Obituaries

JOHN IRVING EVANS

It is with sadness, but also immense gratitude for the gift of his life, we announce the passing of John (“Herkie”) Evans on January 17, 2021, at home with family by his side.

Dearest husband of Anna Ruth Evans (nee MacKillop) for 69 years. Loving father to Paula Evans Nash and John Bruce Evans, and wonderful father-in-law to Gordon Nash and Catherine Hill Evans.  Proud Grandpa to Trevor (Lynne), Lauren (Brandon), Conner and Courtney, and cherished Great-Papa to Cayden, Logan and Leo. Dear brother to Bobby Evans and brother-in-law to Margie Evans and Kaye Evans. Predeceased by his sister-in-law Margaret Evans and his older brothers Roy, Lou and Lloyd with whom he shared a middle name.

John was born at home on May 12, 1927 in Sydney, Cape Breton Island to John Evans (a British Home Child) and Florence May (MacInnes). He graduated from Sydney Academy and obtained his accounting diploma from LaSalle University. John was a career Federal Public Servant who accepted increasingly responsible positions in Halifax, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Moncton where he retired as the Director of Supply & Services. After retirement John and Anna moved back to Winnipeg to be close to family and their cottage at Victoria Beach.

Golf was John’s passion and he taught most of the family how to play his favourite game. In a second career spanning almost 20 years he managed the Victoria Beach Golf Course which he called ‘his labour of love”. John was instrumental in transforming the golf course to its current design.

Herkie, as he was known to family and his closest friends, faced numerous health challenges over the last few years with incredible strength and grace. John was able to be at home with Anna, Paula and Bruce in his final days, thanks to the compassionate support and exceptional care of the Grace Hospital CAU, the Manitoba Palliative Program and Home Care Personnel. The family wishes to thank the staff and management of Sturgeon II Retirement Residence and Home Care personnel for their dedication and heroism as front-line caregivers and their wonderful care of John during the time he resided there.

Online condolences and memories (and photos) of John are welcomed and can be shared at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com.  A service via video streaming will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. (CT). https://youtu.be/Pmv8tV0axNk

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba www.alzheimer.mb.ca or to Prairie Spirit United Church www.prairiespirituc.org