Allan James McDevitt
April 17, 1937- March 14, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Allan James McDevitt on the afternoon of March 14th, 2015 at the age of 77 with his loving family by his side.
Allan was born April 17th, 1937 to Ronald and Reta McDevitt. In 1956, Allan married Elen Jorgenson, the mother of his three children Marty, Kelly and Daniel, sharing 42 loving years together until her passing in 1998. Al was someone who knew the meaning of hard work and his accomplishments in his personal life and career reflected this. He started with the Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue on June 5, 1960.
From there, his hard- working nature was evident and he had a fulfilling career of serving the City of Thunder Bay, becoming Fire Chief in 1987, a position he took great pride in until his retirement from the service in 1993.
He left his mark with the Fire Service and was an instrumental leader of the Fire Fighters' Association. He also served on the Fowler Township Roads Board as Chairman for 31 years. He excelled at any task he was given and this was reflected in his passion for carpentry. His beloved home on Detroit Avenue where he raised his children showed how skilled he was in this trade. He bought a house and built it into a home, ensuring that the door was always open for anyone to stop by for a rum and Pepsi, always in a double bubble glass.
Al lived his life to the fullest, seeking any chance to have a good time. He loved to spend time during the cold Thunder Bay winters in Florida, making memories with his family and friends. His love for the outdoors and for life on Hawkeye Lake began when he bought the first family camp in 1964.
From there, he built what would become his most favourite place to be, his house in Hawkeye Narrows where the Irish flag waved proudly from the sauna, showing his pride in his Irish heritage. He made many special memories there, spending time with family and friends and watching his children and grandchildren grow up, sharing his love for the outdoors with them. You would always find Al outside, tinkering in the yard, chopping wood, stoking the sauna or navigating the lake on his pontoon boat, enjoying the weather and stopping in for a few spirits with his tight-knit lakers clan along the way.
In 2002, Allan married Anna-Marie Pugliese and his family continued to grow as he welcomed her family and the Italian culture with open arms. He continued to enjoy all his favourite past times such as traveling and life at the lake with Anna-Marie by his side, ready to have a good time that usually ended up going into the early morning hours.
He loved entertaining anyone who stopped by with stories from the past over a huge spread of delicious food prepared by his loving wife as Willie Nelson played in the background.
Al is lovingly remembered by his wife Anna-Marie McDevitt (Pugliese), children Kelly Medendorp (Gerald) and Daniel McDevitt (Colleen), grandchildren Jarrett Hay (Katie), Brittany Polini (Evan) and Jorgen McDevitt, his brother William Layman (Shirley) and sisters Marilyn Venturini (William), Carol Wilson, Barb Storry (Brian) and Patricia McDonald (Tom), sister-in-law Fran McDevitt as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by current mother-in-law Luigina Pugliese, in- laws Ray Pugliese (Angie), Lena Bruno (Alfredo), Mark Pugliese (Susan), Gino Pugliese, Connie Pugliese- Bruno (Russell) along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Allan is predeceased by his first wife Elen, son Marty, father Ronald McDevitt, mother Reta McDevitt, brother Jersey Johnston, brother Ken McDevitt, brother-in-law Daniel Wilson, father-in-law Mario Pugliese, brother-in-law Anthony Pugliese and his wife Rita.
Al will always be remembered for his wit and strong handshake and the love and pride he had for his wife, children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was truly a man of honour and strength, always working hard and facing every obstacle head on. He can never be replaced and will never be forgotten as meeting Al meant meeting someone truly special, someone one of a kind who lived life, as Frank Sinatra would say, "his way".
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2015 leaving the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel at 10:00 am for the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 am in St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, 123 Hilldale Road, celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Interment to follow in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery.
Following the interment a reception will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma Street South. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Chapel of the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Prayers at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Parkinson's Association or the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
