Obituary of Patrick J. Devine

Devine, Patrick J. Age 70 of St. Louis Park passed peacefully on December 5. The self- proclaimed "Kid from the Park" played Little League at Skippy Field, performed in musicals at St. Louis Park Senior High, and raised his own sons about a 5 iron's distance from the house he grew up in. He was grateful to his parents, James and Mary, for initiating a lifelong love of the arts and language, as well as a sense of social justice. In his early career, Patrick played Donny Brook in the original production of the rock musical "The House of Leather" and worked as a booking agent and record promoter in the Minneapolis music scene; later he worked in advertising and public relations. He volunteered with the SLP Human Rights Commission and co-chaired the 1993 Human Rights Expo which drew over 2,500 attendees for a day of multicultural arts performances and workshops focused on celebrating diversity and combating prejudice. Patrick proposed to the love of his life, Shirley, at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1980, and together they raised two sons whom he often called his life's greatest work and joy. Quick with a Brando impression or an Irish brogue, ready to quote literature from Hamlet to Hamilton, Patrick was joyful, loving, and kind. He loved to bring people together, always deflected from himself to ask about you. Illness was part of his lifelong story, yet he held an attitude of enduring gratitude. Patrick is survived by his wife, Shirley, and sons Aaron (Jackey) and Max; grandson Oliver; his siblings Jimmy (Terry), Michael, and Mary; and many beloved family and friends. A celebration of Patrick's life will be held Sunday, December 15 starting at 3pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.