Memories: made to be shared
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I love you my Devin you have left an amazing impact with all who came in contact with you , your light will forever shine in the hearts of so many.....
Aunt Debbie
From:
Rene' Warren
RIP Devin Singh. Your light will forever be missed here on this earthly plane.
You would give anyone the shirt off of your back without a second thought of what you'd get in exchange.
Your quirky ways and spirit were available to anyone who was open. I cherished our unique friendship and will miss all of your wonderful insights and perspective on this world. I am glad you are free now to explore, unrestrained in the universe. I love you and miss you.
For as long as I can remember, I've always viewed my next door neighbor, Devin, as a big brother. Every time I saw him, he was always so calm, had a smile across his face and ready to pull me into a hug. Just a month or so ago, we were sitting on the front porch, sharing a beer, talking about how weird it was because he remembers the first time I came home from the hospital. I'm very grateful that he was in my life, that he was my brothers best friend and that I got to spend time with him before his parents sold their house next door. I have twenty two years of amazing memories with Devin and his family. Every time I look at their house, go on a hike or take a nap on the grass, I'll think of my brother Devin and the inspiration he was to everyone around him. I love and miss you, Devin. Rest in peace.
Caitlin Jennings
hey devin, the special times we spent with you and your wonderful family from day one in crofton, bowie, toronto, north carolina, rehoboth beach and of course the 't' place, trinidad, will forever be etched in our collective memories, aunty ramona, aleesha, sheena and mine. we will always treasure your memory.
love always, uncle nasser & aunty ramona
We didn't talk every day, or even every week, but once every few months one of us would give the other a "hello, how ya been?" We have been friends for well over a decade now. (Where did the time go! When did we get so old!!?) But when we did talk, your excitement about your family, your lady, and your beautiful little girl, and all of the adventures you had been having... it was infectious. It was amazing. You were so easy to talk to and be friends with, even if we only spoke every few months. I am so deeply saddened that you are no longer here. I know that you have found peace. If there is anything I am sure of, it's that. I have to be. I am so sad for your lady, and your little lady, who will miss growing up knowing such a genuinely sweet person. Watch out for them. We all will miss you.
Leela Rae Hein
From:
Lisa Brown and Family
I realize how lucky I was to have this amazing and gentle soul in my life even if it was for too brief of a time. He was the first baby I ever saw born and he was one of my first babysitting jobs. He was very often a kid stuck in a grown up body and actually enjoyed sitting at the kids table at holiday dinners. He had a smile that would melt your heart. I will forever be grateful for having him in my life. I will love you always and forever baby cousin, you big goofball. RIP
One of the most loyal and happy-go-lucky friends I have ever had the honor to get to know. I already miss you, brother.
Chuong Nguyen
Our shining star. The best hugger in the world. You couldn't help but feel calm and serene when he was near. Love you forever and always Devin
Jennifer Lyn Paletto
From:
Laura Sanford
Today was the first time I cried in a long time. I am hurting for a family that was close to ours that we know ever since we moved to Maryland 24 years ago and my older brother. Heaven accepted another angel Devin Singh. My deepest sorrows to his family, my mother who watched him grow, and my brother best friend. I remember coming to your house playing your video games, you with no dreads, coming to my brother birthday party when you guys were little, y'all paint balling, and always making people smile.
From:
Mark Frye
My brother so many words I wish I could say. The things we learned and went through together on a submarine. It was some of the best times of my life. I am proud to have served with you. And I wear my fish with pride knowing only a few of us make it to that point and become part of that brotherhood. You will remain in my heart forever. May you rest in peace.
My brother I remember the moments we shared like it was yesterday. Though I am saddened by today's news I will never forget the kind of man you were. You would give the shirt off your back to anyone that was deserving and you always brought light to any situation. My condolences go to your family and you will undoubtedly be missed. Love.
Brandon Toussaint
From:
John Jennings
Devin was my next-door neighbor and best friend growing up. We met the day I moved into the house my parents are still currently living in in Maryland; I was 4, he was 5. We were inseparable growing up, and he's someone I continue to think about on a daily basis. We spent a lot of time together in Maryland, and again in Florida, when we both lived there. We continued to check in with each other a couple of times a year over the past 5 years. This is the last thing Devin said to me. Something very fitting of him to say, and I think it speaks volumes about our friendship, and who he was a person. This is something I'll be holding onto.
