John Paul Evans

Jack Evans died peacefully at St Peter’s Hospital on Monday 18 July 2022 with family by his side. He was the beloved husband and partner of Stefania Szlek Miller for 42 years. He was a devoted father of Paul Evans (Jennifer Chang, his wife), Andra Evans, and Marta Evans (Marc Thomson, friend). He also played an integral role in the life of Julian Szlek Miller (Victoria Miller, his wife) and was a cherished member of their family. He was a caring and proud grandfather of Evan, Braedon, Jacob, and Wyatt. He will also be missed by his sisters Patricia Gales (Don Gales, her husband) and Judy Johnson, as well as by other family members and many friends.

Jack was born in Ridgetown, Ontario to loving parents, Gladys (Nelson) and Norman Evans. He had a happy childhood surrounded by a large extended family and through his active involvement with the Ridgetown Scout Association. He earned a BA and MA in Economics at the University of Toronto and worked as a security analyst in banking and then as Assistant Registrar at the University of Toronto. In 1966, he moved to Hamilton to serve as Registrar at McMaster University. He retired in 1991 as Associate Vice-President University Services and Secretary to the Board of Governors. Jack received many awards and recognition including a life-time achievement award from the McMaster Student Union. In 2013, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by McMaster University. We called him Dr Jack!

Jack was a prolific modeler of World War II airplanes and had a pilot’s license to fly a real vintage one. He was Director of Ground Operations for many years at Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) airshows beginning in 1975. A life-time member of CWH, he was its General Manager from 1991 to 1993. Jack remained active after his retirement, and this included travelling, birdwatching, and bicycling. He cherished family vacations at Hall’s Lake, and entertained family and friends at the Baptist Church Road farm. Jack served on the executive of the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA), and he and Stef hosted annual reunions of former members of the McMaster Students Union. A life-long learner, he enrolled in courses offered by McMaster’s History Department, and was a member of St. George’s Book Club. While he did not dance, he assisted Stef in running the Hamilton International Folk Dance Club for many years. Jack generously supported conservation and nature groups as well as numerous other organizations. Jack was a kind and loving person with a quick laugh and warm smile. He will be missed and fondly remembered.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff of the Juravinski and St. Peter’s Hospitals for their compassionate palliative care. We are also grateful for the home care provided by the PSWs from St. Elizabeth, and the nurses from the VON. Ashley Zimmerman from Senior Support Services became Jack’s friend during her regular home and hospital visits. Special thanks to all our friends who supported Jack during the last two years of his illness.

There will be a Celebration of Jack’s life on Thursday, 4 August 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Marlatt Funeral Home at 195 King St W., Dundas. Reflections in the Chapel at 6:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the garden.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the Marlatt website (www.marlattfhdundas.com). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jack’s memory to the “John Paul Evans Travel Award”, The Advancement Office, McMaster University ([email protected]).