DEVINE, Dr. Joseph Robert

On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Dr. Joseph Robert Devine passed away comfortably in his home in his 96th year.

Joe is survived by his loving sister Barbara, his children Bob (Deb), Ted (Cheryl), Mike, and Mary McIsaac (Jim). Caring grandfather of Jess (Sara), Nicole (Bruno), Rebecca Watson (Andrew), Rachael (Peter), Sarah, and Charlotte, as well as his great-granddaughter Emilia.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen (Kay) Devine (née McCarty) as well as his siblings Margaret, Jim, John, Frank, Russell, and Bill.

Joe was born on March 27,1924 in Beaverton, ON to Clement Jason (CJ) and Jessie Devine. Upon discharge from the Royal Canadian Dental Corps in 1946, Joe decided to follow in his father and uncle’s footsteps and become a dentist. While in school, Joe met Kay, a nursing student, on a blind date while in Toronto. Joe graduated from the University of Toronto in 1951 with a degree in dentistry and moved to Orillia in 1952 to take over his uncle’s dentistry practice. After a year in Orillia, Kay and Joe were married in June of 1952.

Joe was an accomplished carver and the homes of friends and family are adorned with his beautiful works. He was a prolific storyteller who was passionate about the changing world. He would often greet his family with his inventions meant to ease the lives of his friends and strangers in the grocery store. In 2014, Joe achieved local fame and admiration for his invention of the ‘ski walker.’ Suffice it to say, Joe enjoyed his retirement to the fullest.

The highlight of Joe’s week was golfing with his friends, affectionately called the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and their lunch dates in the off season. He felt so lucky to be able to enjoy the best of life to the very end.

He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.

Following cremation, visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Friday December 13, 2019 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 2pm, reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital at or to the Old Stone Church (Beacan Presbyterian Church) at 413 Simcoe St, in Beaverton. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness.