Dear Uncle Leo

After a two month battle with cancer, Patrick Leo Devine, aged 65, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, June 7, 2009. He leaves behind his beloved wife,  Margaret Mary (McCann) Devine. He was the dear father of Eamonn Devine (Pamela), Kevin Devine (Julie), Brian Devine, Michael Devine (Jackie) and Leona Devine all of Sarnia. Loving grandfather of Caitlain, Amberlynn, Maggie, Ryan, Christina, Jenna and Emma. Dear brother of John Devine (Sarah) of Sarnia, Edward Devine (Rosaleen), Philomena Bell (Brian), Nora MacShane and the late Patsy all of Ireland, Margaret Broomfield (Bernie) of England. Brother-in-law of Jim, Noel and Liam McCann of Derry, N. Ireland. Pre-deceased by his parents Edward and Bridget Devine and a sister Mary, Mr. Devine was retired from Nova with over 25 years of service and was employed previously with Petrosar. He was a longtime member of Greenwood Golf Course. 

It's been a difficult time for our family - my heart aches for my dad - it was hard saying good bye to him today when Julia and I came back to Newmarket. He's suffered a lot of loss this last year - was difficult for him to even express his great grief. Leo was the youngest of the family - ironic that the youngest and the oldest made it to Canada to live.

These past 4 weeks have been busy with trips home to Sarnia for Julia and me -- but I'm so glad we were able to do it. When I felt like complaining about how hectic everything was -- I quickly caught myself on as my mother would say -- she'd usually say, "Catch yourself on" -- I was healthy enough to travel and had the means to do so. 

Leo's two sisters and brother came from overseas for a bittersweet visit - they just had left a week to the day before he died.  They had seen him the Saturday night - he was up and cheerful -- enjoying a beer and some pizza -- taking time off from death one of my friends said -- it was a good memory for his family to have of him.

While we were celebrating the funeral mass in Sarnia, our family in Ireland was also at mass in the family church across the street from where he was born, and another mass was said for him in England at the same time. It was a fitting round-the-world tribute for a man who was known and loved by many.