and Henry Stairs as well as sister, Kaye Schelleman and brother Gene.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ruth (Peg); son-in-law, Donnie Campbell; brothers Edison, Gerald, Ken, Gordon and sisters, Marjorie Kidd, and Helen Devanney.
Visitation Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, where Funeral Service will be held 10 am Tuesday. Burial will be held at a later date.
Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace, Dad. We’ll miss you.
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