What can I say about my nephew Devin? I can say that my heart is forever broken because of his loss. It is easy to ask why he left us too soon, but I will chose to focus instead on all of the loving memories he has left us with. Not many people are graced with such a gentle soul and loving spirit. The world quite simply was a better place with him in it. His warm, loving smile, funny personality and his determination to be his own person and not conform shows his amazing spirit. I will forever be grateful for having you in my life.
Much love always.
Aunt Michele
From:
Rachel
Devin, even if you had tip-toed into death, you would have never passed quietly; we were all connected to you by short and long strings; we felt your music, every thrum and twang. So in this way, your silence was more devastating than your sound. There is gratitude which is foundational for every motion of grief—for having known your particular, peerless spirit, your eager kindness and wit, and the gentle compassion with which you carried out your life. And so these crumpled faces, these sodden glances, these wordless sonances all speak for the indelible impression you made. "A thing of beauty," remarked John Keats, "is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness." So Devin, in fact, you're still here. For good.
I first met Devin when he was MM3 Singh. I was his section leader and he would not get out of the rack and muster. He just laid there and smiled at me and man did we butt heads. Throughout our time together on the Pittsburgh I grew to like him, admire him, and proudly call him a friend of mine. He was a key ingredient to our team on the boat and to this day I would come to his aid if he would've asked. The world was a better place with him in it and he will be missed.
Jody Banks
From:
Pam Hood Thomas
The wind blows soft, the wind blows weak. It sings a love song, it kisses a cheek. It passes by, but I don't see. I'm too wrapped up and feeling contained in me. If he were here right now, what would he think was right. He'd want us to go on, to live, to fight. So blow soft wind, blow sweet, blow dear. Blow wind blow, dry away my tears. Devin you will always be in our hearts!!
Sometimes we are privileged to have a person come into our lives, who brings with them total love for others. This was our DEVIN. His smile would melt your heart, his kindness toward everyone was beautiful, and even when he helped you it was done with such spirit, but it had to be done Devin's way. Which gave us many memorable stories to remember, and even laugh about. So my nephew even though you are in God's arms, we will miss your love, your smile, your laughter, and your many acts of kindness...
Love Aunt Ree and Uncle Joey
From:
David Huddleston
We stood the watch together, you and I, times were fond, our memories strong. I enjoyed the time we served and the conversations after. You are a kindred spirit, a man who lives in the souls of those you shared with. The laughs, the smiles, and the jokes. When times were dismal in the depths of the sea, on Watch with Devin was the place to be. I will never forget our conversations up in the bridge, on those awesome nights of the coast of Florida. Looking up at the stars, wondering what its like out there. You beat me to it my friend. I hope that one day we can connect again. With Love from a friend May your soul find a place in those stars. You truly will be missed my BROTHER. "Today we are here to say 'Shipmate... brother..... the watch stands relieved Relieved by those You have loved , and those who love you Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
From:
Angelique Fratta
Peanut. What can I say my sweet brother. My heart is so sad. This world truly lost an amazing spirit. I feel that you made me a better person having you in my life. Your love and genuine concern for people and the beauty of nature that surrounds us.You seemed to just have a way of bringing love and light to all who you came in contact with. I will always love you and sure do miss you something terrible ....I promise I will help take care of baby girl. Make sure to tell Grandma Mary I love her. It's not goodbye.....it's see ya later. Until we meet again my Peanut.
Love Always Geeky
Dear Devin,
I wish I knew you better. I wish there was more time. But alas I'll hold on to the great memories, although way too brief. I'll never forget the sailor who stole the dance floor with my wife at our wedding. Or the warm embrace and loving smile you offered. You will be greatly missed. "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." -- Psalms 90:12 NLT
Steven Singh
Devin,
May you rest in peace and be welcomed with loving arms into God's kingdom. We did not cross paths as often as we would have liked in this life. It's a reminder of just how short our time here is. Bless your Dad, Mother, Brother and Sister -- and all those whose lives you have touched. May God's blessing and strength be upon your little girl and guide her as she grows.
