GORDON ROY EVANS

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GORDON ROY EVANS This Father's Day just past, my sister Laurene and I took him to Tony Roma's for Ribs, one of his favourites ( Full slab of baby back, original, no sides ), which he then proceeded to eat with gusto. At 87 years of age he had the usual mobility problems but his mind was as clear and sharp as ever. It was during our conversation over dinner we expressed that, were it not for he and our mother, we, my sister and myself, would not exist. With no overt acknowledgement, I think he took it as the great thanks we intended it to be. He lived independently in his own home, five years now, after his wife of 60 years, Irene, had suddenly passed away. My sister had taken his care upon herself and it was the very next day, Monday, as she was making tea that he had a massive stroke and was rushed to St. Boniface Hospital. He never regained the capacity for speech and died peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2009. Sincere thanks to all staff at St. Boniface, not just those attending. Arrangements have been made through CIE E.J. Coutu Co.; but according to his wishes, no public funeral service will be held. Through both humble and chaotic beginnings, including a brief stay in an orphanage, our Dad grew up in Depression Era Norwood, not far from where he died. He married my mother (think night trains, big band dances, Winnipeg Beach), joined the R.C.A.F. and was a year and a half in England before the war ended. Always a top-notch student, he took advantage of government largesse and put himself through the University of Manitoba, obtaining a Chartered Accountant's Degree. He chose to work for the city, excelled, rose through the ranks, had a career move through St. James-Assiniboia in the 1960's and in 1971 was appointed the Commissioner of Finance for the newly amalgamating City of Winnipeg; a position from which, some years later he would retire. He was a gentle man, generous to a fault, gave service through the Kinsmen Club and was a lifelong member of the Legion. Left to cherish his memories are his daughter Laurene, myself, Graham his son, grandchildren Sharon (Joseph) and Margo and sister-in-law Elna Grant. Throughout the years my father was a great teller of stories. Having a lively and inquiring mind, these would sometimes reveal a moral lesson, sometimes an unexpected view, and sometimes evoke anything from a wry smile to an irrepressible belly laugh. A self-published book of memoirs entitled Je Me Souviens will be donated to the Centennial Public Library. Truly, a great life, well lived. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St., 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2009