Updates from Wednesday, Jan. 11
Delta's Eagle Zone TV News produced a tribute video to
Tom Devine that was shown on the
high school announcements.
That video is available on
YouTube at this link:
Tribute
Video
Also, Mr. Devine's obituary can be accessed at this
link form The (Muncie) Star
Press:
Obituary
The Star Press also published an article about Mr.
Devine in the News Section of
the newspaper.
Article
Earlier article from Monday,
Jan. 9
Tom
Devine, teacher and coach at
Delta High School for more
than 30 years, passed away this
morning (Monday, Jan. 9) after
his struggle with colon and
liver cancer.
Mr. Devine, 57, taught physical education, health, and speech and
coached swimming, track and field,
cross country, and golf.
His family includes his wife, Leslie, and three
daughters, Adrienne, Lauren, and
Paige, all of whom graduated
from Delta. He leaves one
grandchild, also. He was
surrounded by family this
morning when he passed
peacefully.
Mr. Devine, in an October 2011 interview with the
Eagle's Eye news
magazine, said the months
following his May 2011 diagnosis
had helped him notice the
smaller things in life,
including the simple pleasure of
watching birds from his porch.
He said the disease had led to a
greater appreciation of life. "I
didn't realize how much I loved
them until now," he said,
speaking about those he impacted
over the years and those who
remained close to him.
"Most of all knowing you really
have the love and support from
your family," he said.
Immensely well-liked and
well-respected as a teacher and
coach, Mr. Devine was renowned
for his humor and optimism. He
enjoyed pranks and camaraderie
with fellow teachers.
As a coach, one of his proudest moments, besides coaching his
daughters, was leading Christina
Poulson to three consecutive
IHSAA state championships in the
100-meter dash. But beyond
the titles, he valued the growth
of each athlete he coached.
Mr. Devine, a strong Christian, also was a
musician who played in the
worship team at First
Presbyterian Church. Last
April, shortly before his
diagnosis, he played guitar and
sang in the school Talent Show
and received a standing ovation
from the audience.
Video of
his Talent Show performance
