Obituary of JOHN (JACK) WALTON EVANS

JOHN (JACK) WALTON EVANS

On December 23, 2017, at age 98, surrounded by his family, Jack passed away peacefully at his home.

He will be missed by his daughters and sons-in-law Dallas and Murray Ballance, and Michele Evans and Brian Sharkey; grandchildren Desmond (Christopher Bileski), Kimberly (Ashley Ray) and Jared (Krystle) Ballance, Rowan, Skye, Bryn, Bria, Rhys and Liam Sharkey; and great-grandchildren Cole and Ryen Bileski, and Melia Sharkey. He will also be greatly missed by his sisters Shirley Arnold (Vancouver) and Audrey Wilford (Winnipeg), and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife Yvonne (nee Gange), parents Lillian and Stanley Evans, sisters Margaret White, Phyllis King, Lillian Sill and brother George Evans.

Jack was born in Winnipeg on June 26, 1919. After graduating from the Angus School of Commerce in 1938 where he excelled in accounting, Jack began his working career in the sales department of Christie Brown & Co. Ltd. Jack and Yvonne were married in 1950 at the height of the flood. In later years, Dad told of having to canoe from St Vital to the church. Following retirement as General Manager at Christie’s Winnipeg branch, Jack was able to devote his remarkable energy to building a family cottage in Kenora, Ontario, where he and Mom spent many happy summers with their family. 

Dad was a lifelong sports enthusiast, taking up sailboarding in his 70s. He cross country skied, kayaked, played hockey and cycled well into his 80s. He won cribbage games even in his last few months (and yes, we were trying!). Dad credited his long life to his “stubborn Irish" temperament. He was grateful for the family support that allowed him to live in his own home to the end. Almost every day Dad would say “I am counting my blessings and appreciating them.” So are we…

Special thanks to Dr. Cam Lowden, Josie Pycka and Noel Vedoya for their care and compassion for our father in the last months of his life.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada.

 A funeral service and interment will be held in the spring of 2018.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

                                                 And wisdom to know the difference.