Richie Singh
From: Diana DeMartino
Dear Devin,
When I close my eyes and conjure up memories of you, all I can see is your smiling, happy spirit. Though our lives were always far apart, I've always loved you. I pray you are at peace and in the company of angels my cousin. Rest in peace. Diana
A poem
by R.M. Goad
For Devin
you stopped
(you swung at inertia’s knee)
you cued the chorus
sang the whimper to the wail:
did you feel that?
the tremor of cheekbones
like roofs reeling under hail
the splat of sopping hearts
like the washer won’t spin
the nighttime croaks of
restlessness as
lamenters turn in
but don’t turn off
you stopped
but you could not
end
From:
Cody Lovelace
So many memories of Devin. The one I would like to share happened while our boat was stationed in Portsmouth, NH. Devin and I went for a mountain bike ride after work one day. As we were riding downhill back to where we parked, I took a nasty tumble. I received a gash that would require 8 stitches to close on the side of my head. Devin literally gave me the shirt off his back (white tank top) to wrap around my head to slow the bleeding. He drove me to the ER where the doctor praised him for his quick thinking. Devin was a good shipmate and a better friend. He will be missed by many.
From:
Jerry Mainer
Peace be with you my Comrade In Service - a great GI who served your Nation
The loving electronic tributes to Devin bring tears to these old eyes. You made a difference. We will miss you GI ... Devin ... and we proudly salute your Naval service. I am sorry to be traveling in Alaska on the day of the "Celebration Of Devin's Life" but shall be thinking of you all in Crofton next Saturday. Peace be with all of you who have gathered for this celebration of Devin. I pray for Peace to be with be you Devin, and your entire extended family, and especially for your daughter and her Mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time.
"It is so difficult to understand the unknowns of life sometimes. Life is not waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
-Author Unknown
Thank you for the Angel you lent us for awhile. Devin brought us laughter and an everlasting smile. He loved us and Inspired us he was our own guiding light. Now he shines in heaven with wings of pure white. He will forever walk softly in our hearts and in our dreams. When our feelings run rampant and our tears begin to fall his spirit will surround us lending comfort to one and all. Devin we will truly miss you.
Love always
your cousin Denise Vaiana
Devin,
You were a beautiful light on this earth and you will continue to be a beautiful light up in heaven. I am so blessed to have known you and your wonderful family.
Danny and Jessica Berdiel
Toronto:
I recall many years ago when Devin was somewhere between ages 9 and 11 that he was visiting his aunt Ramona, my dear friend, and our three families attended the annual Caribbean picnic in Toronto and were having a really good time while the kids ran around having fun as well. After being there for a couple of hours, all of a sudden Devin could not be found, and we all went looking for him... His aunt Ramona really panicked as her concern was that he was in her care and she felt negligent. Nightfall was upon us! To our great surprise, there was Devin on top of a large music box near to the stage dancing and having a really good time... phew! what a relief that was for all of us. Rest in peace Devin. We know that God will comfort you, your mom and dad, brother and sister and the rest of the family and friends during this difficult time.
God Bless
Eulan & Rusty O'Connor and family
.
We will miss your contagious smile and all the good memories we had with you, Devin. Astrid will take care of you, just know we will always have you in our thoughts forever.
Uncle Clive and Aunt Barbara
From:
Olga Centeno
Though your earthly journey was short, God's plan was obvious, for you to touch many lives... Job well done. Rest in peace dear Devin.
Dancing with Daj
I'll never forget dancing with Daj, our dinner discussions, your tips on my bike riding form, your pizza from scratch, and the day you unveiled IPA in a can. You will always be in my heart and I am so thankful for our time together. Your voice was so calming and the things you taught me invaluable... You are, and will always be, loved.
Karlyanna Kopra
From:
Richard Singh
To my wonderful handsome nephew Devin, although we did not spend much time together I cannot forget your infectious smile at Steven's wedding in your naval uniform. However, I did check up on you and your brother and sister with your father, my brother Tyrone, I am aware of your charisma with everyone you came in contact with. We all love you and will miss you, and I am certain that God will look after you in heaven until we all meet again.
