John Francis DEVINS

1926 - 2022

JOHN FRANCIS DEVINS May 4, 1926 - April 18, 2022 With sadness, we announce the passing of our dear father John Francis Devins (Jack). Jack is predeceased by his lifelong friend, partner and wife of 65 years, Alberta (Bertie); and sister Margaret Beasley (Jiggs). Dad and mom leave children, Faye Smith (Les), Karen Beattie (John), Catherine Devins (Peter Large), Mary Ellen Marshman (Doug) and John Devins (Susan); 14 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. Born in the Humber Summit (Vaughan), Jack grew up on a farm during the depression, an influence of a lifetime. Nothing was thrown out - it was repaired, reused, recycled, or saved for spared parts. He spent many late nights repairing farm equipment and he was a master craftsman with a welder, grinder, epoxy glue or duct tape. In youth Jack was active in Junior Farmers singing, acting and leadership. He performed in the trio Two Macs and a Jack, made lifelong friendships and met the love of his life Bertie Forster. They married June 1950 and started a family. In the fifties, Jack transformed the family farm into a successful sand and gravel business to service the Toronto post-war housing boom. He returned to his farming roots in 1960 with a move to Dunkerron Ontario. Jack built a farm dairy operation (Lochlo Farm) and was one of the first to sell milk to Beckers. In 1966 with the introduction of milk quotas, Jack sold the Holsteins because "he didn't want the government telling him what to do". Jack bought cattle in 1968 to eat up leftover cattle feed while figuring out what to do next. Dad was surprised when a feeder cow birthed a pure white calf so he researched and learned about Charolais beef cattle from France. A new chapter of Lochlo Farm came to prominence. Initially, the Charolais business was a breeding operation with trips to France to buy and import cattle to Canada. It progressed into "Coast to Coast", auction business involving cattle purchases from all over Canada and USA. Jack was President of the Ontario and Canadian Charolais Associations representing Canadian Charolais breeders in Japan and Ireland. Successes include the world record auction price for a cow, Royal Winter Fair championships, and selling a bull back to France to rebuild the breed in its country of origin. Jack served Peel Mutual Insurance company as insurance adjuster, board member and President. He was on the board of Pine Ridge Cemetery. Jack was committed to the Masonic Lodge and held progressive positions becoming Senior Warden of Toronto District, Blackwood Lodge in 1970s. Jack and Bertie liked to get away. In the 1950s, they bought boat access property on Six Mile Lake and built a cabin. It speaks to Jack's determination for fun: farm all day, drive 2 hours, get in a boat, travel the river, dock, settle 5 kids into bed, enjoy an evening, drive back next day for chores. Friends on the lake made precious memories, laughs and fun. In 1963 they sold Six Mile and bought a cottage on Lake Simcoe. Jack had a keen interest in old cars. His pride and joy was a stunning maroon 1939 Cadillac convertible parade car. It justified trips to car flea markets in Hersey PA and a Winnebago MotorHome with buddies. Many winters were spent in warmer climates, initially Barbados and then Largo, Florida. Golden years were fun with many friends. In 1981 Jack and Bertie sold Lochlo Farm and bought adjoining 50 acres to renovate an old farmhouse into a stunning new home. Jack retired from farming in 1986, moved to Nobleton, renovated a house (again). In 2000 Jack and Bertie moved closer to Faye and Mary Ellen in London. Each spent their final years at Highview Residences. A description of our father: integrity, honest and fair; loyal to Mom, family and friends. He had an incredible memory, was creative, intelligent, talented, loved music and song. With a mischievous smile Jack was fun, told stories, and played practical jokes. He was generous, determined and ambitious with a vision for what things could become. Asked how he wanted to be remembered? "That he and Bertie left any situation or place better than they found it." A life well lived Dad and yes, you will be remembered that way. Jack's life will be celebrated privately by the family. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada. Messages of condolence can be left at www.londoncremation.com