It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of John K. Devins, born April 15th, 1949 to Sara and Ken Devins. After a lengthy illness, John died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, surrounded by family.
John is survived by his wife Helen (nee Shaw). His partner in love, life and business for over 53 years. He leaves behind his daughter, Margaret Devins Rahn and her husband Andrew Rahn. His son Steven Devins and his wife Linde Devins. John adored all 5 of his grandchildren: Mackenzie, Owen and Tyson Rahn; Emma and Nick Devins. He will be missed by his sister Judy (Don) Nelson and sisters in law Jeannette (Lloyd) Mason, Sylvia and Bill Jackson, Roberta and Clair Murray. John will be fondly remembered by many other family members and friends.
John was a successful business owner in the Town of Caledon for over 40 years. At the age of 18, while still attending High School, John started his first business: Sandhill Water Supply. Later adding Sandhill Disposal & Recycling followed by the Dufferin Area Transfer Station.
During his lifetime John was a member of many organizations and held various executive positions. Most notably President of the Ontario Waste Management Association, President of the Tecumseh Shrine Club and Treasurer of Salem United Church. He participated in many activities; Sandhill Pipe Band, hockey and baseball, (playing and coaching), snowmobiling, flying, horseshoes, golf and curling.
John will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and his strength and determination to carry on no matter where life might lead.
The family would like to thank the many caring PSW’s from Comfort Keepers who assisted in his care. Thank you to the VON Adult Day program and the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County. Thank you to Dr. D. Tang-Wai of the UHN Network for your kindness and knowledge. Thank you to all the PSW’s at Amica in Georgetown on the Memory Care Floor. Thank you to Bethell Hospice for the care given to John in his last days. Allowing him to die with dignity gave his family an immeasurable sense of peace. Thank you to Dr. Michael Gagnon for his assistance with John’s initial diagnosis in 2010 right through to the end. No words can express how grateful we are.
Please join the family in celebrating John’s life and legacy at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50) Bolton (905-857-2213) on Friday, September 27th from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, September 28th at 2pm. Interment Providence Cemetery, Caledon East.
If you wish to make a donation in John’s memory, please consider:
Shrine Hospitals for Children Canada
Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County
UHN (University Health Network) Foundation
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Edna Wright
Dear Helen and family
So sorry to hear about John’s passing
It has been a long struggle for him
Remember all the Happy family times
Roy & Edna Wright.
Gladys Fieldhouse
Sincere condolences Helen and family.
The Duck family.
Oh what a big loss. The whole Duck family have many, many memories. We are so sorry for the family loss. Such great memories. Going to miss him. Donna and Frank and the whole family.
Lorna Jenkinson
My condolences to you, Helen, and all the family on the loss of John. May all your memories of the the good times that you had with him, help you through this very difficult time.
Joan Edwards
Dear Helen & family: My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. John came to me when he was first diagnosed to tell me. Cousins stick together!
Glenda
Ken and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all the family. John was a very kind and caring gentleman with a great sense of humor.
The Ruffs
Sincerest condolences to you and your family. So very sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you
Lynda Kaake
Dear Helen and family
My family and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of John especially during hockey season with the Bolton Oldtimers. Hang on to your memories and they will help you get through the tough times.
Time is a healer.
Al Cunnington
Our sincere condolences
May your memories help to ease the sorrow
RIP John
Elaine & Joe Gray
Helen, Margaret, Steven and all your families, you have our deepest sympathy for the loss of John. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you journey through this tough time. Now he is peaceful in God’s hands. Keep him in your hearts and he will be with you forever.
Marg Pilson
Dear Helen and families.
So sorry to hear this news,
No more struggles,
The sadness will pass and remember the good times.
Take care of you.
Albert E Moore
I am so sorry Helen to hear of John’s passing. He was a great friend. He was also such a huge help to me during my 33 years with the Town of Caledon.
Howard and Gloria McCandless
Dear Helen and Family
Gloria and I would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of John. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by many.
Howard and Gloria
Barbara Cunnington
Dear Helen and all of your family;
Sending my deepest condolences in your loss. John was such an easy fellow to chat with. I will be keeping you all in my prayers through the days ahead. Treasure all those great memories as I know there are many.
