Michael (Mike) McDevitt – peacefully, with family at his side, Mike passed on November 21st after long illness. Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, he was the youngest child of the late Arthur Edgar McDevitt and the late Marie Magee, who raised their family in Shawinigan and Sherbrooke.
As his signature Tilley would suggest, Mike was a man of many hats. Whether teaching history and political science at Champlain College; writing, editing, and reporting for The Record; pouring a pint at the Golden Lion pub; substitute teaching at Galt or RRHS; or announcing the news on CJMQ and CIDI – Mike spent his life contributing to the anglo institutions of the Townships. He was known as a talented writer and debater, always free with his strong opinions, sharp wit, and grammar advice (solicited or not).
His greatest roles, though, were those of loving father, grandfather, and brother. He leaves to mourn his daughters Kelly and Megan McDevitt, who were his pride and joy; and grandchildren Layla and Tommy Cait, who will miss their silly Ampa.
Ever the mischievous baby brother, he jumped the queue ahead of his older siblings Jacqueline (Jackie) Ross, Alan McDevitt, and Kathleen (Kathy) McDevitt. He also leaves to mourn his ex-wife Norma Husk; niece Erin Ross-O’Flaherty (Ryan) and her children; nephew Colin Ross Jr.; his dear friends Barbara Ann Picken and Victoria Hill; dozens of cousins; and many friends and former colleagues.
The family wishes to thank the staff at CIUSSS de l’Estrie, Sherbrooke; St. Francis Manor, Lennoxville; La Résidence Brunswick, Richmond; and especially Maison Aube Lumière, Sherbrooke for the exceptional care given to Mike and the family over the past months. Your kindness and compassion will long be remembered.
Visitation at Cass Funeral Home, 3006 rue Collège, Sherbrooke (Lennoxville), Saturday, November 29th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The visitation will be followed by a celebration of life at the Golden Lion Pub - Le Lion d’Or, 2902 rue Collège, Sherbrooke, starting at 12:00.
Private interment in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Mike’s memory to Maison Aube Lumière or Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders.
Sympathy Messages
Dear Kathy and family,
Our thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in the memories of your loving and fun times you shared together.
Barbara and Solli
May my support warm your heart
- Barbara and Solli , on
November 25, 2025
Mike was a remarkable human being and our heartfelt condolences go out to his beautuful, loving family and friends. Words can't express how sad I am but I know he's at peace. Love you.
- John and Lillian Bosco, on
November 25, 2025
My sympathies, Megan and Kelly, Norma for the passing of Mike. I read many of his Record articles, occasionally bumped into him in Lennoxville. The Townships will miss him for the special person that he was.
- Keith Whittall, on
November 25, 2025
Terry, I, and our family send our condolences to the family and friends of Mike. Kelly, Megan and her children, and Norma may you all have strength and be comforted that because of your love and support Mike passed peacefully🌹
- Melanie Moynan-Smith, on
November 25, 2025
My deepest sympathies to Kelly, Meghan, Norma and families ! Thinking of you all during this difficult time! Hugs
- Vicki Nixon, on
November 25, 2025
Megan, Kelly, Layla, Tommy and all who loved Mike; just hang onto the good stuff. It’s what he would have wanted.
He will be remembered for his rapier wit, brilliant mind and no-nonsense demeanour… and that Tilly hat.
The world is a lot less interesting without Mike in it.
May he rest well.
May my support warm your heart
- Tracey Hill, on
November 25, 2025
My wife Margie and I want to give the family of this great man our most sincere sympathies. I've known Mike for a lot of years and even worked under him at the Sherbrooke Record. He was a very educated man who wasn't afraid to give you his opinion. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. RIP Mc D .
- Corey Bellam, on
November 25, 2025
Margie and I want to give the family of this great man our most sincere sympathies. Mike was a man who we both loved to talk to. Didn't matter the subject he was ready to give you his opinion. He would lift up that hat and give his head a scratch and then you better listen to his opinion. A very educated man who did many jobs over the years. RIP McD.
- Corey Bellam, on
November 25, 2025
Mike you gave me many hours of silliness and fun...when I was performing I would look out in the audience and see your white hair and I knew I was doing ok.
Thanks for those memories
- Penelope Doheny , on
November 25, 2025
Mike, I am so sorry you have taken the next journey. From pouring pints with you at the Lion, playing crib, just chatting or.... arguing politics... you were always a thoughtful and very deep person. You will be missed greatly!!! Harry
- Harrison Webster, on
November 25, 2025
Michael and I were great buddies. May his soul rest in peace.
- Lucille Ross, on
November 25, 2025
My deepest condolences, Norma. May you find comfort in this difficult time.
- Elvina Koay, on
November 25, 2025
Many great memories at the Laramie apartments. Rest in Peace my Friend.
May my support warm your heart
- Jeff Atto , on
November 26, 2025
Gum biodh a’ ghaoth ri do dhruim, a Mhìcheil.
Agus ma chaidh thu far a bheil mise a’ dol, bi cinnteach gum faigh mi thu agus gum bi beagan againn.
(May the wind be at your back, Michael. And if you’re going where I’ll be going, be sure that I will find you and we’ll raise a few).
Daniel Allan
- Daniel Allan, on
November 26, 2025
I have made a donation to Doctors without Borders in memory of Mike.
- Eleanor Brown, on
November 26, 2025
A donation to Doctor’s Without Borders has been made in memory of cousin Mike. My sincere condolences to the family and may he rest in peace.
May my support warm your heart
- Jo-Ann Magee, on
November 26, 2025
To All of Mike's Family : My deepest condolences to you. Mike was a marvelous man. I moved out to BC 45 years ago but, in the 1970's, lived in Lennoxville and met Mike through the Golden Lion years. We had many lively discussions and debates. He was extremely witty, so fun to spend time with . He was always a gentleman.... I so wish it were possible for me to be there to honour him. A true friend indeed. Sincerely, Cathy Dougan.
- Catherine Dougan, on
November 26, 2025
To Norma, Kelly, Megan, Jackie, Kathy, and the many who knew and loved Michael I wish to send my condolences.
Mike, thanks for the wit, wisdom and laughter.
With loving family by your bedside this journey has peacefully begun.
See you on the other side.
- Abby Steinberg, on
November 27, 2025
Dearest Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Michael will always loom large in your memory. Barb
- Barb Thompson, on
November 27, 2025
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. He was an awesome man and once wrote me one of the most eloquent letters I ever received. I am glad he had support during his illness and was surrounded by his loved ones during his final hours.
- Alison Heath, on
November 28, 2025
I knew Mike in High School. His intelligence and acerbic wit were his strong points, even back then. I was fortunate to spend time with him at the Lion in recent years and remain in touch afterwards. My condolences to Kathy, his friends, and family.
- Gerry Ride, on
November 29, 2025
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Keep the fond memories close to warm your hearts though the tough times. Big Hugs!
- KC and Max, on
November 29, 2025
Living in the same neighborhood of Sherbrooke, Mike, his sister Kathy and I used to take the bus home from school together. It was the late 60s. Mike always had an ascerbic wit and directness. Snarky, he called it. It's been a privilege, Mike. Not fade away!
May my support warm your heart
- Peter Meissner, on
November 30, 2025
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