Gregory Devlin, 71
Gregory Devlin, 71, of Missoula and Polson, passed away at his home Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019.
Greg was born in Mayville, North Dakota, on June 4, 1947, the eldest of Ward and LaVere Devlin’s eight children. He spent his younger years in Polson, graduating from Polson High School in 1965. While in high school Greg excelled as a musician both vocally and with the band. He was selected to the Montana Centennial Band in 1964, which later performed statewide and in the Pasadena Rose Bowl parade. Greg attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. While at UM, he was active in the music group the Jubileers.
Greg met Fredericka Ibsen in Missoula and they married in August 1971. A stint in the military took them to Silver Springs, Maryland, where he became a member of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants. The family grew in 1975 with the birth of daughter Shannon. Greg continued his education, earning a Masters in Musicology degree from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Greg moved back to Montana in 1981, back where he belonged. Greg began a long and diverse second part to his musical career. He joined Missoula Chorale and the Mendelssohn group, which he sang with until his death. Greg’s last practice with the Mendelssohn Group was just three days before passing.
Greg’s music and drive to perform took him far and wide. He always felt the strong need to express his faith. Greg did that by performing tirelessly at the Catholic churches he attended. He also performed with his brother Tom and Val in the Devlin Lenz Connection and later with brothers Tom and Jeff in the Devlin Connection at the Missoula Red Lion. Greg and Gina Hegg formed a duet, which also performed for several years. His latest musical foray led him to partner with Steve Riddle and Nick Terharr in the Singing Sons of Beaches. The SSBs are known for their rampant political incorrectness and tongue-in-cheek social commentaries. All in good fun of course!
Over the years Greg worked a variety of positions in investing and insurance. Most recently, he was a representative for Humana, providing health-care coverage. Greg loved his clients and worked hard to take care of their needs. His concern for all of them continued to the end of his life.
Greg was preceded in death by parents Ward and LaVere, brother Tom, and sister Karen.
He is survived by daughter Shannon Devlin and goddaughter Gina Hegg. Also surviving Greg are siblings Chuck Devlin, JeNeil Devlin Grace, Patrick Devlin, Kathy Devlin Collicott and Jeff Devlin, and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
The celebration of Greg’s life will take place at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 217 Tremont St., Missoula. Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. and vigil at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18. There will be a gathering next summer for friends and family for a sing around the campfire.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Greg Devlin Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula MT 59808.