Devon left us suddenly on Oct 21. His son (Damon), his mother and step father (Shauna and Ron) , grandparents (Janet and Richard and Bill and Lorcan), siblings (Kyle, Katherine and Noelle), uncles (David and Brian), aunts (Kim and Megan) and his many family and friends are sad but not alone.

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His death is a cautionary tale.  He was suffering and not able to ask for help or talk to the people that loved him. Hug your loved ones, take that coffee break, share that meal – enjoy all of the moments that we typically let slide or believe will last forever.

 

Devon was many things;  a son, a cousin, a brother, a friend, a co-worker but his most important role was Dad. Anyone who knew Devon knew that his life revolved around his child, Damon. He was the guy that arranged the class pizza party, rented the birthday limousine for laser tag, threw the hotel party, went horseback riding, golfing, acted as the ski lift and many other more mundane things.  Reviewing his effects, the love he had for Damon shines through more clearly than anything. He wanted the very best things in life for Damon, health and happiness.  He cared for all children and had other special relationships where he will be sorely missed as well.

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Devon was generous, giving and always wanted to be the person that cheered folks up and made their day better. He brought coffee to his workmates, he brought donuts, he brought laughter, jokes and a good work ethic.

 

Many of his workmates will hear his laugh echoing in their ears and see his big grin when they think of him. Small acts of kindness were a regular way of interacting with the world.

 

The bulk of his adult life he worked in the retail and service industries and made many professional contacts that formed a network of good will. He was the top salesman in Manitoba at one store where he only worked one evening a week. He consistently outsold and out marketed his peers – who can forget the little cardboard Christmas Devons that were scattered about the store to market one thing or another? Devon’s wine corner always looked awesome.

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He loved movies, special drinks, Halloween (his costumes were amazing!) He loved Christmas and decorating. He wanted special occasions to be special for Damon and for others in his life. He had the best hugs, smile, laugh and sense of humour. His Chewbacca was legendary.

 

He was a collector of many things – hats, shoes, movies…The many messages and tributes we have received speak to the generosity and kindness that were at his core.

 

His final days were dark and they do not define him. We will remember how much he loved us, what he wanted for Damon and the brightness of his care for us.

 

He will be missed by those whose lives he touched and we will carry him with us in our hearts. If you wish to make a gift in honour of Devon, please direct it to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.