Robert W Devenish

Sun Prairie- Robert W. Devenish, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at St.Mary's Hospital with his beloved family at his side.  He was born on July 19, 1921 in Longmont, CO the son of George & Emma (Pulsifer) Devenish.  During the depression, his family moved to the New Berry Springs located in the Mohave Desert where they homesteaded. While attending Pasadena City College, WWII broke out and Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp.  He served as a B-17 pilot and flew missions over Europe. Upon returning to the United States, he married his fiancee, Alpha Piatt on June 1, 1945 in Balboa Island, CA.  He continued his active duty service with the now United States Air Force for 23 years which culminated with him serving at Truax Field, Madison which brought Bob and his family to the area. After retiring, he began his second career at the University of Wisconsin where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degree. He was then hired by the UW as their Director of Communications which he held for 18 years retiring in 1985. During that time, he  founded and was an active member of A.C.U.T.A. (Assn. of College & University Telecommunication Administrators).  As a resident of the Sun Prairie area, he was very active with various organizations. He helped found the Colonial Club, the Sun Prairie Taxi Service, Sun Prairie Education Foundation and the Sun Prairie Rotary Club where he served through the various chairs and then the Rotary District #6250 where it culminated with him serving as District Governor.   Bob was an active member of the Sun Prairie Athletic Club, for more than 20 years and especially the water aerobics class, where he was one of two males in the class. He leaves behind his wife Alpha, Sun Prairie; his sons, Ted (Cynthia) Devenish of Deforest and Michael (Sharon) Devenish of Monona; his daughter, Ann (Douglas) Devenish-Cassell of North Falmouth, MA; a granddaughter, Jessica (Todd) Tadych, Fitchburg and grandson Ryan Devenish, San Francisco; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John and sister, Frances.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 3416 Swansee Ridge (corner of Hwy 19 & Cty Tk C), Sun Prairie with Father Michael Tess officiating.  Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Memorials may be directed to Sun Prairie Education Foundation, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the Local Rotary Foundation Chapter or the Colonial Club. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie, WI