DeVoy, Lawrence
DeVoy, Lawrence Gordon (Larry)
May 23, 1954 - September 19, 2026Lawrence Gordon “Larry” DeVoy passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 72 in Ontario, Canada.
Larry was born on May 23, 1954, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, to Margariet Jane (Dutot) Brown and William Brown. He was the younger of two boys, growing up alongside his brother, John Syer DeVoy. The brothers were only months apart in age, nearly “Irish twins,” sharing a bond that began almost from the very start of their lives.
In time, Margariet met William DeVoy, the man who would become a father to Larry and John and ultimately adopt both boys. During the 1960s, the family immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in Tustin, California, where Larry spent much of his youth.
Larry graduated from Tustin High School in 1972. During his high school graduation festivities, he met Carol Jo Barnett. Together, they would become the parents of four daughters: Kimberly Jo, born in August 1982; Megan Jo, born in August 1984; Stephanie Jo, born in March 1988; and Carolyn Jo, born in August 1990.
Larry was extraordinarily gifted with his hands. A talented mechanic and natural problem-solver, he spent much of his career working as a mechanic and operations manager for automotive businesses throughout Southern California. Among them was Complete Truck and Auto Repair in Fullerton, California, founded by his longtime friend Justin Gelling.
His talents extended far beyond automobiles. Larry loved carpentry and seemed to possess an instinctive understanding of how things worked. If something needed to be built, repaired, taken apart, or figured out, Larry could usually find a way. He also loved to cook and enjoyed using his talents to make things for the people around him.
After many years in Southern California, life eventually brought Larry back to Canada and to Ontario, the province where his story had begun. There, he worked for Cornell Construction as a project manager and supervisor, bringing decades of practical knowledge, leadership, and craftsmanship to his work before eventually retiring.
Over the years, Larry made his home among the communities of Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville, Ontario, forming friendships and connections with many people along the way.
But a résumé of jobs and places could never adequately describe Larry.
Larry was unmistakably Larry.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved wearing funny, sometimes downright ridiculous T-shirts and comical hats. And anyone who knew Larry probably remembers that a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi was rarely too far away.
He had an especially tender place in his heart for children and animals. He loved their company and the uncomplicated joy they brought into his life. Whether he was cooking, working with wood, fixing something, spending time with children or animals, or simply making someone smile, Larry left pieces of himself behind in countless ordinary moments.
In the later years of his life, Larry also found family in the people with whom he shared his home. He dearly loved Veerandra, Padma, Veerandra’s mother, and their two children. They became an important part of his everyday life in Ontario and held a special place in his heart.
Larry leaves behind his four daughters: Kimberly Jo Rivera, of Smyrna, Delaware, and her husband, Osvaldo “Johnny” Rivera; Megan Jo DeVoy, of Los Angeles, California; Stephanie Jo DeVoy, of Aliso Viejo, California; and Carolyn Jo DeVoy, of Murrieta, California.
He is also survived by his grandson Alexander DeVoy and his wife, Yvonne, his grandsons Liam and Judah, and his great-granddaughter, Arabella Amor DeVoy.
Larry is further survived by his brother, John Syer DeVoy, and John’s wife, Angela “Angie” DeVoy, of Newfoundland; his stepchildren, Nathan Petranik and Nancy Petranik, of Ontario; and many cousins, extended family members, friends, neighbors, and others whose lives crossed Larry’s from Newfoundland and Ontario to California and beyond.
A Final Chapter of Faith
One of the most meaningful chapters of Larry’s story came near the end of his life.
As Larry approached the end of his earthly journey, conversations about God, Jesus, forgiveness, eternity, and salvation took on a deeply personal meaning.
In the final chapter of his life, Larry accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
One passage of Scripture became especially meaningful to him:
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”
Psalm 71:9Those words spoke deeply to the season of life Larry found himself in. His physical strength was fading, but he found comfort in the promise that he had not been abandoned.
For his family, there is profound peace in knowing that God’s grace is not determined by how early in our lives we come to Him. Jesus told of workers who arrived at different hours of the day, including those who came near its end, and yet were welcomed by the same generous landowner.
Larry came later in the day.
And he was welcomed.
His life traveled an extraordinary circle.
Larry was born in a small Northern Ontario mining town. He crossed a border as a child and grew up in Southern California. He became a mechanic, carpenter, builder, manager, father of four girls, grandfather, and eventually a great-grandfather. Decades later, he returned to Canada, built another career and another community, and spent the final chapter of his earthly life in the province where his story had first begun.
The dates May 23, 1954 – September 19, 2026 tell us how long Larry was here.
They cannot possibly tell us everything that happened in between.
His life continues through his four daughters, his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, his brother and extended family, and through the friends and people who became family along the way.
It remains in the things his hands built and repaired, the meals he cooked, the children and animals he loved, friendships formed over decades, ridiculous shirts and funny hats, and probably more than a few memories involving a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi.
Larry was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, stepfather, friend, neighbor, mechanic, carpenter, builder, cook, problem-solver, and a man who knew how to make people smile.
And when his own strength was nearly gone, Larry placed his faith in the One he believed would not forsake him.
Born in Ontario. Returned to Ontario. And, finally, Larry came home.
Final Arrangements & Celebration of Life
In accordance with Larry’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be shared among his loved ones, allowing those closest to him to carry a part of him with them.
A private Celebration of Life honoring Larry will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Oakville, Ontario.
For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will also be available via Zoom. A link will be provided to invited guests.
The service will also be recorded so that loved ones who are unable to attend in person or join at the scheduled time will have an opportunity to watch and remember Larry afterward.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Larry’s memory are invited to contribute toward the future education of his grandchildren and the children of dear friends who held a special place in his heart.
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
Kimberly Rivera
183 Seldon Drive
Smyrna, DE 19977
United States