Hugs, Barb
Irene Wilson
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We went to Jr. Farmers camp together. Good memories. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Renie Wilson
Dawn (Moffatt) Ironside
Helen, my heart is so sad at hearing of John’s struggles. As you know, I, along with a cast of thousands adored him. My years with the Town of Caledon in setting up and administering the blue box and white box recycling and other programs with John were so much fun! His ideas were always innovative and his sense of humor made every day a joy! That baseball hat, just a bit askew , and his impish grin is a picture I hold dear. Keep him tightly in your hearts, as will I. He was a treasure, and I am blessed to have been his colleague and also his friend. My deepest sympathy and love to your whole family.
Dave and Linda Livingston
Helen, Margaret, Steven and families,
We have many happy memories of the good times shared with John playing Junior Farmer’s hockey with Bolton, baseball with Sandhill and eventually becoming a client when he started his own company. He was true to his word and just a great guy!
Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all of you!
Sincerely,
Dave and Linda Livingston
David Craig and Family
Helen, Margaret, Steven and families,
Our sincerest condolences to everyone!
There is lots of fond memories we all can share of John and his life’s involvement with sports, plowing matches, community events, family celebrations and just taking time to have a meaningful conversion!
Thinking of everyone and our thoughts are with you at this time!
David, Novelia, Lindsay and Delle
Ed and Irene McDowell
Helen and family,
Our sincere condolences to everyone.
John was a great guy and his achievements proved his worth in life.
Ed and Irene McDowell
Nancy Telfer
I remember John when we were both in elementary school and at Sandhill United Church. He was well liked by everyone and admired for his warm personality. That was so long ago but he made such a good impression on everyone that I will never forget him. I am so sorry for your loss!
Nancy Telfer (nee Lindsey)
Greg & Helen Manion
Our deepest condolences to the Devin’s family
Brian and Patti Snell
To Helen, Margaret and Andrew , Steven and Linde and families,
We are very sorry to learn of John’s passing. We extend our condolences at this difficult time. John was a hard worker and a successful businessman who always had time to chat, and always found the humour in any situation. John was a terrific contributor to the community within many organizations. Treasure the memories as you grieve with your loss.
Sincerely, Brian and Patti Snell, and family.
Barry Johnson
My sincere condolences to Helen and family. John and Helen were both mentors to me in Shrine and clowning. John always found the fun and laughter in every moment. He will continue to be missed
Cameron Lindsey
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I’ve known John since we were kids at Sandhill Church. John was a hard working honest gentleman. He was always involved in our community. He will be missed. Condolences to all of his family.
The Morrison Family
Helen and family. Sorry to hear of John’s passing
Glen and Christina Early
For Helen, Margaret, Steve and families, our sincere condolences on John’s passing from the Early family.
Seemingly neighbours forever, John was always there to answer the call for filling the old swimming pool or putting out a tractor fire in a nearby field with the Sandhill Water Supply truck.
A proud member of Salem Church and the choir, his usual greeting was “Howdy Neighbour”. And he always seemed to enjoy a chat “across the ditch” about community issues.
I never got tired of hearing about the skill of backing up over a curb without stalling the pickup truck.
John will be missed.
Glen and Christina Early
Jane Chapman
Dear Helen & family, We were sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a pillar of the community, very caring to everyone he met. Working for him was a pleasure with many fond memories and laughs. He is at peace now.
Jane & Don Chapman
Bertha Holtby
Dear Helen, Margaret, Steven & families,
Please know that my loving thoughts are with all of you at this time. Thank you Helen for visiting me here in Sudbury……..I will always remember the happy times that you, John & I spent together.
Bertha Holtby
Scott & Diane Morrison
Helen, Margaret & Andrew, Steven & Linde and families
John was a wonderful friend and neighbour and he will be deeply missed within the community.
Working with John in the early days of the business gave me the opportunity to really appreciate how big his heart was.
He was so very proud of his family and beautiful grandchildren.
May the wonderful memories that you have shared as a family help to bring healing during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Scott & Diane Morrison
Warren Jack
Helen, Steven, Linde and families:
We offer our sincere condolences! A lasting friendship was formed through the waste business. Our trips to the OWMA office, where John’s logical approach to most subjects, will long be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Warren & Linda Jack
Alan and Alice Lyons
Helen, Margret, Steven and families.
