Roy B Devenish April 12, 1945 - October 20, 2024

Roy B. Devenish passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after an eight year battle fighting cancer. Roy was the second child of Bernard R. Devenish and Verl Olsen. He was born on April 12, 1945 in Springville, Utah. Roy grew up in Springville with his older sister LaRayne, and his two younger brothers David and Craig. Roy gave the City of Springville a run for their money! If he wasn’t racing his ‘58 Ford Police Interceptor, ‘65 Mustang, or later his ‘62 Impala, he could be found with friends innocently borrowing dynamite to blow up a bridge or two around town. He probably was adored by the local police chief for his job security. Roy made it to his senior year and graduated from Springville High School with the class of 1963.

Roy was always a hard worker. He earned his Eagle Scout and a palm at the age of fifteen. After graduation he was called to serve a two year LDS work mission in the Southeast District of the United States in March 1964. This opportunity allowed him to work hard, learn several skills, and help the local community. Roy was honorably released from his mission six months early in September of 1965 to enlist in the Marines.

“Oorah!” Roy was a true Marine. He entered the Marine Corp in December of 1965, in Barstow, California. Roy trained at Camp Pendleton in California and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Roy valiantly served two tours in the Vietnam War in the 1st MP Battalion where he helped to secure the DaNang Air base. He finished his first tour and then reenlisted for another tour so that his younger brother, David, who was married, could stay stateside. He shared many stories about his experiences with us through the years. One of the most notable is being ambushed while on patrol. He survived, unlike several others in his platoon by staying upright. He had the heel of his boot shot off and later found several bullet holes that had gone through the folds of his pant legs. He also learned to never eat cookies before falling asleep or the very large rats would nibble on your fingers, and that snake in your bed was always an unwelcome surprise. Roy received several medals for his service. When Roy returned home the legend has always been that he ate eighteen sloppy Joes and drank a whole keg of beer. He was proud of this accomplishment.

Roy found the love of his life and married Merilyn Huff on August 29, 1969. They eventually moved to Spanish Fork, where they raised their two daughters, Amy and Angie. They were also blessed with five grandchildren. They had a beloved dog Ginger for fifteen years, and leave behind their most loyal companion, their goldendoodle, Major.

Roy was a hard worker and always provided for his family, sometimes working two jobs if needed. He worked at Bailey’s sewing factory for a few years where he repaired sewing machines. Roy became so good at his job that his Grandma Olsen would often ask him to fix her antique treadle machine. Roy later became a coal miner working in the Emery mine, and believe it or not, he actually enjoyed it. He eventually found himself laid off which gave him the opportunity to try something new. He ended up in the training academy for the Department of Corrections where he trained to be a correctional officer for the Utah State Prison. He would often come home with some interesting stories. He retired after more than twenty years. On his days off, Roy would help a local company with their machinery. He also found out that he enjoyed subbing for the youth in custody Cornerstone program in Nebo School District. When he retired from the prison he continued to work for several years in Cornerstone and also in the detention room at Landmark High.

Roy attended two years at the Trade Tech (UVU) in their drafting program. This knowledge really paid off because he could build and fix anything and everything. He built toy boxes and rocking horses for grandkids, shelves, hutches, bird houses, and of course the wood crafts that Merilyn would paint and sell at her Quilted Bear booth. Roy even made over two hundred flag plaques that were individualized for the residents at the Veterans home. He also donated several for the V.F.W. for a fundraiser. Roy was a lifetime member of the local V.F.W. where he met many great friends.

Roy was fun to tease, even with his quick temper. He would get frustrated and swear at you or call you names, but everyone knew that he secretly loved it. Teasing was the Devenish love language.

Roy enjoyed spending time at his cabin where he worked hard to make it a place his family could enjoy. Many campfires, toastites, four wheeler rides, can shooting, lizard chases, games of Thirty-One, and hunting trips were spent there. Before the cabin, the family enjoyed many camping trips with family and friends in Hobble Creek.

A highlight for Roy every year was the tradition of attending the demolition derby with Angie, Mark, and their kids. He loved that they always honored the veterans and he almost always would cry during the National Anthem (but that’s a secret!).

Roy was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a cancer most likely due to the service he gave his country. He battled it, like the strong soldier he had always been, for eight years. During this time, there were so many ups and downs. One of the “ups” was receiving a Quilt of Valor for the sacrifices he made for his country. He was so touched by this and it was a beautiful and humbling experience. Another “up” was having the opportunity to go on a Honor Flight escorted by his granddaughter Mercedes. It was the trip of a lifetime and he finally got the welcome home he deserved.

With appointments for treatment every three weeks (or sometimes more) for eight years, Roy accepted the commitment and he blessed our lives well past the fourteen months they originally gave him. During this time, he still managed to take care of his home and family. As Merilyn’s health declined, he became the caretaker, the shopper, the cook, and the maid, which he lovingly did, even on the bad days. When Merilyn’s health took an unexpected turn for the worse this year, and with every trip to the ER or stay at the hospital, Roy would stay all day everyday by her side, even though he was in pain and didn’t feel well. This also affected his health. Merilyn passed away in May. Roy’s health worsened and he missed his companion he had spent fifty five years with. Even with his declining health he was able to have a few more “ups.” He was able to take a few more rides to the cabin, attend one more derby, and even go on an all day four wheeling adventure with his brother David and grandson Coltrin. This beautiful man literally built a life and put up a hell of a fight! We love you Grump!

To honor Roy’s wishes, a private graveside with military honors was held on October 22, 2024, at the Spanish Fork Cemetery. We would love family and friends to attend a celebration of Roy’s life on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11 am – 1 pm at Mark and Angie’s home in Spanish Fork. Please reach out if you need the address.

Angie would like to thank Dr. Rich and his staff for the eight years and love they gave her dad, and the hospice nurses who have checked in on him these last few weeks. Mark, for fixing all of the things, especially those damn sprinklers and the stupid TV (cue the tossing of the remote), and for being the son Roy never had. Mercedes, for making Grump beautiful and for being his tour guide, one of his most treasured memories. Coltrin, for being his chauffeur, errand runner, hospital companion, groundskeeper, and Grump’s official best buddy. Adley, for taking care of and loving Major, Grump’s best friend who was with him to the end. Major, for his faithfulness and the joy he brought both Merilyn and Roy when they needed it the most. Thank you to all of our family and friends who have been a part of our lives through the years, I know my dad appreciates and loves you all.