Joseph Emmett Devine Sr.

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Devine’s passing.

I was a student of Mr. Devine at WSHS (c/o ‘84). He was one of my favorite teachers. His reading of The Cask of Amontillado was most memorable. The last time I saw Mr. Devine was at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seattle. I was wearing a plaid skirt and with that twinkle in his eye, Mr. Devine asked me what clan I represented!

It is apparent that Mr. Devine touched many lives with his wit, humor, teachings and smile.

Dear Megann. Thank you so much for inviting me to your Dad's memorial service. The expressions of condolences made quite an impression on me, especially those related to his love of people. Your Dad really found great beauty and joy in his family, friends, students, and neighbors and spent his life honoring, enjoying, and loving them. I can't think of a finer attribute in someone than to be a great lover of people. Although I did not know him well, I feel his life offers an opportunity...

Dear Jo, How very sorry I am to hear that you have lost your dear Joe. Though I didn't know him he sounds like a wonderful person, husband, father, teacher and companion.Your family is no doubt sharing their memories and stories to keep him close. My condolences to you all.
Fondly, Marianne D'Amico Mack

Dear Jo, I was so very sorry to hear of the death of your Joe. I never knew him but have since read all the entries in this book so I feel as though I did know him. What a dear man he must have been and how thrilling for you and your family to know how memorable he was to so many as teacher and friend. Those thoughts must do more than console! I can only imagine how you and yours will miss him. J.J. gave you my condolences and wrote to tell me what a grand funeral Joe had. God bless you...

I would like thank the family of Mr Devine for allowing us all to share our memories and accolades for a very special man. My condolences to the family.I had Mr. Devine for Language Arts and Mythology at WSHS during the late 60's. He was that one special teacher that I will cherish my whole life. He had a passion for the English language and passed that on to his students. To this day, I have my thesaurus,my dictionary and "elements of style" within reach at all times. I also have vivid...

A good friend said to me recently, “When a person dies, they become closer to us than ever. They are now free to become more beautiful in our minds as we wash away anything but the best memories.” I found it to be an insight into my father’s life. He lived his life seeing the good in the living……he focused on the best of what people had to offer and stripped away the rest. When I thought about it, it occurred to me that even in death he was still teaching me a lesson.

Thank you all so...

To the Devine Family

Mr. "D" was an exceptional teacher, friend, and confidant. I have many memories of him reading to us in class one of the famous poets (Edgar Alan Poe). Needless to say the way he read would always keep your attention and make you think about what the writer was saying. I have many found memories of Mr. D and was saddened to hear of his passing.

Due to his teachings I was able to achieve two masters degrees and thinking of obtaining a doctorate (not in...

To the Devine Family,
Our fond memories of Mr. Devine and The Devine Family will stay with us forever. So much respect, and so well earned. My thoughts and prayers with you all from the Kallerson family, Capitol Hill.

Dear Devine Family,
I would like to extend my sincere condolences. Growing up with Eddie I always could count on Mr. Devine making me laugh so hard my belly would hurt. He was easy to talk to and always had a kind word.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and know that he is in heaven telling jokes to all the saints.
All my Love
Sarah (Derrig) Bradlee