THE family and friends of a popular Tyrone musician gathered to celebrate his life at his Requiem mass on Saturday.
Brian Devine, fondly remembered as a man of great faith and musical talent, died suddenly at his home in Cookstown last Wednesday.
Survived by his wife, Pauline Devine, and children, Ciara, Conor, Colm and Barry, Brian’s music career began at the age of 13 when he first picked up an accordion, and spanned many decades.
He was known for his role in showbands, including ‘Cotton Pickers’ and ‘True Tones’, with his wife, Pauline, and brother-in-law, Colm.
The touching service began with a multitude of gifts carried up by Brian’s grandchildren – including a family photograph from Medjugorje in the 1980s, where Brian had visited as many as 20 times as a group leader.
And, in what was a touching tribute to Brian, the priest, Fr Lawrence Boyle, spoke words of remembrance and comfort to Brian’s family and friends.
“Over the last four days, you have recounted the story of Brian – sad moments and many joyous moments of Brian’s life,” he began.
Then, Fr Boyle shared how Brian hailed from Newtonstewart, moving to Cookstown when he met his wife, Pauline.
“The only things that Brian brought with him to Cookstown were music, faith and love.
“Three gifts; that’s all he came with – and that is what would sustain and guide him for the future.”
The priest went on to address Brian’s children, Ciara, Colm, Conor and Barry with words of comfort and solace.
“When each of you were born, Ciara, Colm, Conor and Barry, a new faith arose.
“Brian had a vision to pass that faith to you,” he said.
“It was something he spoke very proud of – you his children. You were his faith you were his love and he liked to see your achievements.
“He would want you to keep journeying on in making him proud as a father and grandfather.”
Fr Boyle then told of Brian’s love of music and his strong faith.
“Brian loved his music, and one of the special places he liked to play was this church. He loved singers, he loved playing for people,” shared the priest. “He didn’t do it by reading the music – he did it by ear listening to the voices.
“And Brian never left this church night and day – if he wasn’t playing music, he was praying. Night-and-day, Brian never stopped praising God for the gifts and the love he had.”
Shortly before Brian’s passing, he brought his family together for a night full of music, memories and celebration – a night Brian’s family will cherish forever.
“Brian was preparing you,” said Fr Boyle. “He was giving you an American wake, he was saying goodbye.
“God was close, holding him and God was near him,” he added.
Fr Boyle concluded with a gentle reminder to the congregation to live life as Brian did.
“All of you seem worried now that Brian is gone, but you have to trust in what Brian had – faith and love.
“Like Brian, make the most of your time, use it and use it wisely,” he said.
Following the service, Brian was laid to rest in Forthill Cemetery.
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