Son. Brother. Life Partner. Friend. Teammate. Mentor. Coach. Champion of Everyone.

Devon Jonathan O’Grady led his life with love and kindness, and was a loyal and devoted member of many families, teams and communities. Devon suddenly passed away in May 2024, but is and always will be held deeply in the hearts of many.

Devon’s legacy is far-reaching and everlasting. He generously gave time and energy to his community through a lifetime of volunteering. He was a Big Brother, a coach, and a tireless volunteer for many basketball and sports programs. Himself a great sportsman, Devon was known to be the most spirited player for his many high school sports teams, as well as an avid and disciplined runner. He was an active and dedicated volunteer, both in St. John’s (Sea-Hawks, Canada Games, high school, and city teams) and in the basketball program at Brock University, St. Catharines. Wherever he went, his presence and impact were felt.

When “Devo” entered a room, he was known to put a smile on your face with a compliment, a joke, or a bold, discussion-worthy statement. He was everybody’s biggest fan, hype-man, and the go-to guy for any task or adventure. He built connections and related to everyone with curiosity, thoughtfulness, humour, and care.

A player on behalf of the 2020 Gonzaga High School Senior A basketball team, wrote:

“Devon was not only a coach to us, but most importantly a friend and a mentor. He taught us many valuable life lessons throughout his coaching tenure and encouraged us to live our lives to the fullest.”

Devon attended Memorial University and completed two years in the HKR program. During this time, he volunteered with both the women’s and men’s varsity basketball programs, contributing his time, positive attitude, and willingness to do any required task to support the coaches.

He then completed a Bachelor of Sports Management (honours) at Brock University. Joel Whitty, Lead Assistant Coach of the Brock Badgers Mens Varsity Basketball team, said,

“Devon had a significant impact on the basketball community, with his charismatic smile and zeal for life. His behind-the-scenes work, and tireless dedication (volunteering as Head of Basketball Operations) made him the backbone of the program, inspiring both players and staff to strive for excellence.”

During his time in Ontario, Devon worked for the Ontario Basketball Association, and upon returning to Newfoundland worked for both the Growlers and Edge Basketball teams.

While attending Thompson Rivers University, from which he graduated with a J.D. (Juris Doctorate) from the Faculty of Law, Devon’s deep belief in fairness, equality, and justice were put into practice and reinforced in him as his core beliefs.

Devon’s legal career was just beginning; his first position was at Curtis Dawe, St. John’s. He then moved to Corner Brook where he was already becoming a respected lawyer and an impactful presence at the firm Poole Althouse, where he brightened everyone’s spirits from the first moment he walked in the door.

He was a light in the lives of the families, friends, players, teams, and communities he touched. An inspiration as the embodiment of team spirit, loyalty, and unconditional love, he made a difference by always showing up for those who needed him.

In order to honour his light, love and kindness, Devon’s fiancée, family, friends, teammates, and his community are creating the Devon O’Grady Memorial Varsity Basketball Award. Your donation will help support an annual award for a Memorial University Varsity Basketball player who embodies Devon’s values, to help them focus on their academics and contributions to their team and community.

Click below to donate to the Devon O’Grady Memorial Varsity Basketball Award Fund. 100% of your donation goes directly to the fund, and will help ensure it is awarded to a Varsity Basketball athlete annually in perpetuity. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. Thank you for your support!