Cover for Kenneth F. Devine's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Kenneth F.

Kenneth F. Devine Profile Photo

Devine

Jul 2, 1934 — Jul 1, 2022

Farmington Hills

Obituary

Kenneth F. Devine, age 87, retired Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan PGA, passed away Friday, July 1, 2022, one day shy of his 88 th birthday.

He was born July 2, 1934, in Detroit, the son of Phillip and Frances (Parko) Devine.

Ken graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1952 and National College in Chicago, graduating in 1956, with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  Ken served in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, O.C.S.

After a few years as a Chiropractor, Ken began his 45-year career in the golf industry.  In 1960 he was hired by First Flight and by 1966 was Director of Sales and Marketing.  Later in 1966, he was named National Sales Manager for PGA Victor Comptometer Corporation's Golf Equipment Division.  In 1972, Ken became Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for PGA Golf.   Ken was appointed General Manager of the Golf and Clothing Division of Uniroyal Incorporated in 1977, and in 1980, was promoted to Regional Vice-President.  LaMode Active Sportswear was the next challenge for Ken, so in 1989, he became Executive Vice-President directing the sales and marketing functions for the $23 million company.  In 1991, Ken assumed the position of Executive Director & CEO of the Michigan Section of the PGA of America, until retiring in 2004.  The Michigan Section honored Ken with an Honorary Membership in the PGA of America in 2000.

Among Ken's professional affiliations, he is a past director of the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, NC, past director of the National Golf Foundation, past secretary of the Golf Equipment Manufacturers Association, founded the Michigan Women's Pro-Am Championship, established PGA Golf's first "Clubs for Kids" program for Detroit, and oversaw and participated in operation of "Ryder Cup", Oakland Hills Country Club.

Ken was a member of St. Gerald Catholic Church in Farmington where he served as an Eucharistic Minister, member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of Western Golf & Country Club.

Ken is the loving husband of 59 years to Joyce Ellen; beloved father of Robert (Amy); and cherished grandfather of Molly, Tara, and Kerry.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Robert K. Devine.

A private funeral mass was celebrated.  A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, or, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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