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. I’ve known John since high school and played Junior Farmer hockey against him. He was always a tough competitor and a great friend and community builder. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Alan and Alice Lyons
Phyllis Moffatt
So sorry to hear of your loss Helen. Extend my condolences to your family Phyllis Moffatt(Terry) Norval On
Paul & Betty Johnston
Helen, Margaret, Steven and families
Our sincere condolences on the passing of John. He contributed a lot to his community and will be truly missed. Treasure his memories .
Candace Rahn
Darryl and I want you to know that we are feeling sad for you today. It was interesting to read about your dad’s major successes as a multi-business owner and to start at age 18…while still in school? That’s incredible! He obviously loved his whole family and raised some wonderful children. And he leaves a strong tradition of athletic excellence as well. We hope that as time progresses his absence will sting a little bit less and you will be able to remember him with a swelled heart and fond connection. We are with you in your sorrow.
Albert & Kathy Clarkson
Sincere condolences to Helen and the Devin families
GOD BLESS
REST IN PEACE JOHN
John Wilson
I am so sorry to hear of the news of John’s passing. He always had a friendly smile and a word for me, at any of the family get-togethers we were at. I admired his charitable work, as well as his calm, steadfast demeanor, and subtle sense of humour. I offer my sincere condolences to Helen, Margaret, Steven, and family for your loss…
Howard and Sharon Venning
Dear Helen and family
Our condolences to all at this difficult time. Knowing John was our pleasure. He was so easy going and always had time to talk. Keep his memories close and he will be with you always. Our sincere condolences. RIP John
John & Verna Traynor
Our sincere condolences to the Helen and family
Darryl Bailey
Steven and family,
Deepest condolences on the passing of your father. He will always be remembered fondly as a cherished member of the community.
Mary Killeen
Helen , Margaret, Steven and families
John was a good family friend, neighbor and community man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at the difficult time
Fintan and Mary Killeen
MurrayStewart
Dear Helen and Family
Our sincere condolences. May John rest in peace and may your memories of your life and successes together be of real support going forward.
The Murray Stewart Family
Bill and Elaine Johnston
Helen and family Bill and I were sad to hear of John’s passing.
Bruce Heaps
Sorry to hear about your loss I always enjoyed talking to John always a helpful tip always a smile always good advice again to all of his family so sorry for your loss he was one of the good guys .
Shirley Long
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. He loved to watch his grandkids compete in sports. He also passed his work ethics on to them. Keep your great memories close. Sincerely Murray and Shirley Long
fred julian
Helen , Margaret , Steven & famalies so sorry to hear of John’s passing . please accept our condolences. Agnes & Fred Julian
Nancy Moffatt
To the Devins family our sincere condolences. our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Moffatt & family
Arlene Markle
Helen & family, Judy & family
Our sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. We have many fond memories of John.
May he rest in peace. Hopefully time will help you through your sorrow with each new tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Peter & Arlene
Bill & Cindy
Dear Helen, Margaret, Steven and your families,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing…his happy-go-lucky personality and big smile would light up a room !
We all share the great times had at Silent Valley Park. Treasure your memories and special moments at this sad and difficult time.
Love & Prayers and our Sincere Sympathy
Bill & Cindy Fines
Nancy Barton
Dear Helen and family,
Thinking of you and so
very sorry to hear of John,s passing.
Our sincere condolences to you at this sad time
and think fondly of past times.
Nancy Barton & family.
Betty Romenick-McIntosh
Dear Helen:
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved John. You gave great support to Valley Chapter #297 Order of the Eastern Star when you were both able to attend. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this sad time. Memories are precious and I know that you have many to remember him by. Always In Star Love, Betty Romennick-McIntosh, W.M. Valley Chapter.
Marolyn Morrison
Helen, Margaret and Steven I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful gentleman and a very successful businessman.
Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and your whole family.
Kevin Jennings
Condolences to family, friends and many acquaintances affected by Johns’s passing. Peace.
Brent, Wendy and Kelly
Helen and Family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have good memories of the old Sandhill days and often have a good chuckle as we remember them. John had a huge heart and will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Brent, Wendy and Kelly Rowland
Mike, Dawn & Family
Deepest condolences to the Devins families during this time. Extended hugs to Steve, Linde, Emma & Nick.
