In memory of Larry Devereaux. “Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.” Larry has taken his last spin on this earth and, with his family by his side, rode off into his sunset.
Larry was born in Lethbridge Alberta, April 29, 1936, to parents Donald and Myrtle Devereaux and later his stepfather Breck. He grew up in Alberta, Saskatchewan and primarily Portage la Prairie Manitoba. During this time, he experienced the joys of freedom on the prairies, playing all sports, hunting, fishing with his father and spending countless hours with friends doing what youth do to experience life to its fullest.
Soon after in Moose Jaw, SK after his father’s untimely passing, Larry moved with his mother to Fort William in 1950. There began some of the best years of his life attending Fort William Collegiate. He captained junior and senior football teams winning many city championships. Friendships developed during this period endured for a lifetime. Leaving Collegiate he attended Western University graduating with an Honors Degree in Physical and Health Education. Encouraged by his former coach and teacher Bill McKay, Larry returned to teach and coach winning teams in football and basketball at FWCI in 1960.
Searching for a further way to work with persons in need, Larry was accepted under a Government of Saskatchewan Training Grant to attend McGill University obtaining a Master Degree of Social Work in 1963.
While teaching at Collegiate, Larry met and married Rosemary “Lois” Miller a very special person and outstanding nurse who shared, supported, and made his life greater and fuller in every way. Together they were married for 63 years and shared the birth and growth of three beautiful girls, Beth (Terry), Leslie (Ken), Laura (Aslam) and bonus daughter Alison and her family. Watching them grow up to become successful professionals and parents brought him pleasure beyond measure.
After graduating and several years of work as a Social Worker in a Children’s Restoration Centre in Saskatoon, he returned to Thunder Bay as a Social Work Supervisor with Port Arthur Children’s Aid Society in 1967. Over eighteen exciting and challenging years he worked in a multitude of roles from supervisor to eventually becoming the Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society District of Thunder Bay.
During these years of working and raising his family, Larry enjoyed curling, golf, and especially motorcycling across Canada and the United States often with his wife Lois.
Taking on new challenges Larry moved back to teaching in 1984 at Confederation College in Thunder Bay spending 12 rewarding years and eventually retiring as Chair of Human Service Programs in 1996. His commitment to human dignity, social justice, and making the world a little better was unwavering—whether through his work or simply by being the guy you could count on.
Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Shawn, Leah (Dave), Karson (Brooke), Bryce, Calum, Aydin, and Mariella. He also had extended family who he cared deeply for. Love to brother-in-law Ray (Judy), Andrew, Caroline and children who have been a source of great kindness and support. Larry was survived by his sister-in-law Betsy and family, stepsister Marilyn and their extended families. He raised his family with a firm belief in kindness, honesty, standing up for others, and, most importantly, having a good laugh. He was the guy who always had the right words—sometimes wise, sometimes wildly inappropriate, but always memorable.
Larry was blessed with a remarkable crew of lifelong friends, a bond that spanned more than 70 years. Many of these friendships began at FWCI, forged through football, shared adventures, and later in life, their cherished weekly coffee meetups. Among them was Duke, Jim, Jim and Jim, Marv, Don, Jay Dave, and his loyal coffee and motorcycle companions Fred and Rod. Even at 83, Larry was still riding his motorcycle, finding joy in the open road especially on rides through Arizona with his steadfast friend, Army.
Wherever Larry and his friends went, they left behind stories – some full of laughter, others of wisdom, but always a testament to the deep camaraderie they shared. He cared deeply for each of them, appreciating every conversation, every laugh and adventure together. This past year was especially hard as he deeply missed his dear friend Dave, with whom he shared daily phone calls and weekly visits for so many years. All these friendships were constants in his life, one that time could never fade.
Dad lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed often. He left behind stories that will be told for generations, wisdom that will guide, and a sense of humour that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
His ride may be over, but his road will never end.
A private family celebration of life will be held in the summer. The family requests those who wish to remember Larry in the form of charity, to donate to the Thunder Bay Food Bank or consider doing a random act of kindness.
Thank you to Jeff his nurse – who kept it real.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
