William (Pat) Patrick Devlin

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dad and grandad Pat Devlin, who slipped away peacefully on November 5th, 2024.

Pat was born to parents Eleonor and William on September 16, 1937, in Tynemouth, England. His siblings, Joan and George (pre-deceased) were older and living away, so Pat was raised essentially an only child to older parents. It was not an easy childhood, but Pat was an intelligent and resourceful child who earned his way into grammar school. At 15, he met a teenager with “great legs” called Theresa, at a school dance. They were married in 1958.

In 1965, with three children under age 5 and another on the way, they made a bold move leaving behind their families and friends and immigrated to New Zealand. Only in their twenties and moving halfway around the world proved challenging at first, but they lived in Christchurch for thirteen happy years whilst raising their now four daughters. Pat purchased a plot and built a modern, funky house for the family, mostly on his own. He was an accomplished precision machinist and a very handy guy, fixing and building anything. Anyone who knew Pat knew that his passion was music, especially jazz. He was a prominent guitarist in NZ, playing for artists like Lulu and Dionne Warwick, and collaborating with other musicians, running his own bands, on live radio and as musical director for a tv talent show. He also met and hosted his idol George Benson at a musicians’ conference in Christchurch.

In 1978, the family moved once again to BC, Canada, settling in Surrey. Pat found millwright work and in his spare time performed in amateur theatre productions, musical and he created a Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery group, performing to sellout crowds and raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

In 1989, Pat and Theresa decided to make a home for themselves in Victoria, BC, purchasing and renovating a Victorian heritage home in James Bay. Dun Roamin’ became a successful Bed and Breakfast business, with people coming to stay from all over the world. Mum and Dad were members of the Victorian Heritage Society, performing and entertaining in period costumes around the city.

Tragically in 1996, Theresa passed away from cancer, four weeks after her 60th birthday. Dad was a lost soul for some time, but after a time, he began a loving relationship with friend Jane Gunn, and they were married in 1998. Dad and Jane were very happy together, involving themselves in the community of Victoria, BC, and enjoying life. They started the “Lil Jump Band”, a musical trio playing around town and in care homes, bringing smiles and joy to the residents. Ironically, in 2022, Pat and Jane made their new home at Parkwood Court, where staff remembered them from their days playing music there. Dad was happy and content in the home because he and Jane were together. Peacefully, Jane passed away in her sleep in January 2024 and if one can be grateful for dementia, this was the time as dad was unaware of her passing therefore avoiding the immense grief he would’ve experienced.

Pat is survived by his daughters Julie (David), Elaine, Angela (David), and Tracey (Robert) and his five grandchildren, Devlin, Emily, Fraser, Aidan and Amy.

A huge thank you from the family goes to the staff at Parkwood Court Victoria, for their exemplary care, devotion and kindness to Pat and Jane, notably the nursing staff, Sarah, Rezan, Elvina, Rosell along with Yuen and others.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society of Canada or the SPCA as Pat was a huge cat lover. Spin your favourite jazz record and think of Pat.

A family Celebration of Life will take place next spring.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com