Community spirited Linda Deveau
Even though Salmon River, Digby County, resident Linda Deveau was born in New Brunswick, her family immediately returned to Newfoundland and that’s where she spent her pre-school years.
Both her parents are from “The Rock” so with a newborn and an older son now two, Deveau says she’s sure it was nice for her parents to be a bit closer to family. They settled on the west coast in Curling, Corner Brook. Her father was a bank manager and therefore transferable.
“My family and relatives like to remind me that I just missed out on ‘truly’ being a Newfie ... however, out of all my cousins I was the only redhead so check one for me,” she laughs.
Deveau’s maternal grandmother (Nana) was a First World War bride from Scotland and Deveau’s maternal grandfather was a member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment (Blue Puttees).
“History is alive in Newfoundland and I think my love of travel and my interest in war time stories began when I was too young to even understand what exactly I was hearing,” says Deveau.
Her parents shared their heritage and history (Irish, Scottish, Wales) with their children. There were tales of Newfoundland, including great-grandfather Windsor who captained several ships – including the George A. Wood that is on the Sable Island shipwreck map. He was captain at the time and all crew made it home safely.
“Family, friends, the great outdoors and giving back to your community were just a part of living and it was just what you did and how you lived,” says Deveau.
She loves the story of her parents driving to NYC in the mid-50s and around Manhattan, getting lost in Harlem and staying in Times Square before starting their family.
She says her parents undertook a local picnic in the park or a travel adventure with the same enthusiasm and she has always tried to have the same outlook.
The family transferred to Kentville in the Annapolis Valley during the year Deveau was to begin school. Multiple transfers within commuting distance allowed her to start and finish her schooling at Kings County Academy.
Kentville was a beautiful town to grow up in. She and her brother walked to school, friends’ homes and all the activities they participated in, such as hockey, skating, swimming, Guides and cadets to name a few.
They biked around the neighbourhood and knew the names of their neighbours and who gave out the best Halloween candy.
Their parents volunteered with activities she and her brother were involved in and volunteered with community contributions.
“I’m sure in the younger years we might have been more underfoot than helpful, however, no one seemed to mind and they always found us something to do that made us feel like we had made a positive contribution,” she says.
Apple Blossom became a big part of their lives. As a small child, Deveau gave out water to the bands that lined the street in front of their house, co-ordinated the Dan D Apple Mascot as a teenager and then was honoured to have been chosen Miss Kentville in 1981. She spent a “wonderful year” being an ambassador promoting her community. Her dad became the president of the Apple Blossom Festival, her mom spent 17 years as the office administrator and her brother marched in the parade with the air cadet squadron, so it truly became a family affair.
Her father was an air cadet as a teen and both he and her brother were recognized with a selection in the International Exchange Program.
"At the time they were the only father and son to be recipients.”
Her father wanted to be a jet pilot, however, “war memories weren’t that old, jets were relatively new and my grandmother wasn’t prepared to sign the papers for her 18-year-old son,” says Deveau.
“Fast forward a generation and my father was so very proud of his son, my brother who had a very successful Royal Canadian Air Force career, retiring after 37 years of service. While I did not follow my ‘flight path’ I had an opportunity to be part of the glory years of the Yarmouth International Air show,” she says.
Deveau, the manager of the Yarmouth Mall, says she sees the parallels between her youth and adult life in small town Atlantic Canada. Her father was honoured as Maritimer of the Week and several years later so was Deveau. Her mother was president of the Ladies Hospital (BFM) Auxiliary and now Deveau sits on the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation Board.
“The Apple Blossom Festival became the Seafest Festival...... hmmmm I have become my parents, and I am OK with that!”
She says extended family and friends have picked her up and dusted her off when she has stumbled, either by her own accord or when pushed down by others.
“Surround yourself with good people that you can learn from and have fun with. When I need the adrenaline rush of a city, some vacation time can satisfy that craving . . . Make a little time for your personal interests, find a little time to volunteer and keep in mind that a stranger might just be a friend that you haven’t met yet.
“I have now lived and worked in the Yarmouth area for over 35 years. This ‘Valley Girl’ has become a ‘Tri County Woman’ and I look forward to many more adventures, regardless of the size or definition.”
Here is a Q&A with Linda Deveau:
Q. What’s your favourite place in the world?
Nova Scotia. Four seasons and never far from the sea.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My interest in the lives/stories of “ordinary” people who did such extraordinary things in World War One and Two.
Q. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
A. Watch my father become ill.
Q. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
A. Representing Kentville in the Apple Blossom Festival pageant.
Q. What’s your greatest indulgence?
A. Travel ....and I am sure my friends would say buying shoes/boots is a close second.
Q. What is your favourite movie, book, or podcast?
A. Movie: Roman Holiday. Book: Anne of Green Gables. Q. How do you like to relax? A. Reading
Q. What are you reading or watching right now?
The Six, The Lives of the Mitford Sisters and watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Q. How would you describe your personal fashion statement?
Stylish.
Q. What is your most treasured possession?
Family and dogs. An actual inanimate object, if I have to pick one, would be photo albums/photos.
Q. What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
A. Red hair.
Q. What three people would join you for your dream dinner party?
A. Rick Hanson, Chris Hadfield and Lesley Crewe.
Q. What is your best quality, and what is your worst quality?
A. Best: organizational skills. Worst: I talk too much.
Q. What’s your biggest regret?
A. Letting my flight attendant application lapse.
Q. What was your first job? A. Minor Hockey canteen at the local arena.
Q. What is one of the happiest moments of your life?
A. Wedding Day
Meet Your Neighbour is a regular feature that profiles area residents. Want to suggest someone that should be featured? Email your idea to scott.doherty@saltwire.com.