Dr. Russell Evans

            With heavy hearts we regret to announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, brother and uncle, David Russell Evans, on Sunday, February 23rd, 2020. 

            Russ was born in Cinderford, England on Wednesday, April 10th, 1935 to Iris and Islwyn Evans. They moved to Neath, Wales when he was two years old. Russ moved several times throughout his adolescence. Russ completed his doctor of medicine training with the Welsh National School of Medicine in Cardiff at age 23 before joining the Royal Army Medical Corps.

            His first deployment at a military hospital in Iserlohn, Germany lasted 8 months. Upon his return, Russ and Vira were wed on August 20th, 1960. Russ studied tropical medicine training at the Royal Army Medical College in London until his next deployment to the then British Colony of Kenya. Vira accompanied Russ on their great adventure to Africa and on March 15th, 1962 Vira gave birth to their first daughter Alison at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Nairobi.

            After three years in Kenya, Russ finished his mandatory national service. Once discharged, he completed further medical training in obstetrics and worked as a Medical Doctor in Rugby, England. Russ and Vira welcomed their second daughter Angela on July 17th, 1966.

            In 1968 Russ, Vira and their two daughters emigrated to Canada and they spent three years in Gillam where Russ worked at the small hospital and clinic there. They then settled in The Pas where he lived for 47 years, first in town then full time in a house he built on Clearwater Lake.           During his career in The Pas, Russ served two terms as chief of medical staff at The Pas Health Complex, totalling seven years in the senior doctor role. On arriving in The Pas after Gillam, Russ, Dr. W. Fouad and Dr. E.S. Cheam formed the Northern Medical Clinic which later became the AMC Clinic where Russ served as Medical Director. In 2004 he was named a fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and in 2005 the College awarded him a prestigious life membership. In 2006 Russ was honoured for his service as a recipient of an Honorary Membership from the Canadian Medical Association.

            Russ and Vira spent countless hours in the vast trail network through the boreal forest near their home. They cross country skied and snowshoed during the winter, hiked and rode bicycles with their golden labradors in the summer months. He was also very passionate about his vegetable garden, and his children and grand children enjoyed many rhubarb pies and other fruits of his labour. Russ also had a love of photography and was very talented in this respect. A collection of his family, nature and African safari photos adorned his walls.

           Russ was confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith on December 22nd, 2005 with Father Paul Bringleson presiding. He was a Knight of Columbus for many years until his passing.

            Russ was predeceased by his wife Vira Evans (Griffiths); daughter Angela; sister Hazel (Charles Sr.); and his parents Islwyn and Iris. Russ is survived by his daughter Alison O’Rourke (Michael); grandchildren Shauna Munro (Chad), Brodie O’Rourke, Brianne Ramstead (Jesse), Gillian McAree (Peyton) and  Anna Evans-Boudreau; great grandchildren Parker and Ella Munro, Elliott and Wallace O’Rourke, Harper Ramstead and Blair McAree; his brother Dr. John Evans (Christine); nieces and nephews Huw, Jane, Alix, Martin, Andrea Skevington (Peter), Ed, Louisa and Charles Jr.. Russ also has numerous cousins on his mother’s side. 

A quote from Russ’s prayer book: “Show us Jesus. Lead us to him, teach us to know and love him, so that we too can become capable of true love and be fountains of living water into the midst of a thirsting world.”

            A private celebration of life was held Saturday, August 8th, 2020, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral with Father Shantha Gandamalla presiding.  Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg.  Scripture readings were proclaimed by Brianne Ramstead, Gillian McAree, Michael O’Rourke and Sherri Sutton.  Eulogy was delivered by Brodie O’Rourke.