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.