John Richard Devereux

21st October 1915 – 29 February 2008

Eulogy

If you knew a cantankerous man from Littleham who would argue that black was white, then you probably are acquainted with John Devereux.

If you were to meet a red car travelling to, or from, Littleham driven by a man who steadfastly refused to reverse to enable you to pass, then you have probably passed John Devereux.

If you dared to question the trump rule whilst playing cards and suffered the indignity of a robust reprimand then you were probably at a table with John Devereux.

If you had the temerity to challenge a young soldier from Hereford, at Top Camp at Westward Ho! during the second World War then you most likely will have been knocked out by a fist belonging to John Devereux.

If you were to park your car opposite no. 9 Mount Pleasant then John Devereux would very soon become acquainted with you.

If we found a salesman selling raffle tickets for the fete at our door then we will have been persuaded to part with our money by John Devereux. It is probably true that there will have been very few raffles in Littleham during the last years where the tickets, if not sold by, have been torn and folded by John Devereux.

If any of these attributes reflect your recollections of a Littleham man, then you have almost certainly been acquainted with John Devereux.

--0--

The 20th Century Jewish Philosopher, Martin Buber, spent much of his life considering the relationship that exists between people.

He identified that most relationships between people are on the level that is reflected in these observations about John.

However, Buber went on to consider a more deep and spiritual connection that was possible between people. He called it the “I-Thou” relation.

He believed that the “I-Thou” relation leads to a freedom of interaction, unity and understanding enabling a free exchange of experience and ideas.

He considered that in the “I-Thou” relationship, human beings do not perceive each other as consisting of specific, isolated qualities, but engage in a dialogue involving each other's whole being.

I believe that I was fortunate enough to have such a connection with John perhaps others did too.

This connection, this friendship, demonstrated that behind the practical exterior of the person there was a deep thinking, sensitive individual.

Knowing this may change our perspective on the man whom we mourn today.

The way John appeared to the world was moulded by a life, hard as it was eventful.

Nevertheless, behind the tough exterior was a loving, sensitive man who, quietly and anonymously expressed the fundamental tenets of his Christian faith in his daily life.

Because of this anonymity, itself a Christian quality, I suspect few were aware of his quiet consideration and unspoken care for others irrespective of their class or creed, so often expressed in unseen acts of kindness and consideration.

His charity was indeed a private but very real expression.

Perhaps his most often heard expression when he was considering life and his experience of it was “…what’s it all about?”.

It may seem strange to us who knew him on a day to day basis to appreciate that he did often consider, very seriously, the imponderable questions that persistently confront us all about existence.

He often talked about, but never understood inequality and the contrariness of people’s attitudes. Disingenuousness in the actions and attitudes of others would invoke great sadness. Whilst he could be relied upon to be uncomfortably, even handed and genuine with everyone he had dealings with, sadly, he had a deeply ingrained awareness of his assumed, lowly station in life which seemed to doggedly hold him back.

John came to be part of our family and was a regular and enthusiastic member at family gatherings.

We share with John’s own family a great sense of loss at his death. We are all very thank full that, to use Buber’s expression, “we came alongside John Devereux”.

Our lives are, indeed, richer for his friendship.

--0--

If we had known a child who slept in a room without windows with just a sack to keep out the weather, then we would have known the boy John Devereux.

If we had known a boy whose father defended his mother against the assault of his employer and as a consequence was cast out of their tied cottage then we would have known the youth John Devereux.

If we had known a young man whose mother lost her mind following the assault and subsequent eviction then we would have known the man John Devereux.

If we had known a young private who was light on his feet in his company football team and good with his fists in the company boxing ring then we would have known the soldier John Devereux.

If we lived at Twyford Avenue in Shepherd’s Bush, London during the Second World War then our lives may well have been saved by Lance Corporal J.R.Devereux of the Bomb Disposal Squad of The Royal Engineers Regiment. Indeed there are many in London, who are unaware that they owe their lives to John Devereux as a result of this most dangerous of activities.

If we had known of John’s grief at the unfaithfulness of his first wife and his trauma at the subsequent divorce whilst he risked his life in London in the army, then we would have been very close to John Devereux.

If we had supported Appledore or Bideford football clubs in the middle of the 20th Century then we would have certainly watched the talents of a youthful footballer, John Devereux.

If we knew of his love, so often stated recently, for his beloved wife Rene then we will have known John Devereux.

If we were fed by Aunty Rene in her capacity as dinner lady, as many here will have been, then, not only will we have grown strong and healthy as a result, but we will also have known Uncle John Devereux her husband.

If you found yourself in need of labour or the help of a strong arm then you most probably asked John Devereux.

If you needed a delivery of animal feed, fertiliser, building materials, or bread then it was probably carried in by “Driver” John Devereux.

If you discovered that a church gate had been painted, a new stonewall constructed, a drain cleared or hedges and verges cut in Littleham then you have probably seen the work of John Devereux.

If you found a bag of runner beans, bucket of onions or a bouquet of sweet peas on your doorstep, then it was likely a gift from an anonymous John Devereux.

If your village street football squad included an octogenarian in its line up, then you are under 16 and had John Devereux on your side.

If you needed to know where anyone or anything was in Littleham then you would most likely have asked John Devereux.

Indeed, if you knew anything of note about Littleham and its people then you probably learned it from John Devereux.

--0--

It is tempting to say that he leaves behind him a void, difficult to fill. I believe that the opposite is the reality.

He leaves behind a legacy. His life, apart from being an example of personal and physical strength, reflects rectitude, courage in adversity, determination, uncomfortable directness, unconditional love, affection, charity and forgiveness.

Good Bye Old Soldier – your watch is over - your Duty has been done.

David M Hogan JP