Mysore/Mysuru: M.V. Devashetty Gowda (84), an ex-Personal Secretary of former Prime Minister and JD(S) Supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, passed away at a Bengaluru Hospital last evening following illness.

He leaves behind three daughters, a son and a host of relatives and friends.

He was a native of Mulakatte village in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district.

Beginning his Government service at the State Secretariat in Bengaluru, Devashetty Gowda later served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to several past Ministers, including  Y.K. Ramaiah, H.T. Krishnappa, H.G. Govindegowda and K.N. Nagegowda.

After retiring from service, he served as the Personal Secretary of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda for a record 18 years.

He was also actively associated with Kannada Associations and Resident Welfare Associations in Bengaluru.

His body was kept at his residence at Nagarabhavi in Bengaluru for some time this morning, following which last rites were performed at Hanchahalli near Keragodu in Mandya taluk later this afternoon.