Devin McCarty
Devin McCarty
Devin Douglas McCarty, aged 54, of Seattle, WA, died at his home on October 12, 2024.
Devin was born in Boise, Idaho. After two years in Billings, MT, the family moved to McCall, ID in 1977, where he graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in 1988. He attended college at the University of Idaho, where he earned a degree in psychology, and was a member of the university’s competitive ski team and the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. In 1994, Devin opened “Dreamwalker” in downtown Boise, ID, a music and art venue aimed to support local artists and foster his passions: connection, conversation, and coffee. He relocated to Seattle in 1997 where he worked as a project manager, and met his wife, the late Elthea Farr.
Devin was a natural explorer, curious in both body and mind, the mountains of McCall his childhood playground where he climbed the rock faces with carabiners and rope and descended the slopes on skis and motorbikes. An artist and engineer at heart, Devin was a freethinker who loved to tinker with recipes, ideas, societal norms, gadgets, and could MacGyver just about anything. Creative, inquisitive, and curious, he was a voracious reader and meditator, in constant search for answers and enlightenment.
Though Devin liked to foster connection, he also took great pleasure in pushing people’s buttons. He terrorized his family and friends with musical instruments (like the pennywhistle, a homemade didgeridoo, and Tuvan throat singing), groan-inducing jokes & puns, blunt observations, and raunchy commentary. But he also displayed a fierce and clever wit, and made his mother laugh like no other.
There was never a more loyal friend than Devin, a patient teacher and provider. He’d feed you, listen, and set you up with proper gear for any expedition, be it the right raincoat, headlamp, or brutally honest piece of advice. Though declining health complicated his patience and abilities – in his heart of hearts – Devin was an incredibly giving human being.
Devin was preceded in death by Elthea. During their time together, “The McFarrty’s” produced two exceptional children, Xaven and Amaleia, who carry within them the very best parts of their parents. Devin is also survived by his brother Bryan McCarty of Boise, ID, sister Rachelle (Shaun Darragh) of Seattle, WA, nephew Connor (Tayler) McCarty of Twin Falls, ID, and his parents, Robert and Karen McCarty of McCall, ID.
In accordance with Devin’s wishes, there will be no formal service. However, those that loved Devin hope to honor his spirit during informal gatherings over the next year. Devin lives on in his children and in our memories, as the very definition of “one of a kind.”
* Our appreciation to Amy Burton for authoring this tribute.
Please leave your stories and condolences below for the family; cards are welcome. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
12 Responses to “Devin McCarty”
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Somewhere around 1983 or 84, after work at The Mill Restaurant Bryan, Devin and I drove to Davis Beach and went swimming. It was late and I was driving, though not yet 16 and legal to drive at night. On the way home we stopped back by The Mill so Devin could go back in, I think to get his paycheck, or check his schedule, I don’t recall for sure. He came back out and ran over to the jeep, and was spotted running away from the mill by a police officer, who promptly pulled up behind the Jeep and came up to ask for ID. We got lucky, just a warning for driving at night without a night license for me. I dropped Devin and Bryan off at their house and went home, adrenaline pumping.
Skiing, motorcycling, “borrowing” liquor and trying to act cool, all the fun and great memories in my head. I am so sad to hear this news and though it has been many moons, I have such fond memories and love for the whole McCarty family and my heart hurts hearing about Devin. All my best to you all.
Devin is a cherished part of my younger days. I spent great times with him in deep conversation, philosophical, thoughtful, questioning. We spent time in nature, listened to music, and were kind to one another. I’ll keep these fond memories of him with me always.
My heart goes out to all who loved and lost Devin. I hope he is at peace now and send my sincere condolences to you all.
Wished I could have known him more along with the rest of our .
Family.
Rip.
Devin and I connected when I was in high school and I always had a special place in my heart for him. Whether he was discussing the latest philosophy he was into, talking about music or psychology, he was always sharp and intellectually stimulating to spend time with. I loved his dark sense of humor and his fearlessness whether it was on skis or roller blades. We reconnected after college and stayed in touch, though only in person in McCall. The last time I saw him he told me of his health issues and his plan to beat them. I wish he could have because he will be sorely missed. RIP my friend.
