Richard (Dick) Allen DeVany was promoted from "Best Husband and Father Ever" to "God's Newest Angel" as he peacefully passed away on January 16, 2025 in Chehalis, WA. He was 82 years old. Born in Davenport, Iowa on April 14, 1942 to his parents, Mary and George DeVany. Soon after Richard's birth, the family settled in Norfolk, Virginia where he lived until he was 16. Undoubtedly lured by the siren's song of the Pacific Ocean, the family uprooted and moved to the city of San Pablo in the Bay Area region of California. Richard cared deeply for helping his family and others and followed this calling by moving to the Los Angeles area to take a job as a Youth Counselor at a private school for troubled boys. Dick's compassion and desire to work with helping at-risk young people led him to take another opportunity that would change his path forever, when he moved to Chehalis, WA in 1970 to take a job as Juvenile Probation Officer for Lewis County. This was the beginning of Dick's 27 years of service to Lewis County. Professionally, Richard was perhaps most well-known for his role as the Administrator of the Lewis County Juvenile Court, overseeing the construction of the Juvenile Court building and later the Lewis County Jail, and his supernaturally full moustache and dark hair. He took his turn as President of the Juvenile Court Administrators Association for Washington State, and his diligent service and attention to detail eventually resulted in Richard being promoted to become the head of the Department for Social Services for all of Lewis County. He held this position until he retired in 1997. Dick's illustrious career was likely the 2nd most important thing that happened to him in Lewis County, behind meeting and marrying the love of his life, Mary (Margie) Heffern. Richard and Margie were joined in holy matrimony on June 15, 1974 and raised their family in Chehalis. They shared a life full of adventures and devotion to each other, and no one could ever doubt they were meant to be together. He loved to travel and whether with his wife or as a solo explorer, his notable travels included many destinations in Europe, including a Mediterranean cruise, Australia, New Zealand, and a notable cruise through the Panama Canal that he won in a contest. Richard was indeed lucky, as is evidenced by Margie agreeing to marry him, but also by the numerous contests or raffle prizes he won. Richard's home away from home was the family cabin in Montana where he spent many summers enjoying nature, playing games, reading books, watching movies, and riding the 4-wheeler. Though his hobbies evolved over the years, in addition to travelling he loved square dancing, tennis, and golf. Dick loved going golfing with his friends. He also loved meeting up for coffee almost daily to catch up and discuss the matters of the day, whether they were of a serious or silly nature. He was often quoted for his whimsical ideas for financial prosperity and his playful dad jokes, and would seize any opportunity to snack on a donut. Community service was always a core part of who Richard was and this dedication to his community manifested in many ways. He was a long-time member of the Chehalis Rotary Club serving as Sergeant-At-Arms and President over the years and enjoyed being active in the Rotary Student Exchange Program. In retirement, Dick was dedicated to the Greater Lewis County Habitat for Humanity affiliate and served as its President for 11 years from July 2005 to June 2016. He loved doing this work and wasted no opportunity to share his experiences while promoting this wonderful program. His heart beat not only for himself, but for so many others in his family and community as he helped or mentored many people in his life. As a man devout in his faith, he drew inspiration and energy from God to go beyond just being a good person. He shared his kindness, generosity, and faith with the members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, including being a lector and serving as the parish administrator. Dick was heavily involved in the Teens Encounter Christ (T.E.C.) retreat program. Richard's family was always his highest priority and had near infinite capacity in his love for them. He considered his family to be a treasure beyond price or measure. Every day he sought to be the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, sibling, or friend that anyone could ask for. He loved to make us laugh, either with his excellent sense of humor or in some of his attempts at home repairs. He aspired to be a handyman, and what he lacked in skill he made up for with high effort and a can-do attitude. He always appreciated skilled trades, aspiring to someday operate heavy machinery, and the family would like to thank all of the contractors who bailed him out on his home projects over the years. He is survived by his wife, Margie, at home in Chehalis, his children Christine and Aaron Bonner of Gig Harbor, Douglas and Lauren DeVany of Glendale, AZ, and his grandchildren Kyleigh, Kayla, Tyler, Arianna, Adam, Sloane, and Quinn. Richard loved and was loved by his expansive family, especially his siblings Jim and Charlotte. His younger brother, Ray, and his twin brother, Bob, preceded him in death but would have been the first to embrace him in Heaven. Dick also had numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored and was adored by. Richard will be missed by all who knew him. His sense of family and the love he shared extended far beyond his blood relatives, and that was always easy to feel anytime you were around him. We are relieved he is at peace after a long battle with cancer, and that he'll be able to spread even more love now that he has wings. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Chehalis, Friday January, 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private inurnment service. A celebration of life will be held from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Riverside Bistro, located at the Riverside Country Club Golf Course. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or the St. Joseph Church building fund.