Evan Roger Rice

Born on November 4th, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, to Herbert and Grace Rice, Evan was the second of two sons. His older brother, Herbert (Shirley) Rice, is still with us. Evan is also survived by his four children: Evan K. (Nani) Rice, Shelly (Phil) James, Shannen (Steve) Jewell, and Julie (Richard) Mock. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

For many years, Evan served as a district manager at Davey Tree Service in Toledo, Ohio, before starting his own successful company, Rice’s Tree Service in Fremont, Indiana.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed activities such as landscaping and gardening, golfing, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, and traveling.

Following his wishes, there will be no memorial services, but charitable donations can be made to: Arbor Day Foundation- arborday.orghttps://www.arborday.orgArbor Day Foundation

Evan R. Rice Tribute 3-19-26 by Suzanne L. Rice, devoted wife of 50 years;

Evan was always so proud of his 33 outstanding years as District Manager of the Davey Tree Expert Company, Toledo, OH. Coming up through the ranks to the accolades of Master Arborist with a specialty in artistic pruning, he powerfully advanced filling the position of District Manager after his father, Herbert J. Rice, retired. Always ranking in the top 3, 2, or 1 territories across the nation, he enjoyed his Division Manager's visits in accolades with awards and dinners at the finest venues. Needless to say, he was highly respected by his employees and corporate in the dangerous and difficult endeavors of tree service. Rough and tumble coming up the ranks, Evan transformed with grace and ease at the top. In 1987, Evan enjoyed creating his long-awaited dream of owning and operating his own company, Rice Tree Service, which he did brilliantly when relocating to IN from the Toledo area. It was, of course, supported by his wife, Suzanne, handling office and marketing for the first 5 years before getting back to her highly awarded children's and Broadway productions with contracts waiting in NY & LA. An accomplished musician and singer sharing his talents in church with his former family raising 4 children of various wives, he gave selflessly to all. A friend to all, he gave as selflessly via his many accomplished talents to family, neighbors and friends. Carpentry, finish work, general maintenance... and of course tree care and landscaping... you name it, he could do it and do it brilliantly asking nothing in return. His artistic landscaping became the talk of the town, copied by many others. And his record-breaking rhododendrons here at Tarajories were barely a bucket-full when he planted them, now over 20 ft. high, given his heartfelt nurturing and care through the years, pictured herein. Also an accomplished golfer, he enjoyed the cold days as well snowmobiling with the other rough and tumble guys in the genre. He could have been an Olympic freestyle skater had he cared to pursue. Picking up the artist's brush most recently, exhibits hidden talent. There just wasn't anything he couldn't do and do very well. He did not deserve the demise he found at the end of this trail yet to be resolved. He loved traveling with his third wife, the love of his life, [ that would be me 8-) ] as did she equally enjoy exploring with him via his expert driving record around the country. Sedona, AZ was a highlight enjoyed many times hoping to relocate there but could not give up our Sacred Tarajories to do so.

Evan R. Rice Tribute 3-19-26 by Suzanne L. Rice, devoted wife of 50 years;

Most of all, he loved his beloved Tarajories, Sacred Site & Grid Node, with its age-old marker trees in his plush forest of various genre trees he loved so much, on his rare, 'pristine' lake, with clean water being a thing of the past, generally, elsewhere. Presenting its parade of playful, profuse flora and fauna in every season was a highlight each year. It taught him to love the forest and its critters even more, sparing them the hunt and fishing he used to share with his father and brother in his early days. 'Everyone' becomes family after living in the forest so long. They just do. He will always be deeply loved and sorely missed... deeply mourned by his devoted wife of 50 years, plus 2 before our November wedding here at Tarajories. This was our big celebration year given his 90th and my 75th ever-young birthdays and our 50 year anniversary, n'er to happen now, but in spirit, given the total destruction re: our incomprehensible demise. We stand.