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William Devine Obituary

Anchorage resident William "Bill" David Devine, 74, died Jan. 16, 2007, in Anchorage.
A funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Witzleben's Bragaw Chapel with Chaplain Bert McQueen officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.
Bill Devine was an Alaska artist, an Iditarod artist, an elder who was part of the beginning of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and a preservationist who served as a longtime member of the Wasilla Knik Historical Society. But most importantly, Bill has always been "a dog's best friend."
Bill was born Feb. 23, 1932, in San Diego. He began honing his skills as an artist at the age of 9 by painting signs on cardboard for local restaurants.
At age 17, Bill joined the U.S. Army and later joined the Air Force. He proudly served his country on the frontlines and behind enemy lines in the Korean and Vietnam wars, including being a part of the 23rd Infantry A Company as well as the Air Force commandos.
In 1968, Bill came to Alaska via the U.S. Air Force in a Volkswagen "Bug."
Bill got bitten by the Iditarod "bug" during the first race to Nome in 1973. He became one of Joe Redington Sr.'s closest friends. In 1974, Bill designed the Official Iditarod logo sign. From then on, Bill has been one of the biggest promoters and supporters of the Iditarod Trail Race. For years, he traveled statewide showing color slides and telling the story of the "Last Great Race on Earth."
Bill Devine donated countless drawings for organizations in Anchorage and worldwide, including many veteran organizations. His most notable donations of talent and money were to "Dollars for Dogs" in Anchorage -- the fundraising arm of the Anchorage Police K-9 unit.
Survivors are Willie Sue Devine; son, William Devine II; sister, Bernice Devine Richardson; nieces, Kathleen Thomason and her husband, Danny, and Marlene Thomason; and grandnephews and grandnieces, Daniel, Chad, Leslie, Halley and Teresa.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Bertha Rodriguez Devine, and brothers, James, George and Charles.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jan. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Devine

17 Entries

Cecil and Marge Blankenship

February 7, 2007

Cecil and I were privilaged to meet Bill at the reacativation ceremony for the 4th Bn. 23rd Infantry. He was a very neat fella and shared a lot of memories with my hubby who had served from 65 to 66 with the Battalion in Viet Nam. Bill was a true Tomahawk and my hubby is honored to be called a Tomahawk with Bill.
To his family: thanks for sharing him with us.

Heather Redington

January 28, 2007

Thanks for everything you did to help the Redington family and for being a special friend.

Joee and Pam Redington

January 28, 2007

You were a special friend of my Dad and Mom and the Redington family. We will all miss you.
Joee and Pam

Barbara & Raymie Redington

January 28, 2007

We will miss Bill, he was a part of the Redington Family since he became interested in the Iditarod.
He gave encouragement, support and advice, he was loyal to his friends and belief's. We are all blessed for his friendship and knowing Bill Devine.

LTC John Norris

January 26, 2007

I am sorry for the loss of a great man and soldier who continued serving his Nation until the end. SGT Devine came forward to welcome fully the activation of 4-23Infantry Tomahawks in Anchorage. Bill was a true Tomahawk and I value his Tomahawk print he made and signed for every soldier. Rest in peace, "We Serve"

Jack Baumann III

January 25, 2007

I am very sorry to hear of your Dads passing Billy. I always wanted to make it back to Anchorage to see you guys again. I still plan on making it soon. I have read lots of articles on your Dad over the years. He was and still is a very loved man. He made his "Mark" in Anchorage forever. I am proud to have a lot of his early art work via my parents. Take care..miss you guys.
"Jackie" Baumann

Ralph and Carolyn Hockley

January 24, 2007

The 2nd Infantry Division, Korean War Veterans Alliance (2ID-KWVA) has lost one of its main benefactors with Bill Devine. Our stationery, Bulletins are adorned with his beautiful creations. He was a valued and generous member whom we shall miss greatly. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family.
Ralph Hockley, Secretary/Past President, 2ID-KWVA

Charley HEATH

January 24, 2007

From Charley and Virginia Heath, Olympia WA:
We served together in combat (Korea) and he was a member of our organization of Korean War Veteran's. He designed our logo for the organization which was very appreciated and widely used. We will miss him; our sincere
condolences to his family.

Yael Hickok

January 23, 2007

A true gentleman, Bill lived his values and gave to the community around him. He left this world a better place indeed. I am greatful to have known him and to have been blessed by his talents. Bill did the photography for out engagement and wedding, and never took a penny for it. Talking with Bill always lifted my mood. We miss him but rejoice in knowing that he has moved on to a better place. God Bless!

Michael & Joleen Hankins

January 23, 2007

Every neighborhood should have a neighbor like Bill Devine! Our family was fortunate to be neighbors with Bill for 28 1/2 years. Not only was Bill a super neighbor, but he was a great friend to our family as well! He was a mentor to our children while growing up, including being the same to other Fern Lane youngsters. Bill always took time out of his busy schedule to share his enthusiasm for wildlife with anyone. He especially loved dogs, and any stray hound stopping by Bill's house found a protective friend willing to share a bowl of food or cool drink of water. We will miss Bill, but rejoice in the fact that we will see him again in the near future. Knowing that reunion is reality, makes Bill's death a much easier pill to swallow.

Jack & Ruth Baumann

January 22, 2007

we offer our prayers and sympathy to
all...we treasure the times spent in
Alaska. Bill joins our daughter
Rachel (Ft Richardson Nat Cemetary)
God Bless!!!!

Talya Johnson

January 22, 2007

Bill was a loyal friend, patient teacher, and a man of honor. Shalom

Michael & Cheryl (babe) Guardino

January 21, 2007

Hey Bill, you were a great brother-in-law! Babe, and I are going to miss you very much. May God Bless You, and keep you!
We will never forget you!
Love You
Michael & Cheryl(babe)Guardino

michelle rush

January 21, 2007

Bill, We are sorry for your loss. I'll add you to my prayers. We love you. Me and Buck Rush

Red & Dee Carlos

January 21, 2007

Sorry to hear of Bill's death, we are in Yuma, Az. & a friend called this morning to give us this info. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patricia Brown

January 21, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Nancy Galstad

January 21, 2007

Though I did not know Mr. Devine personally, he was a familiar face along the Iditarod Trail Races over the years. His works have created a lasting memory for all of us. He served his fellow man well, and we will miss him.

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