My memories of Devin are fondly as “one of Rachelle’s older brothers”. We spent hours in high school in big gaggles of kids studying and watching movies into the wee hours at your home, and Devin was in and out. I remember him as kind, edgey-cool, and intellectual. There was a signature black trench coat at the time, and I seem to recall elaborate Halloween front door decorations complete with scary music created with Robb Dye intended to scare the littles. My heart goes out to the McCarty family and Devin’s girls. I’m deeply sorry for your loss.
Devin and my brother Robb were good friends growing up so by proxy, I spent a lot of time with Devin. A main memory of Devin is that he was genuine and authentic. He wasn’t much interested in whether he fit in, or was perceived as cool or popular. He was himself, and I admired that.
Another more trivial thing I appreciated about Devin is that he would definitely go ‘all in’ on things. Robb and I water-skied with Devin — he was good athlete, and also a good skier. When Devin skied, he went full tilt, all out! Whether it had been a day since he last skied or a year, he was going full send. And therefore when he crashed it was truly an awesome thing to behold!
I have many positive memories of him, and send my love to the McCarty family.
Devin and I got to know each other around 4th or 5th grade, there are so many memories. Devin and I spent many days, nights and years together: camping, skiing, motorcycling, snowmobiling, boating and simply hanging out. We grew up as friends, confidants, partners as D.J.s for school dances, collectors of music, producers of music, video game rivals. Devin loved to read, watch movies, discuss anything (no topic was off limits), argue and laugh. Lots of laughter–Devin had a great (and at times biting) sense of humor, and his laugh was free, authentic and joyful. I envied his ability to tinker, break, repair, and build with focus, determination and stamina.
This friendship was the most influential, rewarding and challenging that I’ve experienced–a friendship that I would hope all kids can be lucky enough to have at least once. Devin was loyal, he didn’t judge, he accepted anyone no matter their foibles and imperfections. He was generous (no doubt learned from Bob and Karen!), he was an accomplished athlete and wasn’t afraid to push his limits (I still can see the fantastic water ski crashes). He was driven to learn, to create, to improve, and to seek answers to big questions with unabashed curiosity. We discussed books, movies, shared dirty jokes, fought, tested the limits of profanity, drifted apart, came back together and while nobody was looking we grew into adulthood.
I lost touch with Devin over the last few years. My heart breaks for the family, especially the kids who are experiencing such profound loss so young. I want to acknowledge Bob and Karen for their friendship and generosity- perhaps someday we can raise a glass, tell a Devin story and share a laugh in his honor. Devin will always be a part of me and is forever in my thoughts.
I only knew Devin the last few years after my divorce in 2020. He was a man of mine own heart. Out of the people I met in the common group we’d run into on Greenwood, Devin was the only man to appreciate my dad jokes with dark humor and vice verse.
Devin and I would often talk about music, I’m a musician and have produced several albums and I’d try to offer any sort of recommendations for equipment and Digital Audio Workstations. We spoke of different inspirations and I feel sad I never got to hear any of his music as he always said his music was still work in progress.
Along with music and comedy, we spoke often about spiritualism and meditation. Though there was one story I always think of, my girlfriend at the time told me he invited her after hearing she was a Buddhist, to join his group who meditate and chant with Christmas lights in their nostrils. She took him seriously, but for all those that know him, he was hilariously sarcastic. And I always crack up at that thought. With his humor aside, when it came to spirituality we both agreed on constant growth and lessons. How complex and simplistic life could be, how paradoxical it was to even exist and to exist in a manner while maintaining a balance of the non-existent. He was for a small time a guru for me.
He spoke a bit about his family, and I wish them growth and abundance with a sprinkle of humor, enough love and joy to become better versions of themselves everyday.
Devin, I will see you on the other side my friend.
Mike G.
Devin, just one letter short of “Devine,” both in spelling and in actual divinity.
I had only known him for ~6 years and I enjoyed my time with him. We often had late night discussions, shared laughter and Karaoke together, and leaned on each other for help and advice.
I gathered that he carried regrets with him (a traight to which everyone can relate), but behaved towards others as an act of atonement to find his peace. I loved him like a brother and will surely miss his company.
In a Devin-caliber terrible pun, Rest in piece(s), bud.
