Edward J. Devaney
“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”
Edward J. Devaney passed away in Bellevue, Washington on January 11, 2015 at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband and father, Ed was a remarkable man and lived a remarkable life. Born in Bremerton, Washington to Phillip and Anna Devaney. He attended Bremerton High School and played on the 1941 State Champion Basketball team. This was one of his fondest memories and many of his teammates on that team remained life long friends.
Ed went on to attend the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) on a baseball/basketball scholarship. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His college days were interrupted by WW II. He joined and proudly served in the United States Navy seeing most of his action in the Pacific Theatre. He retired from the Navy attaining the rank of Lieutenant.
After the war Ed returned to the University of Oregon and obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation he accepted a position with American President Lines in San Francisco, California. There he met the love of his life Ruth Crowe who just happened to be from Tacoma, Washington! They were married for 66 years.
Ed and Ruth returned to Washington and made their first home on Hood Canal (which remained a beloved summer home) followed by a move to Bellevue where they have lived ever since. 
Ed was a wonderful provider and his career included positions with the Boeing Company and the State of Washington Higher Education Personnel Board. He was known for his insight, intelligence, humor, overall sense of fairness and doing the right thing. He was a lifelong member of the Bremerton Elks Lodge.
After retirement he and Ruth enjoyed many years as Snowbirds traveling to Yuma, Arizona every winter. They enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing, riding bikes and spending time with the many friends they made there.
Ed is survived by his wife Ruth, son Mike, daughter Karen, grandchildren Kimberly and Jake as well as many other family and dear friends.
Services are planned for Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 12:30 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas”
2 Responses to “Edward J. Devaney”
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The wings of angels are carrying this very special man to heaven, A gentle man I’m proud to call my ” second father”. Always had a good story, a smile, and words of wisdom. So proud of his beautiful family and lovely wife. I am so happy I’ve been able to spend time with Ed and Ruth. Rest peacefully dear Ed,. Say hi to Ralph and smile about “Jamaica”.
We are so sad to hear of Mr. Devaney’s passing. We can’t even imagine what it will be like to never again see him riding the mower at the beach…it just won’t be the same. We certainly enjoyed his stories of the good old days at the beach and the history of it all. Also, very much enjoyed stories of his U of O days once he found out our daughter went to the University of Oregon! A lot of good conversation over the years – he will be missed!