From:
Amber
Devin, you were always a humble, giving spirit. One of the nicest people I had ever met. I enjoyed getting to know you and your family over the last 4 years. My heart is with you all.
We your family in Trinidad have fond memories of the times that you spent with us here in Trinidad and especially in Tobago. These are memories that we will always treasure. Rest in peace Devin and may God continue to provide strength and comfort to Tyrone, Denise, Bradford, Briana, Sailor and all your family and friends at this difficult time.
Love always
Helena, Robin, Britni and Wendy
From:
Terri Burke
My daughter's family and I met Devin, Denise, and Brad just about a year ago in Portland. My impression of Devin was as a model-handsome man with intimidating dreadlocks, a broad, shy, beautiful smile that lit up his entire face, and deep, soulful eyes. We found out that Devin was good at fixing appliances, and soon after he became an important addition to our coffee shop business. He always had a quiet smile and soft humor. His spirit was gentle and kind, and he was always so respectful and considerate...an unusual thing nowadays. The last time I talked with him he had asked if I would make a birthday cake for his daughter, whom he was crazy-in-love with. I asked him what she liked, and he said, "Tigers and bikes." He brought me special ingredients for the cake because he wanted it as organic as possible, and I made a little sugar tiger plaque to put on top. The day before he needed the cake he told me he had to cancel, and he sounded sad. My heart went out to him even though he didn't elaborate. Devin, in the short time we knew you, you touched all of our hearts at Posies. I can't stop thinking about you or your family and the love that you all deeply shared. I will never forget you, sweet boy. I pray that the Lord is holding you close right now.
From:
Antonio
This is the story about a Man named Devin. Devin loved people. Devin loved the environment. Devin loved his family and friends. And they loved Devin. Devin was quite a few things, a son, a brother, a father, a loved one, and a friend. But then something happened, something everyone wouldn't be able to quite forget.
This is a story about a boy. Devin was there when the boy was born. Devin loved the boy, and loved the boy so much the mother named him the godfather of the boy. The boy loved Devin as well. The boy and Devin talked, they talked about quite a few things. Devin knew more about the spiritual than the boy. While the boy had learned quite a bit about the physical. They talked about the spirit of a man, what made up the tiniest things in the universe and more. There was one thing though that the boy remembered most of all their conversations. "Good Bye, I love you." said the boy. "I love you too." said Devin.
From:
Victoria MacBain
Dearest Devin… There is no greater blessing in my life than for you to have fathered my Grandchild. In this moment of darkness I hold on tight to your spirit, which will live on in Sailor, your Living Legacy. My heart goes out to your family, your friends. Everyone you touched and benefited with your gentle and generous nature. Charlotte tells me you are in the wind and that is where I will look for you. Il mio amore non ha limiti for you DTD…
A Beautiful Spirit
Dearest Devin,
I remember you as a very young man with a shaved head and tattoos, from the outside a very tough looking fellow. I soon realized what a clever disguise that exterior was when you lived with Briana and me in Crofton. You were kind, gentle, soft-spoken, and thoughtful to a fault. I sit here smiling, remembering how tolerant you were of our two cats, Eva and Luna, who stayed with you in the basement at night brawling and squalling. You were loving even to these two wayward characters. Most recently, I had the chance to see you in Florida, and you took me to a great park where we joked about the alligators swimming with the happy families. Over the years, I was not able to see you as often as I would have liked, but always had updates about you from your family. I was so happy to hear of the birth of your baby girl and all the joy she brought you over the years. I'm so grateful to have had you in my life ever so briefly. Your beautiful spirit touched everyone you met. I know you are reuniting with those that went before and making new friends as we speak...but we all will miss your light here on earth.
Kelley Calvert
From:
Marc Insinga
A good man
I served with Devin on the Pittsburgh and got to know him while hanging out with my A gang friends like Flint and Abel. There are some whose nature lends easily to military service, and Devin was not one of those. His service carried great honor because it was a choice he made that conflicted with so much in his nature. While he may not have been the recruiting poster model sailor, as others have already shared, his personal sunshine that he carried with him even in the ocean depths made a pleasant diversion from the otherwise monotonous periods on board the boat. He was a good man and is greatly missed.
