Obituary of John Michael "Mike" Deveaux

John Michael (Mike) Deveaux We, the family of John Michael (Mike) Deveaux, regret to announce his peaceful passing on June 6, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, NS. Mike was born in Glace Bay and went to St. Anthony’s school. As a young boy, we could be found playing pranks on his younger siblings and neighbourhood friends in #11. As a younger man, Mike had several jobs including working in “the pit,” McKinley’s Pop Factory, Goodrich Tire in Ontario, and he was a taxi driver for many years. But his passion had always been music. He spent his musical years playing both the drums and piano with “the boys in the band;” The Hawks in the 60’s and The Country Playboys and Mardi Gras in the 70’s. He especially enjoyed performing Wipeout on the drums. There were many musical get togethers with his best friend Herb and wife Wilma. He held you both in high regard and was truly shaken by Herb’s passing. About 14 years ago, Dad met a young man named Greg Malin at the local music store and the two connected. Greg, Dad enjoyed those jam sessions, especially the gig at Branch 12 Legion and he would brag about how you could play the guitar behind your back. Anyone who knew Mike, knew he loved to tell a good joke. Many times, you heard the same joke over again, but you had to laugh anyway. He thrilled the kids in the family with his impersonations and was particularly good at Foghorn Leghorn. For a short while, he travelled around doing stand-up comedy and music as stage name “Mike Mannon.” He travelled all over Canada and parts of the USA. He was described as “a singer and stand-up comedian of unsurpassed talent.” Dad enjoyed most sports, but he loved his BLUE JAYS, win, or lose. He was very content sitting in his chair, watching the ball game. You have front row seats now Dad. In the last years of his life, Mike enjoyed going to Dearn’s Corner for coffee every morning and chat with the morning commuters. Here he befriended some lovely people, including you, Angela. Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful to Dad. He thought the world of you. He always maintained his sense of humour, even in illness. On his 80th birthday, while his grandchildren were taking pictures, Papa said, “Gotta get a good one for my obituary!” Even in his final hours while being cared for by paramedics, to lighten the mood, Dad looks up and says, “Yippee Kai Yay,” making us all laugh one last time. Mike is survived by his “one and only” daughter Wendy Deveaux (Chuck), granddaughters Melissa MacNeil (Brent), Michelle Marr, great-granddaughters Ella, Mila, and Becca all of Glace Bay; brothers Tommy Deveaux (Theresa) BC, Hector Deveaux, Ricky Deveaux (Brenda); sisters Patricia Rosnok and Annette Deveaux all of Glace Bay; many nieces, nephews, and cousins and of course fur babies, Princess and Tazzy. Mike was predeceased by two sons in infancy, Tommy and Robert, his grandson Eddie Marr, and parents Dan and Stashia Deveaux. We would like to thank Dr. MacLean, VON, Home Care, paramedics, the nursing staff at CCU and Dr. Abood for your compassion at Dad’s time of need. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at TJ Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, (902) 849-4199, on Thursday, June 16th, 2022, from 1 to 2 p.m. directly followed by a Memorial Service. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation. Words of comfort may be expressed to Mike’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Rest Easy Dad. “If I don’t see you through the week, I’ll see you through the window.”