Gerald DEVLIN Obituary

GERALD M. DEVLIN, Q.C. Gerald M. Devlin, Q.C., died peacefully, surrounded by love, on Monday, November 6, 2023, after a few months of deteriorating health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Irene; his five loving children, Joe, Mary Teresa (Steven), John, Anne (David) and Michael (Nadine); his thirteen grandchildren, Sarah (Matt), Rebecca, Victoria, Joan, Erin, Michael, Kate, Ruth, Ellen, Annie, Matthew, Lauren and Caleb; his great-grandson, Alden; his sisters and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Katherine and Joe Devlin, and eventually moved to Toronto. He attended St. Michael's College School and then graduated from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto in 1955. He is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School (LL.B, 1959), and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1975. After a short period in private practice, Gerry joined North American Life in 1960, was appointed General Counsel and Secretary in 1969 and became Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary in 1975. In 1977, he joined the Canadian Life Insurance Association. When the CLIA merged with the Canadian Association of Accident and Sickness Insurers in 1981, Gerry became Executive Vice-President of the new association, and President in 1986. Gerry was active in the legal community. He served the Canadian Bar Association as the Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Ontario Branch Insurance Law Section, and then as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the National Insurance Law Section. In addition, he served as President and Director of the Thomas More Lawyers' Guild of Toronto, and Director of Catholic Family Services. He also served as a Director of Providence Healthcare Foundation. From 2010 - 2012, he was President of the Senior Alumni Association at the University of Toronto. In 2005, Gerry received the Arbor Award from University of Toronto to recognize his exemplary service as a volunteer who made sustained and valuable contributions to the experience of the university's students, faculty, staff and alumni. This award is the highest honour given to University of Toronto volunteers. Gerry and Irene were founding members of Annunciation Parish and were actively involved in the marriage preparation course for young couples. In addition, Gerry was very involved in local politics. Gerry enjoyed a long, full and happy life. He was an upbeat person who enjoyed meeting people. He loved music, especially jazz, classical and rock 'n roll. He loved food, especially chocolate. He cherished life and was a devoted husband and father. Inspired by the Basilian Fathers, he encouraged his own children to value their Catholic faith, truth, justice and education. The family will receive friends at the Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East (west of Bayview Ave.), from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place within the funeral home in the Chapel of St. Joseph on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The final rite of committal will take place Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge St., Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House or to a Charity of Your Choice. Online condolences and directions may be found at: www.catholic-cemeteries.com