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Richard DeVan Obituary
Mr. DeVan had just returned from a successful dive at Ginney Springs, near Gainesville, Fla. on June 8 when he died from heart failure. He was 68.
"It was all about the joy of it. He loved the camaraderie and being under that water with the other forms of the animal kingdom," said his sister, Sylvia DeVan Moss of New York City.
His interest in learning and fascination with animals started in childhood when his family spent summers at Camp Ernst in Boone County. His father, Orrin E. "Pudy" DeVan was the dean of boys at Holmes High School and director of the YMCA summer camps. His mother, Sylvia Day Harrison DeVan, set up a summer home on the grounds where he and his older sister had fun investigating the woods and waters.
"He was super, super bright," his sister said. "Any time he wanted to know something, he would go in depth to get every detail he could."
He was an alumnus of Holmes High School in Covington. He earned his master's degree and held a doctorate through the University of Cincinnati and Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
He was an adjunct professor of physiology and technical consultant for 15 years with the department of communication sciences (speech) and disorders at UC.
"We relied on him greatly," said childhood friend Nancy Creaghead, also a professor and head of the department. "He not only supported our needs, but was especially valued for constantly exploring and learning new and better ways to support teaching and research technology needs. He had a passion for teaching."
Fellow scuba diver Mike Schulze of Green Township said, "He was very thorough. He would help you to the extent that he would miss a dive he really wanted to do because he was busy helping you."
He became a certified scuba diver in the 1970s, a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors in the 1980s and assisted students at Scuba Unlimited in Blue Ash. He began technical and cave diving in early 1990s.
He enjoyed classical music and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Survivors include his sister, friends and colleagues.
Services have taken place. Burial is in Highland Cemetery, Fort Mitchell. Allison & Rose Funeral Home, Covington, handled arrangements.
Memorials: Camp Ernst, 7615 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, KY 41005-9424.
Online condolences to www.allisonrosefuneralhome .com.
writtten by Mary Lu Strange
Memories and Condolences
for Richard DeVan
6 Entries
Gary Floyd
July 5, 2011
I remember Ricky Devan, the older teenage kid that 'checked in all the boys' in at The Covington YMCA on Saturdays back in the early 60's. He changed the film reels, kept us orderly, and even handed out our towels and locker keys from the 'cage' in the basement by the pool locker room. Good guy, and sorry to read this news, but he did contribute greatly to our 'positive experience' at The Y! Sorry for this loss of a very active and caring guy.
Rita Schulte Whittle
June 29, 2011
Sylvia: My thoughts are with you. What a dear brother! Have great memories of you and Rick in our childhood days. I think of him each time I encounter a racoon and remember the cage built in your back yard to raise these little creatures. Please accept my condolences.
Bob Hendricks
June 23, 2011
Rick is a person that really enjoyed everything he did. He was very smart and always had a thirst for what was next. Rick is now in a place we have not been and once again he continues to explore. Best to you Rick keep on and maybe one day our paths will cross amd as always you got there first.Keep smiling.We will see you soon.
Rev. Patricia Hatfield
June 23, 2011
My sympathies and prayers go out to Rick's family and all who loved him.
Dorothy Graichen
June 22, 2011
I worked with Rick at the St. Frances George Hospital in Cincinnati, Data Processing area. OMG what a fun guy to be around. Quick witted, jokester, prankster, never at a loss for words. We worked hard but we also played hard, the stories our department could tell..and do tell every chance we gather...Good Times, Good Times. RIP my friend - Dorothy Graichen
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