Colam Devaney
🌱 24th February 1945 🕊️ 10th May 2025
🏠 Trabane, Lettermore, Co Galway, Ireland
🏡 Acocks Green, Birmingham, UK
Obituary
Colam “Dad” Devaney passed away peacefully on 10 May 2025 at the age of 80.
Born in 1945 in Connemara, Ireland, he was one of eight children, with Irish as his first language. Life taught him resilience and joy in simple things; traits he carried with him throughout his 80 years.
He moved to England in 1963 and settled in Birmingham, where he met and married our mom, Mary Connell, in 1970. Together, they raised eight children. Dad was deeply proud of his family and remained a steady, loving presence in our lives.
Mom passed away twenty one years ago, but Dad carried her memory with him every day, sharing stories of their life and laughter.
Dad’s happiest hours were spent in his allotment. Give him a patch of earth, and he could coax the sweetest carrots, the plumpest tomatoes and the biggest spuds. And he’d usually sneak a quick pint on the way home.
He also enjoyed a flutter on the horses, a pint of Guinness, and the company of good friends and family. He had a brilliant sense of humour and often laughed the hardest at his own jokes.
Dad never arrived anywhere empty handed. A recycled plastic bag full of unwashed veg and a small bottle of Jameson’s was his regular greeting card.
He travelled the world with his mischievous humour and unshakeable curiosity: America, Thailand, Patagonia and most memorably to Benidorm last year, where his antics even made the Mail Online. He delighted in life’s little wonders: a winding footpath, a cheeky pigeon, a winning racing tip.
Dad was a pillar of his community. He was always ready to prune a church hedge, help a neighbour, or share a bit of wisdom (often disguised as a quip). As a grandfather, he was playful, gently teasing the grandkids while quietly asking, “Are you happy?” Their smiles were his greatest prize.
Dad’s steady kindness and his boundless sense of humour will stay with us forever.
He’s gone on to tend new gardens in whatever comes next, but every time we bite into a homegrown spud or share a glass of something strong with friends, we’ll feel his presence, and his grin, right beside us.
Dad leaves behind eight children, a troop of grandchildren, and one proud great-grandson who will carry forward his generous heart and his knack for finding magic in the smallest moments.
Rest easy, Dad. You planted a lifetime of love & we’ll carry your generous heart with us always.
Service
Reception Service: 6pm Monday, 2nd June 2025 at Sacred Heart & Holy Souls Church, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6RG
Requiem Mass: 11am Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 at Sacred Heart & Holy Souls Church, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6RG followed by burial at Brandwood End Cemetery, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6EQ
The family would like to invite all who knew Colam to join them to celebrate his life at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Club, 222 Trittiford Road, Yardley Wood, Birmingham B13 0EU
Order of Service
TBC
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Marie Curie
In the final chapter of Dad’s life, our family was incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Marie Curie team at the hospice in Solihull. Their care for Dad was nothing short of extraordinary. They created an environment of peace, comfort, and dignity for him and all of us. They were compassionate, professional, and always responsive, making an unbearably difficult time more bearable through their warmth and kindness.
We spent afternoons wandering the beautiful gardens, then gathered for lunch in their bistro, where the staff treated us like part of the family. Outings had become a challenge, but every effort was made to make us feel relaxed and supported, and every moment made comfortable.
Thanks to Marie Curie’s overnight nursing care, he slept at home knowing there was always someone skilled and compassionate watching over him, ready to ease his pain or sit by his side when the house felt too quiet. Their nurses dropped in and called regularly, not just to manage his symptoms but to check how he was feeling, to share a laugh, or to reassure him that he wasn’t facing this journey alone. That support extended to us, too.
The day Dad’s symptoms worsened, a Marie Curie nurse recognised it immediately and, within a day or two, we were at the hospice. There, he finally met a doctor who truly listened, saw more than his medical chart, and cared for his spirit, fears, and the people who loved him.
Their hospice team wrapped him and us in dignity and respect, attending to every need from spiritual support to quiet moments of reflection. Our large family were given space to be with Dad, stay overnight, share stories, laugh at memories and find solace in the gardens. One afternoon, they even wheeled Dad’s bed into the spring garden so he could feel the sun on his face surrounded by his family.
Dad had a peaceful passing, with his eight children at his side. That would not have been possible without Marie Curie, and we are forever grateful.
To honour Dad’s memory, we aim to raise approximately £12,000, the amount it costs to fund a whole day of care at the Marie Curie hospice. We want to dedicate that day in his name, so that others can receive the same level of comfort, dignity, and love Dad did. It’s our way of saying thank you and continuing his legacy of kindness and generosity. Every donation, no matter how small, will help this vital charity continue to provide end-of-life care, emotional support, and dignity to those facing the hardest moments of their lives.
Thank you for remembering our Dad with us and for helping us give back in his name.
Book of Condolence
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Please share your photos and memories of Colam
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Your kind words and memories bring us comfort and strength.
23 May 2025
Graham
He was generous with his time, efforts, and knowledge. He would always help in the garden and turn up at eight in the morning. Crossing the city on two buses with a shovel and clippers and an old plastic bag of unwashed vegetables in his hands. He chatted about the people he met while he worked like an ox, telling me to take it easy and make some tea.
He was always interested in the details of the world around him, be it plants, flowers, birds or people. You knew when he was excited or had found something new, he would break into a big smile and say unbelievable!
Col was a wise man and could read people; often, he knew them better than they would themselves. So, how long for those four men to dig? Don't ask me; it turns out I am not that clever.
I am richer for the time we shared with him, but the world is poorer for losing him. RIP Colam.
22 May 2025
Edan Tal
PS: On embellished stories, I would like to point out that unlike what Colam said, I did not get so drunk and nervous at Wetherspoons on Christmas 2018 that I asked him to marry me instead of Marie.
22 May 2025
Jimmy Mc Laughlin (Little Jimmy)
Such a lovely human being.
Very humourous
Delighted to be playing music at Our Lady of Lourdes at the wake.
May he Rest In Peace.
21 May 2025
Linda Campbell (Doran)
A memory of your dad.
He joined the Carlow Association for a meal after a St Patrick's parade. He sat at our table and quickly made friends with my daughter (only around 2 at the time) chatting away and playing games with her. One of the nicest gentleman I've every had the pleasure of meeting.
May he rest in eternal peace 🙏
20 May 2025
teresa lee
we was very lucky 💚
Rest in peace ❤️
20 May 2025
Julie hill
16 May 2025
Martin
16 May 2025
Trena Charles Lynch
16 May 2025
Kerry
16 May 2025
Emer
15 May 2025
Alice
15 May 2025
Colette
15 May 2025
Angela
15 May 2025
Ava
15 May 2025
