Joseph Norman “George” Devlin died in June 2026 at home with his immediate family. He was suddenly terminally ill with myeloma and kidney failure and chose MAID to end on his own terms.
George was born in 1939 in Edmonton, Alberta to his parents Norman and Rachelle Devlin. He is survived by his children Christopher Devlin (and Claire Handley) and Heather Lang (and Richard Lang), his grandchildren Joshua Lang, Kalina Lang, and Liam Devlin, and his sisters Rosemarie Thompson, Doreen Snopek and Geraldine Hetherington, and many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Cathie Devlin in January 2026. George moved to Victoria in 1953 and graduated from Vic High. He served in the RCMP from 1959 to 1964 in Alberta and then moved back to Victoria permanently. He married Cathie (nee Watson) in 1966. He received his real estate agent’s license and with two partners founded the Concord group of companies in the 1960’s. He created the landmark Miniature World attraction in the Empress Hotel in 1971 as well as several retail shops. George also served on various boards, including the Esquimalt Police Board, the Victoria Attractions Association, and the St Michael’s University School Board of Governors. In 2000, he built and operated Cathie’s Cottage at Chesterman Beach. In 2017, he liquidated his business holdings to care for Cathie as she entered the final years of living with dementia.
“Dad” was a cherished soul and mentor to his family, friends and neighbourhood children. He crafted cardboard boxes into majestic play homes, lined with carpet, wallpaper, windows and more. Sealed with a selfless heart of gold, it was a magical dwelling that hosted hours of endless play. Children flocked to our “safe” house where snacks were plenty, hugs were given, and love flourished. The time he devoted to our youth created a community of secure, happy children,
There are two legacies left behind for future generations. The “Mini” World within his home, and “Miniature World” within our community. Both inspired all ages to create, dream and build a future together as one. We honor your well-lived life and are beyond grateful for the years of unconditional love. May God be with you, now, and forever.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4 on August 8th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers and cards are welcome and can be sent care of McCall Gardens.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
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11 Responses
To the family of Cathie and George Devlin,
We, Walter and Lynda Hundleby, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences in the loss of both Cathie and George.
Lynda first met Cathie in the 1990’s when we both served on committees for the Township of Esquimalt. Cathie was such a likeable and lovely personality – so encouraging and friendly – I have never forgotten her. And then later I met George, another friendly and hospitable personality. They were a wonderful couple and made a great team.
Although in the years following, my life got incredibly busy, and we lost touch, I never forgot how wonderful Cathie and George were to me. When life slowed down some five years ago, I wanted to reach out to Cathie again but was saddened to learn that she was no longer the person she once was and quite likely would not remember me.
In January of this year, I was unable to attend the memorial service for Cathie.
At this time, I would like to honour the memories of both Cathie and George and to let the family know how much their caring and friendship had meant to me.