Born in Illinois, Don was raised in Crystal Lake and then moved to California with his family after his freshman year at Butler University. He soon was called to duty in Vietnam. Upon returning, he completed his education, moved to La Selva Beach, CA, and started a family. He began his career as an accountant with McCormick and Co., ultimately becoming a financial and efficiency consultant to a wide variety of agricultural producers and food distributors. He was known for his innovative solutions and ability to create successful teams.
Don was also the dad who, year after year, orchestrated the Fourth of July festivities in La Selva Beach, accompanied his daughters on school field trips and spent endless hours in the garden of their home. He was a competitive runner, cyclist and skier, but happiest when he was trekking about in a national park with family and friends.
After retiring to Gilpin County, Colorado, Don transitioned from running the beach to climbing 14ers. He also became active in progressive politics and his passion was increasing awareness about the restorative power of nature and the importance of preserving it and our climate for future generations.
Don shared his million-dollar smile with everyone. He was endlessly kind, grateful for every day, thoughtful and positive in the face of all odds.
After a courageous battle with Agent Orange progressive cancer, Don passed away August 12. He will be missed enormously by his beloved daughters Megan Ramirez of San Diego, CA, and Anne Devereux of Boulder, CO, and granddaughters Natalie, Autumn and Violet. Sisters Margaret Switzer of San Francisco, CA, and Beth (Earl) Wilkins of Prescott Valley, AZ.; sister-in-law Debbie Devereux of Anthem AZ. And finally, his partner, Toni Cohig, with whom he created countless happy memories of shared adventures over the last many years.
Don was predeceased in death by his brother, Terry Devereux, and his parents Mary “Bonita” McCauley Devereux and LeRoy Matthew Devereux.
A Celebration of Life is planned for October 21 in Half Moon Bay, CA. Gifts in his memory should be directed to The Nature Conservancy or Sierra Club.
