Obituary for Michael Devlin

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Michael “Mikie” Devlin was born to Joan Warde and Harry Devlin on May 26, 1959 in San Diego, California. He joined his two older siblings, Patrick and Kelley.

Michael spent his early years in the Southern California area where his entire family spent the majority of their time swimming, surfing and enjoying the local beaches. Michael’s early surfing experiences occurred at San Onofre Surf Club Beach mixed with occasional camping trips to Baja & mainland Mexico. Michael was a member of the Hobie “Mini” surf team (14 & under) and he, along with his brother & sister, competed in many local surf contests.

In 1972, Michael & his family moved from San Juan Capistrano, CA to Trinidad, CA, a small, picturesque fishing town in Northern CA. He attended Trinidad Elementary School and McKinleyville High School. Here he continued his passion for surfing, enjoying unlimited surf breaks and uncrowded conditions. Michael discovered that the commercial fishing community offered an economic opportunity and a chance to be on the ocean as well as a camaraderie that lasted his entire adult life. Michael fished for Dungeness crab, Salmon, Albacore tuna, black cod and shrimp. He also had a 19-year career working with geologists performing salmon stream restoration. Michael later moved to the Ft. Bragg/Mendocino area to fish salmon & black cod for the remainder of his life.

Michael began woodworking in High School and built his own home near Dry Lagoon. He enjoyed gardening, searching for agates, hunting, camping, hiking and cooking.

Michael is survived by his brother Patrick Devlin, sister Kelley Devlin-Lake, step-sister Fedessa Thomas Boyd, and nephew Todd Lake & family, along with many cousins. He also had many friends and associates too numerous to mention.

Our deepest gratitude and appreciation go out to all of the wonderful people in the Ft. Bragg community who have been so helpful during this time. This includes the fishing community of Ft. Bragg, the U.S. Coast Guard, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department, Noyo Fish Company, Chapel by the Sea, Noyo Harbor District, Coast Self-Storage and the Glass Beach Inn.

Arrangements for memorial “Celebrations of Life” are in process for both Ft. Bragg and Trinidad, in between fishing seasons, when his ashes will be sprinkled at sea. For those who would like to make a donation in Mikie’s name, feel free to contribute to a favorite charity. His memory would also be honored greatly by supporting local fishermen and women.