It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Robert Walter Evans on March 1, 2021. He was a friend, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, and a Great Grandfather, but also a man of mystery. In the end, all we are, are stories, and he definitely had many.
Robert (Bob or Walt) was born in Vancouver, B.C. on October 26, 1928 to William Henry Evans and Isabel Evans. His early childhood was typical, but as a teenager his rebellious genes came in full swing.
Then, as many young men at the time were wont to do, he joined the Canadian Merchant Marines. Serving on Princess Louise and the S.S. Selkirk Park, he travelled from the west coast through the Panama Canal and Caribbean. During his travels and among many unmentionable adventures, he got tattoos and dental work, both dubious in nature – On November 7, 1945 he was discharged in Vancouver, B.C. He joined the B.C. Government in 1947/48 and worked in the Motor Vehicle Branch where it is rumored that he was prone to hassling anyone vain enough to care about the picture on their driver’s license. Those stories and many more about Driving Exams kept many people laughing for years. He loved to tell them to anyone that would listen. He also had many stories to tell of when he was a Marriage Commissioner for 15 years.
On September 29, 1949 he married Patricia Young and they later had two children, Robert and Diane. Then in 1956, Bob was transferred to Kamloops. Being an active and adventurous person, Kamloops was a perfect fit allowing for hunting, fishing, cycling and above all, skiing.
Dad started skiing when his family was young. He later was known as the “Dad” that would give you a ride to the Ski Hill. He loved the sport. He learnt how to ski at The Kamloops Ski Hill, Lac Le Jeune, Grandview, Tod Mountain and finally Sun Peaks. His outgoing and friendly manner fostered many friendships on the mountain.
It was there that joined the “Antiques”. This was a great bunch of friends. Dad loved those days and skied until he was 86.
He later moved into a Home for Seniors and then to the Assisted Living Home at the Hamlets. His health deteriorated and he moved to Long Term Care where he was known as “that guy”. The family would like to extend thanks to all of Dad’s caregivers, but especially the Caring staff on B1 at the Hamlets for their kind and attentive care over the past 1 ½ years.
A very special thanks to DR. Cribb, Phaedra Stuart, Leslie and long time Doctor, Ben Anders.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Robert Evans and Diane Evans, his grandchildren Chris Henschel, Rob Henschel, Dean and Brittney Evans, and his great-grandchildren Eve, Keira, Logan, and Riley.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be doing a Celebration of his Life together Virtually.
Dad, you can finally rest. I’m sure you are already getting into mischief.
Until we meet again.
Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
One Tribute
Bob and Dianne your dad was special. He took me for my drivers test in the blue valiant that he had,the only thing was he drove and bought me lunch at the maverick steak house. We then went to the office got my licence then he drove me back to school and said farm kids already know how to drive. The help he offered around the ranch at haying was always appreciated and he never said a word no matter how hot it was but you could be sure his shirt would be unbuttoned all the way down. He was a great friend to my dad and he will be missed but not forgotten.