Peter Ellison Devine

Peter Ellison Devine was born on December 13, 1944, in Sunderland, England, to Gertrude Washington Kerr and John Devine, the third of four children. As a young boy, Peter experienced a life-changing event when he fell into Sunderland harbor. A nearby fisherman heroically saved him from drowning. After this, Peter's family moved to Chiswick, London, where he fondly recalled playing cricket and football (the proper kind, with feet!) on Chiswick Green. Later, the family relocated to South Oxhey, Hertfordshire, where Peter attended Little Furze Primary School, excelling in geography and mathematics. He was also a lively character, known for his mischievous spirit, though he paid the price with a few trips to the headmaster’s office. Despite this, Peter proudly represented Hertfordshire County as part of the Under-11 football team. His free time was spent delivering papers, exploring the local golf course, and walking his dog, Rover, in the woods.

As a teenager, Peter continued to shine academically and athletically at Clarendon High School. He joined the Watford Harriers Athletics Club, where he excelled in pole vaulting. He fondly remembered carrying his 14-foot aluminum pole on public transport to track and field competitions across north London. Peter achieved remarkable success as he placed 3rd in pole vault at the 1960 Amateur Athletic Association national championships. Alongside his passion for athletics, he enjoyed caddying and groundskeeping at Moore Park Golf Course, near his home. At 16, Peter left school to support his family and began an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making at R&J Beck Limited. He later worked at Kodak in Harrow, Middlesex, where he met his future wife, Maureen. They married on October 25, 1980, in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, and together they raised two daughters. In 1986, the family was sealed in the London Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Peter devoted himself to service in the church, holding various callings, including Seminary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Bishop, and High Counselor.

In 1993, Peter transitioned from his work at Kodak to become the owner of a successful ChemDry carpet cleaning business. In 2000, he and his family moved to Provo, Utah, USA, where Peter began another successful venture, driving a shuttle van between his loyal customers and the Salt Lake International Airport. His natural gift for conversation helped him form lasting relationships with customers. Upon retiring, Peter and Maureen relocated to Preston, Idaho, where Peter spent his time enjoying golf, bonding with his grandchildren, and keeping up with the progress of his cherished Watford Football Club. Peter will always be remembered for his exceptional work ethic and unwavering dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughters Karen (Nathan) and Jenna (Joseph), and eight grandchildren (Blake, Luke, Audrey, William, Cole, Sophia, Seth, and Henry).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00 noon in the Preston East Stake Center, 310 North State Street in Preston. Interment will follow at the Preston City Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com