Tributes for Mallacoota drowning victims Joe and Roslyn Devlin who ‘loved each other until the very end’

The grieving children of two avid swimmers who were caught in a rip while swimming in East Gippsland say the loss will “forever leave a hole in our hearts”.

Joe and Roslyn Devlin with their daughters Sinèad and Ailish. Source: Supplied.

The heartbroken daughters of a married couple who drowned at Mallacoota last week after getting caught in an intense rip said their parents “loved each other until the very end”.

Joe and Roslyn Devlin, aged 60 and 55, were pulled from the water off Bastion Point in the state’s east on February 15.

It is understood Mr and Mrs Devlin were avid swimmers and had been visiting family in Mallacoota when tragedy struck.

The Pascoe Vale South couple leaves behind daughters Sinead and Ailish.

The devastated girls said their parents “loved each other until the very end”.

Roslyn and Joe Devlin drowned after getting caught in an intense rip. Picture: Supplied

Their mother is being remembered as a selfless woman who had a keen eye for art and design.

“Mum was such a bright, cherished human, who’s intrepid spirit is unforgettable; the greatest mother figure a child could hope for,” a statement to the Herald Sun read.

“Mum’s willingness to help others and put them before herself was one of her most admirable traits.

“She was incredibly intelligent, the kind of person that excelled in everything she did.

“Our family home, which we only just completed building, is filled with her marvellous taste and eye for knowing exactly just what a space needs.

The couple’s daughters Sinèad and Ailish said their parents loved each other until the very end. Picture: Supplied

“From 7am basketball starts to spending countless hours sewing book week costumes, mum did it all, and with a smile on her face.

“Seeing her children excel was her biggest source of happiness. So much so, that for the past 21 years the only gift mum ever allowed us to give her for Christmas was a Santa photo of her ‘two babies’.”

Mr Devlin is being remembered for his love and passion for all things science.

“Dad rooted his love of science in me from an early age. He taught me everything from physics to astronomy and much more and we bonded like no others over it,” Ailish Devlin posted on Facebook.

Roslyn and Joe Devlin were pulled from the water off Bastion Point. Picture: Supplied

“Only just the other week there was a full eclipse and dad, my sister and I all sat out at night just admiring this phenomenon and sharing such a great time.

“Joe Devlin was an amazing father, my best friend.”

Ailish and Sinead said the loss of their parents would “forever leave a hole in our hearts”.

“Mum and dad loved each other until the very end,” the statement continued.

“They were both true heroes, whose love and desire to save one another ultimately resulted in the loss of not one, but two incredible parents who will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”

Mr Devlin, a keen contributor to an online chat forum discussing everything science, has been remembered by his friends as a great storyteller and someone who loved a beer.

“We are all pretty shattered by this news.

“He was a great bloke and good to have a debate type argument with. We miss him greatly,” Stephen Boris told the Herald Sun.

“He was and will be sorely missed. He was part of our community.”

“He loved to share stories and was “damn good value”.