J.A. Evans CD, BA, M.Ed
July 29, 1926 – August 18, 2015
Mr. James A. Evans, age 89 years, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2015.
In order to provide the unvarnished truth I am composing this obituary myself ahead of time. I was born on July 29, 1926 in the little Red Cross Hospital, Rainy River, Ontario to Abie and Mary Evans. My mother insisted that there was a very bright star to the South West that night, but the locals laughed and said it was a light on the Baudette water tower, on the U.S Side. I grew up in the depression years when the horses and steam engines ruled. It seemed everything was a nickel or a dime. In October 1955, I married Mary Stephenson of Copper Cliff in Atikokan.
We had four exceptional offsprings; Chris (Judy) of St. John, Mike (Sandy) of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Mary Frances (Al Cournoyer) of Winnipeg and Barbara (Chris Barnett) of Toronto. From the above we have seven amazing grandchildren; Meredith, Cameron, and Alex Evans, Stephanie and Kevin Cournoyer and Sarah and Caitlin Barnett.
I am predeceased by my wife Mary; my parents; my sister Ethel; my brother Norman and my grandson Kevin.
Education Career: I have a BA from Manitoba and an M.Ed from Lakehead University. Starting in '48, I spent 14 years in elementary schools from 1 to 10 rooms, the last was in Atikokan. The next 19 years were at Northwood High, mostly as Principal. On retirement in '82, I became coordinator of teacher training on an ITEP program in Saskatchewan. As well, I taught on and was principal on some of the old Ministry of Ed courses. I was the last president of the Fort William OSSTF. I was chair of the North Western Ontario Headmasters and sat on the Ontario Board of Governors for the C.E.C.
Military: I enlisted in the R.C.A.F in December '43 and the army in January '45. A number of years were spent with the local militia, lastly as a Personnel Officer. A long time Legion member, I was on the Ortona executive and the Metro Committee. As of this writing, I am with the Royal Canadian Legion, Polish Combatants Branch #149.
Community Involvement: I was a charter member of the Atikokan Lions, as well a charter member, past president, life member of the Metro Lions. I was a long time curler at the Fort William Club and past president of the Take It Easy CC. I was on the founding board of Lakehead Family Counselling Agency and one time board member of the Prostate Support Group.
General Comments: I truly believe I passed through this life at the very best of times. I couldn't have scripted it better. I had an exceptional wife and family, plus the grandchildren. Everything was improving: healthcare, wages, working conditions, opportunities. Mary and I made some dozen trips overseas. We had Camp on One Island, where we could enjoy ourselves. Thunder Bay and its environs are second to none.
Fear no more that the heat of the Sun
Nor the furious winter's rages
Thou thy worldly task has done
Home art gone and taken thy wages.
We love you dad and we will miss you.
As per James' wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens. A memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of James to any Shelter would be greatly appreciated.
