EVAN NELSON STITT

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EVAN NELSON STITT Evan Nelson Stitt, dearly beloved husband of Alice passed away December 8, 2010. Evan was born August 2, 1926 in Rossburn, MB, the seventh child and fourth son of James Wilson Stitt and Annie Eileen (Cope). Siblings Florence, Dorothy, Lois, James, Clifford and Shirley predeceased him, brother Gerald of Penticton survives. Evan received his early education in Rossburn. After Grade 12 he entered the army serving from August 1944 to June 1945. From an early age, his desire was to become a pharmacist. After his third year of Bachelor of Science studies, he was admitted to the faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba. He also worked at a variety of jobs in order to support himself and achieve his dream. He graduated in 1953 and was offered a position in Dauphin, MB, where he met his future wife Alice Balchen. They married February 19, 1956 and have been each other's loving partner ever since. Although he was content as an employee, his dream to be independent was paramount and when the opportunity arose he bought his own drug store. Evan was a popular and successful businessman. His never failing good humour and kindness drew people to him. He was generous to all and had time for a quick chat with everyone. He was a very active member of the community and devoted many hours to various projects through the Lion's Club and the Dauphin Chamber of Commerce. He was always a willing volunteer and sponsor of events in town. He loved to golf and curl, which he enjoyed with his family and friends. He was also an avid sportsman planning hunting and fishing expeditions to northern Manitoba. He loved the outdoors and instilled a love of nature via cross-country skiing, ice skating, hiking and biking with his much loved children. He was an inspiration and mentor to his family, someone, who, from humble beginnings achieved his dream and shared his life with kindness and generosity. In 1985 Evan sold his business and travelled throughout Manitoba as a locum, giving fellow pharmacists much needed holidays. In 1990 Alice and Evan decided to broaden their horizons and looked west to Victoria. They quickly settled into Victoria by joining Newcomers and through the club Evan participated in golf, bridge and pub lunches. He was an active member of the Victoria Curling Club and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow curlers. He played his last game on October 15, 2010. Alice and Evan traveled widely during their years together but no trips were more anticipated than the family ski trips to Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Big Sky, Montana. For countless years August 2 was reserved for celebrating Evan's birthday at the family cottage, an occasion no one wanted to miss. He was the life of the party and nicknamed effervescent Ev because of his great zest for life. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife Alice, their children Ingrid, Robert (Suzanne), Gerald (Maureen), Kathryn (Michael) and Alan (Shannon), their grandchildren Gregory, Wayne, Jason, David, Laurel, Evan, Erin, Kiersten Caroline, Fiona, Claira and Brooklyn and great- grandson Dominic. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. December 28, 2010 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive. Flowers gratefully declined, donations to the Victoria Symphony or charity of your choice are encouraged. Sic transit gloria mundi. Thus passes away the glory of the world.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2010