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Norman James Evans, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on December 17, 2019 at the age of 91 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Blanche Evans; his wife, Jean Evans;daughter-in-law, Jessica Evans; in-laws, Charles and Emily Baragar; brother, Gordon Evans; and brothers-in-law, Alec Charlton and Ferris Lawrence.
Norman is survived by his children, Ken (Janelle) Evans and family, Liam and Isaiah; Cathy (Terry) Hooper and family, Clayton (Maddy) and Kane; sister, Norma Charlton; sisters-in-law, Lois Evans and Fae Lawrence; brother-in-law, Keith Baragar; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Norman James Evans was born, to Clifford and Blanche Evans, on June 17, 1928. He and his twin sister Norma, were born on the family farm north of Weyburn. Norman weighed 4.5lbs and Norma was 3.5lbs. They spent the first month of their life wrapped in cotton and in the warming oven. Their younger brother Gordon was born in 1934.
His school years were spent at Ideal School until Grade 6, Talmage School for Grades 7-10 and then Luther High School in Regina for Grades 11 and 12. He spent two winter semesters taking Motor Mechanics and Welding classes at Balfour Technical School in Regina after graduation. In the other months he farmed with Grandpa. In order to get a Journeyman certificate, it took five years and testing so he graduated with a third-year apprenticeship certificate.
In the fall of 1940, the family purchased the Crayford homestead which is where Ken, Janelle and family live today. In 1948 he began to rent farmland from Grandpa and continued to farm that land with Ken until he moved to Weyburn in 2002. Dad met the love of his life in the spring of 1970. After a quick courtship, they were engaged in April of 1970 and married on June 27, 1970. They would live in a small red trailer in the same yard as Grandpa and Nanny and would eventually move into the farmhouse as their family expanded. Ken was born on April 8, 1973 and Cathy on October 28, 1974.
His farming contribution changed as the years passed and when he decided to no longer drive to the farm his role changed to farming from a phone call away. He never turned down a request from a Grandson to go to the farm. He was frequently seen on picking up a grandson or two and slowly making their way to the farm on the backroads. He would pretend that he couldn’t find his way so that the boys would direct their travels to the farm. Near the end of the travels to the farm, his contribution was simply to get into the tractor cab process a few bales, eat his lunch in the shop and drive back to town in time to watch the Dr. Phil show at home. Mom packed his lunch kit and never let him leave without a kiss good-bye before his travels.
He enjoyed wood working, mechanics and welding projects. His true passion was farming and raising cattle. He would spend a lifetime nurturing the land and raising livestock. Dad was a quiet man who preferred to listen rather than to speak. He worked hard, never complained, lived humbly and faithfully. He earned respect by his actions and felt no need for show.
His greatest joy in life was found with Mom for 49 years. They spent 49 Christmas mornings together and we take comfort that this year will be no different. They enjoyed their time together and it was obvious the love they had in the actions towards each other.
His greatest blessings in life were his kids and especially his Grandsons. He had a special relationship with each of the boys that will forever be treasured. His pride of them was evident in the way he spoke to them, the time he spent with them, and the love he showed each of them. My Dad grew up in a time where he didn’t often say “I love You” but never once did we ever doubt the love he had for his family. He showed his love in small ways, in gestures and with his actions. That changed the day his first Grandson was born and continued with each of the boys who followed. He never ended a call or a visit without saying he loved them and showed them all love in his own soft, gentle and quiet ways. He loved spending time with each of them and many an hour was spent with a boy riding in the cab of a tractor beside him or curled in the arm of his chair as they would end the day.
Dad passed just as he lived. Quietly, peacefully and with the comfort that he is with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, and reunited with Mom and so many of his family, friends and loved ones.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. from Calvary Baptist Community Church, Weyburn, SK with Pastor Tim MacKinnon officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were: Clayton Hooper, Kane Hooper, Liam Evans and Isaiah Evans. Luncheon followed the service at the Calvary Baptist Community Church, Weyburn, SK. Interment will be held at a later date.
For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Norman may be made to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, 410 ~ 22 Street NE, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 5T6 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1011 University Drive Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0K4.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman James Evans, please visit our floral store.