Obituary of Royal Jack DeVaney

Royal Jack DeVaney was born Sept. 25, 1930 in Scio (Greensbridge), Oregon in his granddad’s house. He died June 6, 2023 in Hayden, Idaho. Royal was a third generation DeVaney of Linn Co. Oregon, born to Jackson Woodrow (1912-1955) & Ina Irene Johnson (1912-1989). Raised on a farm, Royal enjoyed a life of freedom as well as hard work. He never remembered a day of despair or hunger during the depression years. His family was known as people who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need or want. Royal took these attributes with him throughout his life. He was generous, kind, and thoughtful of others until his last days. Moving his young family from Oregon to Alaska in 1959 was quite the feat. There he found abundant opportunity for fishing, hunting, and adventure. He fit into the pioneer spirit by his friendliness and “gift for gab”. He never knew a stranger and loved telling stories of his exploits. His employment resume was too vast to list. He worked primarily in the seafood industry in Alaska, from fishing boat to plant management, he did it all. This was in remote places like Unalaska but also Kodiak and Seldovia. His final job was that of being mayor of Waterville, Washington for 29 years. He retired from that job when 89 years old, to move to Idaho to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Royal was not one to push his faith on others, but loved the Lord and was always grateful for his salvation. Knowing he was headed to his final home, was a comfort to him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis who passed away in 2016. He is survived by his daughter, Colleen (David) Erny; son, Bill (Kim) DeVaney; sister, Jessie Dammeier; brother-in-law, Larry (Virginia) Schick; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many many friends. When asked what he hoped his legacy would be, what people would remember him for, he stated, “That I always treated people fairly and put others before myself.” Well done daddy!