Dori Ebel
My sincere condolences to you Helen and all your family.
May John now rest in Peace. God bless you all.
David and Susan Armstrong
Helen and Family
Our sincere condolences to you and all your family. May John now rest in Peace. We all have some great memories to remember John by as a friend, fishing buddy, card player, Shriner, Shrine Clown and business associate.
Audrey Sant
Helen and Judy
My sincere condolences to your entire family
May John’s achievements, and good memories give you
strength to cope with your loss
Audrey Sant
Glenda richardson
Our deepest condolences to you Helen and family. John was a great man and always good for a visit.
Remember all the good times and smile.
Ken and Glenda
Paul
Short as it was, it was a pleasure interacting with John over the last few years. How he enjoyed dancing with the RCP’s at Amica always made me smile. Condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in peace John
John and Joanne Davis
We were saddened to hear of the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bruce and Suzanne Ackroyd
Our sincere condolences to Helen and family. There are so many memories to cherish.
Bruce and Suzanne Ackroyd
Our sincere condolences to Helen and family. Many memories to cherish
John Jacobs
John was a fair and generous employer. I enjoyed working at Sandhill Disposal for 14 years.
I’m sure he will be greatly missed and remembered for years to come.
My Condolences to his family
THE ROY FAMILY
May peace, friends , family and memories help you through this difficult time. Our condolences to all.
Sheila Shields
Helen, Margaret and Steven. Sending my condolences to you and your families. Dwell on all the happy memories of the past. Sincerely, Sheila
Cheryl Robb
So sorry to hear of the passing of John. He always had a smile and a kind word. Condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Jack & Debbie Smith
Helen and family, we send our sincere condolences to you all.
John will always be remembered fondly.
Bob Luffman
We were sorry to hear of John’s passing. I met John and Helen while playing ball for the Caledon East Merchants. John made me feel welcome on the team and we became friends.
Years went by and we became neighbours in Mono and caught up quickly on the current events in Caledon East.
Bob and Wendy Luffman
Ken Sweeney and family
Very sorry to hear the news about John. I always enjoyed our time together and his great sense of humour. Condolences to the entire Devins clan!
Steve MacDougall
Our condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband, Father and Grandfather. John was truly one of a kind and inspirational to us all. A True friend and business associate. We are thankful to have known him.
Thinking of you all.
Mel, Lori, Debbie and Rob, Christine and Steve and our family at Runnalls.
Chris
Our deepest condolences to your family. He will always be in your thoughts and forever in your spirits. Take care and be there for each other. Chris & Nicole.
Jennifer Hannan
Our heartfelt condolences to your family during this difficult time. Sending strength and peace in the days ahead.
Jennifer, Shawn, Kendra, Rachel Hannan
Nathan Hiller
Helen, Margaret, Steven and Family
I have many good memories of John, snowmobiling around Sandhill and Bear Lake, playing Euchre at the Orange Lodge, having a coffee at Cook’s and many many more. When I think of John I remember his good nature, his sense of humour and in numerous ways, his service to the community, both socially and in business. John will be sadly missed.
Sandhill
David Bolzon
Dear Helen, Margaret and Steven.
My deepest condolences to you and your families. John was a great guy !
I truly enjoyed his great sense of humor and friendliness.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him.
Sincerely,
David Bolzon
Rosanna Porretta
So sorry for your loss Helen, from all of us at Bolton Family Dental Centre. You’re in our prayers
George and Lynda Berney
Our deepest condolences to your family at the loss of John. He will be missed and I will miss his friendly presence at lodge. John’s sense of humour and sage advise was always welcome. You are in our prayers.
George and Lynda BERNEY
Norm and Ingrid Dodwell
Dear Helen and family.
We are very sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was a good employer. I enjoyed working with and for him at Sandhill.
With our deepest condolences.
Norm and Ingrid Dodwell
Marg Anquetil
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. It was a pleasure to get to know and work with you both! My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Paul Kuznecov
My deepest condolences to the Devins family. I worked closely with John for a brief time while working at the Region Peel and always admired his knowledge and insight. His sense of humor and quick wit always made conversations with John so much fun.