From:
Tracy Jenkins
Dev, accepting your loss is not something that is going to be easy and will be a long process for many of us. My heart will never be quite the same. You are a true example of a beautiful and genuine soul; your presence was enough to bring a sense of calm to any room. I realized early on in my friendship with Bri that the Singh clan came as a package deal, you guys have taught me the true meaning of family, friendship and love. I am so thankful Dev, that you were part of that package; your friendship is a cherished one in my life. I have come to admire you as much as I did my dad and in the same way I do my brother. It makes my heart happy that I took the chance to tell you that recently. I sit here today with confidence that you knew how important you were to me.
Your respect and love for Mother Nature and the land is awe-inspiring. You have been a large part of my own personal journey in caring for the world and people around us. You made it look so easy to do the right thing and be a good person, I will strive everyday for the rest of my life to be half the soul you are. I promise I will make you proud.
My last memories with you are some of my favorites; thank you for filling my birthday with laughter, amazing conversations, and memories that I will hold on to forever. Thank you so much for that last hike, it will never be forgotten and probably never surpassed. As my dad has told me my entire life, “this is not goodbye it is see you later.” The next time I see you we will pick up where we left off, sipping on whiskey and talking about life, love and politics. Until then my dear friend, I love you and your presence in my life will be missed. Much
Love, Tracy
From:
Brandon Toussaint
I've sat here for nearly a week trying to figure out what to write to truly convey what you meant to me. I've come to the conclusion that it's just not that simple. There's no way I could fit all of the memories and emotions running through me. You were so unique Devin. I had never met anyone quite like you and I doubt I ever will. You were never impressed with the trivial parts of life. Status quo was never your thing. You had a much deeper appreciation for life than most do. On and off the boat we were inseparable and you were the main reason I learned to be ok in such a lonely job. You were a loner but life of the party at the same time...it's the balance that I learned to adapt and apply to my own life. We shared laughs and tears alike. I always knew I could rely on you to talk to whenever I struggled wih something. And you didn't pull punches, you would tell me exactly why I needed to hear at the time. My only regret was not returning your messages a few years back when you tried to reach out. For now though I'm just replaying all of our conversations and shared experiences in my mind. It seems every day I remember another one. Rest in peace bro
From:
Aleesha
WWDD? Devin would eat the raspberries.
Last summer in Portland we went hiking at the waterfalls outside of the city. Along the trail, I noticed that Devin had a snack and I went over to him to get a bite.
He had a handful of what appeared to be bright orange raspberries. He offered me some, and I took them and asked where he got them. He said he had picked them along the trail.
I immediately panicked - everyone knows that brightly coloured fruit is nature's way of indicating poison. Everyone also knows that the birds leave behind the poison berries and eat the rest.
I was too embarassed to tell Devin about my fears - but I also didn't have the heart to throw away the fruit, because they did look delicious - so instead, I hid them. I stashed the berries behind a boulder along the trail.
We stopped for a rest nearby, and Devin somehow found the berries and somehow knew that I had hidden them. I was too embarassed to admit it, so I denied it, which was an obvious lie that Devin saw right through.
At that point I decided to just go for it and eat the berries - and when I bit into them, they were the juiciest, most flavourful berries I had tasted - they had layers of flavour - and were nothing like the acidic, forced-ripe fruit we often find at the supermarket.
What Would Devin Do? He would pick the raspberries. With a clear understanding of where our food should come from and what it should taste like. Thank you for helping me to see that Devin.
From:
Nancy
We share in a loss...we share responsibility in spreading his kindness
To our altruistic companion Dev- We met over laughs about the things that make us unique, niche...one of a kind. We shared fresh air and a carefree love of adventure. We played sports. We hiked trails. You shared snacks and smiles. You blessed this world with a beautiful little girl and shared your family with us. I will never forget our memories and will make a point of sharing your inspiring smile, your warm hugs, and your spirit of true kindness with those around me. I love and miss you friend.
We should not feel too saddened over the loss of Devin
Without remembering the joy of loving him.
The real sadness would have been
Never having him in our lives at all.
Devin we miss you.
-Uncle Nasser & Aunt Mona