Thomas J. Devine

Thomas J. Devine

Thomas J. Devine, 54, passed away in a climbing accident near his home in Chugiak, Alaska, on February 2, 2021.

Tom was born July 5, 1966, in Wisconsin Rapids to Marilyn and Clarence (Andy) Devine. He graduated in 1984 from Assumption High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He later worked as a private pilot out of Milwaukee and began rock climbing.

Tom met his true love, Cinda Lange, in 1990 in Waukesha. They married in 1995 and settled in Chugiak, Alaska.

Tom worked in log home construction and sales, which led to a long and wide-ranging career. He and Cinda owned Bear Mountain Espresso coffee stand in Chugiak and through time he worked for the Alaska Aces Hockey Team, Super Signs, Tatitlek Corporation, MTNT (all in Anchorage), and Potawatomi Business Development Corporation in Milwaukee, where he served as CEO. He was also self-employed as a business strategy consultant for many years.

He summited Mt. Denali in Alaska, Mt. Rainier in Washington several times and Iztaccihuatl in Mexico. He joined the team of an adventurer and MS patient-advocate at Mt. Everest Base Camp to support her 2009 summit attempt.

Tom's family members affectionately refer to him as the most positive and optimistic person they've ever known. Others recall his ability to see the best in others, even when they could not see it in themselves. Over the years, he mentored countless people to rise to their full potential. Tom put his family first, and his daughters will reap the benefits of his loving attention and outdoorsmanship for the rest of their lives.

Above all, Tom loved the Lord and sought to impact as many people as he could with the word of God.

He is survived by wife Cinda, daughters Allison, Lauren, and Victoria, mother Marilyn, brothers John (Terri), Jim (Mary), Larry (Kathryn), and Dan (Lori), mother-in-law and father-in-law Alice and Steve Manuell, brothers-in-law Kevin Lange and Chris (Laura) Lange, and many beloved nephews and nieces on both sides of the family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence (Andy).

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, February 13, 2 p.m. at The Crossing at Birchwood in Chugiak, Alaska. For the livestream, click the "Watch Live" button at www.crossingak.org.