J. Evan Goulding

After a protracted battle with cancer, J. Evan Goulding passed away April 15, 2022, at home in Aurora, Colorado at the age of 81. He leaves to pave the way for his devoted wife, Eileen; his five sons, Trent, Tyler, Troy, Tyson, and Travis; and one beautiful daughter, Tiffany.

Evan was born on November 9, 1940, in St. Anthony, Idaho. He was born to father Cless Goulding and mother Rebecca Goulding, who predeceased him. He grew up in a ranching family, and from the time he could open his eyes, it seems, he was on the back of a horse. As he grew, he loved every minute of ranch life, as only a young boy could. He excelled academically as well as athletically. He went to college on a basketball scholarship. And from an early age, he competed in rodeo – his first love – winning the intercollegiate championship in calf roping in 1961.

Evan spent two years serving a mission in Southern California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His time in the mission field laid the foundation for the principles that would guide him for the rest of his days. Among them, a deep love of God and spirituality, honesty, integrity, and a laser focus.

After graduating from Brigham Young University, he enrolled in law school at George Washington University in Washington D.C. He attended night school full time, and worked full time during the day, serving as an aide to Idaho Senator Frank Church. Despite this heavy schedule, Evan still found the time for love. He married Eileen Simmons on March 25, 1967, and their first son Trent was born the end of that year.

Evan graduated law school and was offered a position as assistant district attorney for Los Angeles County in California. One of his first duties was to act as custodian of trial evidence for the Manson trial. After 3 ½ years as an assistant district attorney trying numerous cases, he yearned to get back to the Mountain West. He was offered a position as the first full-time city attorney of Arvada, Colorado. Evan and Eileen packed up their now three children (Trent, Tiffany, and Tyler) and resettled in Colorado. After serving as city attorney for a short time, he was offered the position of general council for the National Cattlemen’s Association. This position took him national, and he loved it, and intended to stay long-term. Shortly after, however, his skills came to the attention of Governor Dick Lamm, who worked hard to recruit Evan. Eventually, he left the Cattlemen’s Association to accept the appointment as Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture. During these years, three more sons were added to the family – Troy, Tyson, and Travis.

After 6 years Evan was restless as Commissioner and wanted to try his hand at other things, among them; partner in a law firm, CEO of a gas company, partner in a cattle company opening beef markets to Ghana, Africa, financial planner, lobbyist, and professional cowboy. In 1991 he finally settled as Executive Director of the Colorado Special Districts Association, where he spent the next 19 years – until his retirement in 2010. He spent his golden years, up until the very end, as a lobbyist and consultant with Special Districts, and spending as much time as he could with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Never did his deep knowledge and love of God waiver throughout these times.

Evan leaves behind his wife of 55 years and children, as well as his sister, Gail Chambers, and brother, Dan Goulding; his 10 grandchildren; Stephen, Mallory, Garrett, Ryan, Ellie, Callie, Olivia, Lucy, Harlan, Isabelle, and more friends than a man could hope for.

Memorial services will be held at the chapel of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints at 7405 S. Addison Court, Aurora, CO 80016 at 11:00AM, Saturday, April 23, 2022. All are welcome.