Root

Photo courtesy Evans family
H.J. Crawford Award. The Award citation reads:
“He epitomizes the very essence of UTS: he is a
scholar, a sportsman, a compassionate leader, and
an outstanding citizen influencing and shaping
the world around him for the better.”
From 1998 through
2010, John counselled
and mentored many
UTS staff members and
interested alumni.
In June 2006, to commemorate its 60th year
after graduation, the Class of 1946 set about to
collect from classmates the “Class of 1946 Andy
Lockhart Bursary Fund.” The members of the
organizing committee for the Fund were Joe
McArthur (Chair), Larry Heath, Dennis Evans,
and me. I was asked to speak to John about his
participation; he thought that it was a fine project,
and told me that we should urge class members
to “pledge enough dollars so it hurts – then it
will be a meaningful gift.” He then added: “I will
contribute $25,000, but only if this is not the
largest donation.” Using this prod, we raised more
than $250,000 for the Bursary Fund. At age 77,
John was still leading and helping others – in
this instance, his former classmates – to get good
things accomplished.
Even after John became very ill in 2013
and 2014, he still was keenly interested in the
progress the UTS Board and staff were making
in overcoming obstacles to the school’s continued
existence. His friends visited with him in his
home, and he still was generating sound advice
to be passed along to Principal Rosemary Evans,
who was then and still is working hard with the
UTS Board to establish the new affiliation of UTS
with the UofT, and to plan the new physical space
for the school.
During the whole of his adult life, John Evans
was a good listener. In his corporate life and in
his personal life, he was exposed to all kinds of
complex problems and fascinating opportunities.
He could quickly grasp the essence of the issues
involved, and then he welcomed the chance
to help find effective courses of action. After a
conversation with John, one always felt better –
and sure that good solutions could be found.
John Evans passed away peacefully at home
on February 13, 2015, after a long struggle with
Parkinson’s disease. He was an inspiring mentor;
a wonderful friend, husband, and father; and he
is greatly missed by all who knew him. n
A quiet moment fishing
on Tadenac Bay.
THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE
17