C.D.
**Funeral Note for Devin**
In loving memory of Devin, whose radiant spirit and teachings left an indelible mark on our souls. He was a beacon of light and energy, guiding us through the journey of life with wisdom and compassion. Devin’s presence was a gift to all who knew him, offering help through awakening and meditation. His teachings on connecting with our higher selves will forever remain with us. Though he has passed, Devin’s soul surrounds us still, a constant reminder of the love and light he brought into the world.
With gratitude and love, RIP My friend
I grew up with Devin and we spent a ton of time together in high school and some years past high school. He was always up for an adventure and often the instigator of adventures. I lived in San Diego for a year and Devin offered to drive me back to Idaho when I moved back. On the way up we took the Trooper to the Sequoia National Park. We camped there and a ranger came by and told us there was a troublesome bear in the area and put any food in the nearby bear box. We asked what we should do if the bear comes around, the ranger replied, “Yell at it and scare it off.” Despite that Devin let me sleep in the Trooper while he slept outside in his tent. I did get a couple rocks to throw at the bear from the safety of the Trooper’s sunroof while it potentially savaged Devin. He was very giving – and much braver than me! The next day we hit Yosemite and did some rock climbing with all the climbing gear that Devin brought along. He taught me about proper belaying and climbing terminology. In the redwoods we found a massive tree deep in the forest and Devin went over to it and gave it a big hug.
Another adventure with Devin was a trip to Disneyland with a German exchange student. We drove to Donner Summit where we stopped and slept in the car. The next day we were just in time to hit rush hour on the freeway in Oakland. This ended in a multicar accident (police said “no fault”) that crumpled the front of our car and pushed the radiator fan into the engine. We were able to drive the car into Oakland where Devin called his dad – what do we do? And in the typical good parenting mode, Bob said to Devin, “you have a credit card, figure it out.” In MacGyver fashion, Devin located an auto salvage yard where we located a replacement hood and front grill. And with tools Devin kept with him we replaced the damaged parts and forced the radiator back forward so the radiator fan would be able to spin. As if we hadn’t had enough excitement, we were nearing the Oakland Bay Bridge when the hood (that we tied down with hay bailing twine) slammed open, blocking the front windshield, and blinding three high schoolers driving a car in the middle of a 5-lane freeway at 60mph. With other cars honking and the three of us screaming and rolling down our windows to stick our heads out, Devin managed to get the car pulled off the side of the freeway safely. This time we attached the hood to the grill with a chain!
Oh, I have too many adventures with Devin to recount here.
The times I spent with Devin and hanging out at the McCarty’s watching movies, playing music, and gaming were some of the best times of my life and will always have a big place in my heart. I loved his sense of humor and whenever he would get that mischievous glint in his eye. I will miss Devin and my heart goes out to the McCarty’s. Devin – until we meet again.
Devin, This song came to mind. I am sure you would appreciate it <3. I remember ski racing together. You were older than us and I was mainly friends with Rachelle. I do remember you being very inspirational and a very forward thinking person AND, really the first person I had ever met that didn't give a shit what other people thought. You were an inspiration Devin. Many hugs to your family:
In a place you only dream of,
Where your soul is always free.
Silver stages, golden curtains,
Filled my head, plain as can be.
As a rainbow grew around the sun,
All my stars of love who died.
Came from somewhere beyond the scene you see.
These lovely people played just for me.
Now if I let you see this place,
Where stories all ring true,
Will you let me pas your face,
To see what's really you,
It's not for me I ask these questions,
As though I were a king,
For you have to love, believe and feel
Before the the burst of tambourines take you there.
Chorus: Green Grass and High Tides Forever!
Castles of Stone Souls and Glory!
Lost Faces say we adore you.
As Kings & Queens bow and play for you
Those who don't believe me.
Find your souls and set them free.
Those who do, Believe and Love.
This time will be your Key.
Time and Time Again I've Thanked Them
For a piece of Mind
They helped me find myself
Amongst the music and the rhyme
The enchants you there
Chorus: Green Grass and High Tides for Ever! Castles of stone souls and glory. Lost faces say we adore you. As Kings and Queens bow and play for you.
Yeah, They Play for You