Peter Devenport: Leading Gold Coast architect remembered in beachside memorial
Family members have shared warm memories of renowned architect Peter Devenport at a special beachside ceremony. These were their tributes.
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At Tallebudgera Beach, a lone surf boat carrying the ashes of beloved architect Peter Devenport was rowed out to sea, defying rough surf and overcast skies.
The time honoured tradition reserved for long-term members of Gold Coast surf clubs was watched by hundreds of family, friends and colleagues, standing along the beach with bated breath as his ashes were cast over the ocean waters.
Mr Devenport – a prominent Gold Coast architect with a career spanning decades, a connoisseur of wine and a lifelong sportsman – died peacefully at his home late last month after a long battle with cancer. The 67-year-old is survived by his wife Lindy, and two children, Zoe and Callum.
The memorial paid homage to Mr Devenport’s Scottish heritage with his family walking into the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club to the solemn overtones of Scotland the Brave played on bagpipes.
While celebrated for his architectural feats, above all else Mr Devenport was remembered as a “cool” older brother, loyal friend, loving husband and doting father.
As the eldest of four, he left behind a devastated mother, Jean, and three younger siblings.
“Today we are united in our loss,” youngest sister Rhana Devenport said.
“Yet grief is another form of love – it is simply the aqueous feeling not being able to express our love to the someone we dearly love, and so that love comes back to us intensely as grief.”
Alongside Rhana, sister Maxeen Devenport recalled how her “cool” older brother would get into mischief as a child but was always someone the family could rely on.
For his children Zoe and Callum, memories of their “amazing” and “patient” dad populated their speech as they recalled life spent in Taiwan and travelling across the world as he embarked on international projects.
“I remember Dad and I … ducking and weaving through busy French roads and he was walking so fast, my little legs couldn’t keep up,” Callum recalled.
“And I just remember looking at my dad and being really amazed that he was my dad – and there were so many moments like that throughout my life … he was just so amazing.”
Callum also recalled the life lessons his father taught him that he and Zoe would cherish for the rest of their lives.
“Our dad very rarely raised his voice, he studiously avoided conflict and tried where he could to resolve issues calmly like an experienced diplomat … he was committed to keeping the peace,” he said.
“Even when mum and dad sometimes had different views, the best lesson they taught us is to listen carefully and disagree respectfully.”
Callum’s older sister Zoe also recalled the humorous and touching gifts her father would give them, from a Donovan CD as a young teenager to naming a feature of a popular water theme park in Taiwan after her.
But for Zoe, the passing of her father has forever changed their lives.“In the days ahead, there are going to be so many things we wished you could be here for – from the day to day things like going to your favourite cafe, calling us ‘bug’ and ‘bruiser’ or walking our dog,” she said.
“But also all the milestones, like seeing your children get married, seeing his grandchildren or the Rugby World Cup in France next year.“This hole in our family will never be filled, things will never be the same.
Mr Devenport who battled melanoma for years was also an avid supporter of the PA Research Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital is widely regarded as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading precinct for medical discoveries and houses Australia’s most advanced research facility, the Translational Research Institute (TRI).
In lieu of flowers, Mr Devenport’s family have requested those wishing to pay tribute to his life instead donate to his memorial fundraiser.
Mr Devenport’s memorial fundraiser has so far raised $3,380. Those wishing to donate can do so here.
SEPT 20: CITY MOURNS COAST ARCHITECT, LIFESAVER
PETER Devenport never failed to bring a smile to the faces of family and friends.
From loud and bright socks to his extensive knowledge of red wine, the Gold Coast architect was always ready for a chat or a Friday lunch.
Tributes are flowing for the father of two, who died peacefully at home late last month surrounded by family at the age of 67.
He is survived by his wife Lindy and children Zoe and Callum.Mr Devenport is being remembered as an architect, wine connoisseur and lifelong sportsman who was “triumphant in his victories and gracious, always, in his defeats”.
Mr Devenport worked as an architect for decades, joining prominent Mermaid Beach-based firm BDA Architecture in 2003 where he rose to the post of managing director in 2008.
During his time with the firm he worked with many prominent developers to create some of the biggest projects of the last 20 years including Southport’s H20 Apartments and 120 Marine Parade, the Ashmore Gardens unit complex, and the City Pacific Offices and Apartments, Broadbeach.
He also worked internationally on the Pu-Lih Hotel in Taiwan and the BIW mixed-use development in Malaysia.
Mr Devenport’s BDA colleagues have paid tribute to their friend, remembering his love of a Friday lunch, solving problems by “getting them on the blower” and how “his face lit up when you brought one of his favourite topics up – his family, rugby, rowing, surf clubs and wine”.
Mr Devenport will be farewelled at a memorial service on Friday at Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club when his ashes will be spread off the beach by surf boat.
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