Jeannette Rettig

Bill McDevitt, honorary whipper-in and benefactor of the Los Altos Hounds (CA) since 1963, passed away at his waterfront Sausalito home over the weekend. He will be remembered by his many hunt buddies and the numerous Masters he served, including Tom Harris, W.W. Mein, Richard Collins, Eugene Rettig, Mrs. Jay Foss, and Albert Schreck. He served as Vice President from 1981 until 1985 and maintained his membership until 2000. He and his great friend Niels Schultz, Los Altos member for many years, were great benefactors of the hunt in the early years, often meeting with landowners and hosting hunt breakfasts, not only in Marin County but also in San Benito County, and providing needed funds, labor, and vehicles for the hunt, his friends recall. Bill and his son “Willie” often rode as a pair in the Los Altos Hunt Pebble Beach Race Meet. Bill also rode jumpers and played polo. He was the honored guest at the 1993 Hunt Ball held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He was owner and founder of McDevitt and Sons construction company in Marin County and is survived by an extended family. Funeral arrangements were private, but a party for his friends is planned in mid-September, to be announced later. Posted September 1, 2011