Thomas Michael "Buckey" Devitt

It is with great sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Thomas Michael “Buckey” Devitt on Sunday, October 12th, in his 102nd year.

Buckey was the devoted husband of his beloved Joan (deceased, née Murrant), with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter, partnership, and sweet treats. Together they built a family that was always his greatest source of pride: father to Ann (Harald Thiel) and Brian (Christina Creelman); cherished Grandfather to Martin, Marissa (Philip Gray), and Samantha (Trap Yates); and delighted Great-Grandfather to George Michael Gray and Parker Jeffrey Yates. He was also predeceased by his dear companion of many years, Mina Shillabeer, whose care and friendship brought him comfort and joy in later life.

Born in Harrow, England, Buckey was a proud member of the Greatest Generation. At 18, he joined the RAF and trained as a Spitfire pilot, an experience that sparked his lifelong affection for Canada, where he trained, and where he and Joan would later settle to raise their young family.

Mike focused his significant entrepreneurial talents and innovative leadership on growing Office Equipment Company of Canada Ltd into the largest Canon dealer world-wide. Though his professional accomplishments were many, from leading a pioneering business to becoming the first non-American president of the Copy Dealers Association of America, those who knew him best will remember his warmth, wit, and knack for making everyone feel special. Buckey had a mischievous grin, a sharp sense of humour, and a poet’s heart. His family will long treasure the poems he wrote to mark milestones and family vacations – verses that always managed to make us laugh, reflect, and feel deeply connected.

He spent his retirement years between Naples, Florida and Lake Rosseau, where he could often be found sharing stories over a dry gin martini (with Gordon’s!), cooking blueberry (or peach) pancakes, schooling his family at Boggle, or plotting his next cribbage win against his son-in-law.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to his exceptional caregivers, Nikki, Liza, and Agnes, as well as to the entire Hearthstone team, for their kindness, dedication, and love.

Buckey lived a long and joyful life, full of laughter, love, and the poetry of everyday moments. He leaves behind a legacy of success and of spirit, a reminder that humour, family, and gratitude are the true markers of a life well lived.

In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson:
“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much…”