‘Positive force in our community’ tributes flow for Warwick man after tragic passing

A beloved member of the community known for his love of music and mentoring others has sadly passed away. Read the beautiful tributes.

Tributes are flowing for the passing of a beloved Warwick man, who was a standout member of his band.

Warwick Thistle Pipe Band’s Lionel Devine passed away earlier this week, aged 86.

Mr Devine was a pillar of his community and was always involved with the band he loved so much.

“A teacher and mentor, a leader and a listener, a positive force in our community and a humble man,” his beloved pipe band posted on Facebook.

Lionel Devine playing bagpipes (Photo: Neil Burley)

One of Mr Devine’s oldest friends, Doug Cutmore, who met him in 1959 when he was a pipe major, said the passing was an extremely sad event.

“He was a great leader and a great teacher of music, everyone enjoyed his company,” Mr Cutmore said.

“He was so easy to talk to, extremely friendly and he will be missed.

“I still remember the night we had a send off at the Horse and Jockey Hotel before he went to teach in Canada, certainly he will be missed by all.”

Piper and close friend of Mr Devine, Neil Burley said that he was an amazing man who was gentle and wise.

Lionel Devine playing at Highfield Heritage Event (Photo: Neil Burley)

“He was extremely knowledgeable, and he loved to perform,” Mr Burley said.

“We would go and do age care concerts together for 15 years, and out of hundreds of shows he only missed two!

“He should have been rocking on the veranda at his age, but his love of performing meant he would be out a few times a fortnight performing for people.

“He filled in a need in the community, he did it without payment, he did it because he loved it.”