GORDON DEVEREAUX
1930 - 2013
It is with great sadness the family of Gordon Carlyle Devereaux announce his passing on August 28, 2013. As Gordie always did, he did it his way: at home, surrounded by his family, his loving wife of 62 years, Eileen, daughters Lorene Yarocki (Dave), Karen Riley (Derek) and sons Brian, Bernie (Pauline) and Russell (Nathalie). His 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren were a constant source of great pleasure in his later years.
Gordie was born in South Vancouver to the late Arthur and Margaret Devereaux on July 26, 1930 and three years later the family, including his late older brothers Jack and Leonard (Bud), relocated to Port Alberni. Gordie grew up in Port Alberni, where he met his future wife Eileen. They were married in November of 1950 and over the next 10 years had five children. He enjoyed camping and as the young family grew, embarked on annual two week camping vacations extensively covering the lower half of BC. In 1967, Gordon moved his young family to Powell River. During his many years in Powell River, Gordie was a member of the curling club, took advantage of the fishing and hiking Powell River had to offer and took an active role in the Kiwanis Club and other community service projects. In 1973 Gordie, along with family and friends built a float cabin on Powell Lake, thus providing an idyllic location for all to get together. After 40 years in Powell River, Gordie and Eileen relocated to Parksville to be more central to their family and their many friends.
Gordie worked for MacMillan Bloedel for many years, starting in Port Alberni in 1953, then moving to Powell River in 1967 to accept a promotion as supervisor in the Kraft mill. He took early retirement in 1988 to spend more time with his family and friends. He was also free to travel with extended trips to Hawaii, Mexico and Great Britain. Closer to home, he and Eileen embarked on a three month adventure across Canada, another through Alaska and the Northwest Territories as well as many shorter trips throughout BC and Alberta.
Gordie was famous for his love of food. There was virtually nothing that he didn’t like to eat! He had a green thumb and would collect cuttings and seedlings during his travels to transplant in his garden. Any and all friends were welcome to stop in at Gordie and Eileen’s “Inn”, where they could count on a drink, a bite, and a bed. The front door was always open.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Gordie’s honour.