Robert "Bob" Allen Evans

EVANS, Robert (Bob)

February 24, 1930 – April 21, 2014

Sadly, we say goodbye to our husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Born and raised in Morse, Saskatchewan, Bob met Merle Wendt, the love of his life, while still in his teens.  He made his way to Edmonton as a young adult and he and Merle were married on Sept. 1, 1950. They settled in Edmonton where he first worked driving truck for Canada Dry Ltd. and began raising their family.  They had four children, Sherry, Debby, Wendy and Penny and moved to St. Albert in 1962.  At the time, Bob was a branch manager for First Investors Group and soon began working for Terra Mines, an up and coming silver Mining company.  During these years, the family enjoyed vacationing at their cabin at Lac La Nonne Lake with many a summer spent swimming, fishing and entertaining friends and family.  Bob and Merle had many business interests, including a cattle farm north of Westlock, AB, race horses and a cosmetic boutique ‘The New You’.   They built their dream home, complete with swimming pool, in St. Albert in 1969.  Always the gracious hosts, many a friend will recall the lively social gatherings held at 4 Grandin Place, dinners at their favorite restaurant ‘Coliseum Steak and Pizza’ and family trips to Hawaii and Arizona.   Bob became President of Terra Mines; they moved to a condo in Edmonton in 1980 and he retired at the age of 55.  Returning to work several years later, they moved to Tucson Arizona, while attempting to bring a gold mine in Mexico into production.  After briefly returning to Edmonton they moved to Ladysmith, BC in 1990 where Bob started a mobile home sales company, ‘Island Mobile Home Finders Ltd.’  Their eldest daughter, Sherry passed away and Bob eventually retired when he and Merle moved in to Victoria where they resided until Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010.  In August, that same year, they moved to Calgary where Bob was soon placed in Bowcrest, an Extended Care facility, March 10, 2011 and moved to Bethany Care in Harvest Hills, Sept. 2012. 

Those who were lucky enough to know Bob, will take comfort in the memory of his generosity, the love and kindness he extended to his family and close friends, the sound of his voice while singing a favorite family tune, the sight of him kicking up his heels on the dance floor, his eternal optimism, love of crib and games of chance and his mischievousness.  A beloved father, grandfather and uncle, he was always ‘good to the kids’.  Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Merle; daughters Debby, Wendy (Paul), Penny (Bruce); grandchildren Robert (Naomi), Steve, Mike, Samantha (Mark), Justine, Allie; great-grandchildren Sheala and Logan; sisters-in-law Delina, Audrey and Gladys; son-in-law Henry; numerous nieces, nephews and special friends; with a special place in his heart for nephew and niece Stan and Bev.  He was predeceased by his daughter Sherry; parents Roy and Eva Marie; brothers Harold(Mary), Murray(Pearl), Duane, Roy (Joan) and Bernie; sisters Edna (Jake), Jean(Stan) and Eva Marie(Ted); nieces Barbara and Tanys; nephews Wayne, Brad and Lorne; brothers-in-law Gordon, Armie, Raymond(Marge), Arthur(Betty); sisters-in-law Elsie(Art), Elvera(Leonard).

He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.  As per Bob’s request, there will be no formal service.  Friends and family will be welcome at a celebration of Bob’s life which will take place at a future date.  If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Care Centre Harvest Hills 19 Harvest Gold Manor NE Calgary AB T3K 4Y1  403-226-8200 with the hope that proceeds will help raise funds for a special lift https://bethany7754.thankyou4caring.org/ .  The family would like to recognize the wonderful support, compassion and care given to Bob and his family at Bethany Care Centre Harvest Hills.  We are truly grateful that Bob was blessed to find respect and care amongst care workers and other families along the path of the long good bye.