Tad Devine

Timothy Andrew Devine, known as Tad by all who loved him, passed away peacefully in Newport Beach on March 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.
Tad was born in Los Angeles on November 26, 1934. As the son of actor Andy Devine and Dorothy House Devine, Tad's childhood on the family ranch was filled with characters and adventures; from horseback rides and hunts to tall tales and travels on set with his father. Some of his favorite moments were hearing about the brave missions of the Flying Tigers who often visited their family while on leave: this led to Tad's lifelong secret desire to be a pilot.
Tad's talent as a swimmer would define the next chapter of his life. Tad loved surfing and open ocean swimming, and at age 17 was one of the youngest of the Santa Monica Lifeguards. After completing high school in Van Nuys, his success led him to Stanford University where he set multiple swimming records and competed on a national stage, including qualifying for the 1956 Olympic Trials. While narrowly missing the Olympics, Tad was asked to compete for the US Surf Lifesaving Association where he won his division. After Stanford, Tad enlisted in the Navy as a member of the US Navy Underwater Demolition Team.
After achieving the rank of Lt. Commander, Tad completed his naval service and sailed through Tahiti and the South Seas. When he returned to California, Tad was introduced to his beautiful wife, Donna Starling, by his younger brother, Dennis. They were married in 1963 and moved to Newport Beach, where they raised their family and Tad owned a property management company. Tad and Donna spent all of their years together in the same home they purchased in Irvine Terrace in 1965.
Tad's passion for adventure defined his full and happy life. He loved his family and his pals, and was always embarking on a new project. He was a lifelong learner with a fierce curiosity about the world and could talk to anyone about anything. Tad's outgoing personality attracted a wide social circle, and he was a member of many organizations including the Rancheros Vistadores, El Viaje de Portola, Order of Saint Hubertus and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. He skied, hunted, rode, sailed and traveled all over the world. Tad recently reflected that while growing up he fantasized about all the adventures he'd like to have, and when looking back he was grateful that he actually experienced many of them. He will be deeply missed.
Tad is survived by his wife Donna Starling Devine; children Debra Devine Lee (Richard Lee) and Drew Devine; grandchildren Timothy James (TJ) Morton, Margaret Morton, Ava Devine and Andi Devine; and his brother Dennis Devine and niece Patricia Devine Karlin.
A private celebration of Tad's life will be held in Newport Beach on Friday, March 31 at 2:00pm.