Long time Brewster, New York resident, Donald (Don) F. DeVries, died peacefully on March 7, 2023. He and his wife Shirley had moved recently to central Massachusetts. Don and Shirley had been married for 67 years. He enjoyed the closeness and warmth of his family in his final days. Along with Shirley (nee Abbott), Don is survived by his four children and their spouses - Bill and Linda DeVries, Dave and Sharon DeVries, Tom and Tina DeVries, and Donna and Mike See – as well as seven grandchildren, two great grand children and sisters-in-law Helga DeVries and Sue Reber. Don was predeceased by his two younger brothers, Gordy and Bill, and grandson Andrew See.
Don was born February 16, 1934 in East Palmyra, New York to William and Jennie (Rykbost) DeVries. His father was a railroad man and the family moved to several small towns in central and northern New York as “Donny” was growing up. The family settled in Oneida, NY in 1946. Several childhood summers were spent working at his Grandpa Rykbost’s farm in East Palmyra. Ball sports, bird hunting, fishing and singing were early joys that he pursued throughout his life.
After four years studying Business Administration and playing baseball at the University of Rochester, Don earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1955. Two weeks after graduating, he and Shirley were married. They honeymooned at Sylvia Lake in northern New York - a special place where four generations of DeVries have vacationed. Don and Shirley set up housekeeping in Oneida where Don’s career in the paper and packaging industry began at Smith-Lee Corporation, a small manufacturer of specialty paper products.
Don and Shirley’s family grew through the 50’s and 60’s with the births of their four children. Don’s involvement in Oneida also grew – pitching softball for Jax Tasty Snacks, singing in the choir and serving on several committees at the Presbyterian Church, singing in the Oneida Area Arts Chorale, spearheading the establishment of Kanon Valley Country Club. His people skills furthered his success at Smith-Lee. Don learned from his father that, “a man’s first responsibility is to his family, but the only way he can be responsible to his family is through his job or business. Therefore, his job comes first.”
Don enjoyed a visit to Holland in 1970 that put him in touch with a gang of old relatives from the DeVries, Rykbost, and Van den Heuvel families. He had learned the rudiments of the Dutch language listening to his grandparents and parents and reveled in the joys of the “Old Country.”
In 1972, Don made a career move that found him working in New York City. He and Shirley moved the family to Brewster in 1973. Long car commutes and business travel by air became the norm after he joined the Union Camp Corporation. In Brewster, he continued serving on church committees, as well as teaching Sunday school to young and old, and singing in the choir. He also kept up the annual pheasant hunting trips with his Dad, Uncle Chuck, and brother Bill as well as assorted bird dogs that feature prominently in the home movies. As always, he shared his love of sports, the outdoors, and family memories with his kids as they grew older, made it through college, and started blazing their own paths.
In his final years of work, Union Camp became part of International Paper and Don ran his office from home. He often told his colleagues that they wouldn’t reach him after 3 on Fridays because he was maintaining the office grounds: that is, mowing his lawn. In 1997, Don retired from his 42 year career in the paper and packaging industry.
In retirement, Don began wood working in earnest, filling his basement with saw dust and his and his children’s and friends’ homes with the results of his labors. He and Shirley started enjoying Bible studies together, eventually hosting a small gathering of friends at their home. In the 2010’s Don began to write regularly, producing a biography of his father, relating the family lore and legends we had all heard around the dinner table, in a 250 page book. Then he started writing articles for the New York Central Historical Society’s quarterly magazine, The Central Headlight. He was pleased to see his most recent effort in print just weeks before died.
Don will be remembered for his engaging wit, near infinite memory, colorful choice of words, and enduring love of friends and family. May his harmonica and baritone voice be forever singing in heaven!
Funeral Services will be private.
The ROBERT J. MILLER-CHARLTON FUNERAL HOME, 175 Old Worcester Rd. is
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assisting the family with arrangements.