Douglas Allan Evans

On May 23, 2022, Doug Evans, passed away after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, ReChelle, son and daughter-in-law, Hayden and Jess Evans, his daughter Bailey, niece Sarai and Sawyer Dietrich and beloved Sutton Casey. He passed from this life peacefully from this world into the next knowing that he was loved and supported by those nearest and dearest to him.

Doug began life in Farmington, New Mexico on October 22, 1955. He was the son of Clyde Evans and Denna Webster. He graduated from McKlintock High School in Tempe Arizona in 1973 where he played football and began a lifetime of gathering friends wherever he went. When the Big Surf surf park opened up, Doug was the first one to ride the wave and was always the first one to enter the pool every summer, thus beginning his love of surfing.

In search of adventure and waves, Doug moved to Santa Cruz, California where he worked as a cook. He had an opportunity to learn the concrete trade and began to gather the knowledge that led to a career in the concrete industry while earning a bachelors’ degree in Construction Management. He followed the canal projects through New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. All of these projects led him to help in the development of the McPhee Dam. Learning of further opportunities in the area, Doug moved to Cortez, Colorado in 1983. He met the love of his life in Cortez, Miss ReChelle Cruzan. They married 1989 and were blessed with Hayden and Bailey Evans. He raised his daughters, Stephanie, and Kendra with ReChelle, Hayden and Bailey. Later, JoJo Whitaker would join their family as a second, much-loved son. Over the years Doug and ReChelle blessed the lives of over 30 foster children who also found a safe place in their hearts.

While on his life adventures doing construction, Doug picked up the game of rugby playing for the Runnin’ Rebels in Santa Cruz, California and any other team he could find or recruit. While working, he either found a rugby team or built one with the guys with whom he worked. Whether you knew Doug or not, it’s a guarantee he had recruited you to strap on a pair of boots and join the rugby family. In Cortez, Doug formed the first of many teams, the Lewis- Arriola Bulldogs. He played the 6 man and the flanker.

While in Cortez, Doug and ReChelle began and operate RD Evans Concrete for 15 years. His craftsmanship and professionalism were legendary.

Due to medical complications and needing to be closer to his doctors, in 2004, he and his family moved to Grand Junction. He also became involved in the booming construction industry. He was a project manager for many large construction projects in the Grand Valley one of them being the 24rd. round-about bridge. But in 2009 due to a massive heart attack and quadruple bypass heart surgery he was unable to continue working. While in Grand Junction, and at the request of his son Hayden, he began the Junior Griffins Rugby club. Over the years, Doug laid the foundation for the culture and tradition of rugby in the Grand Valley. Each year, Doug and ReChelle recruited kids to play the game he loved. He touched the lives of each and every player he coached. Hundreds of players found a home and an excellent role model in Doug as they scrummed on the rugby pitch. For Doug there was a place for everyone on the pitch, no matter their age, shape, size, girl, boy, dog, anyone, and everyone, in his heart belonged on the field. Rugby was a life lesson, not about winning or losing. From 2013-2015, Doug led teams to the state playoffs. In 2014, the team won the state championship, undefeated. That very year Doug was awarded coach of the year and the Jr. Griffins were awarded with team sportsmanship of the year. He was fondly called Coach Fresh by devoted players who learned valuable lessons of dedication, sacrifice and teamwork while playing rugby.

Doug was stubborn but loyal. He was a master craftsman and could build anything and molded the lives of the young men who played rugby. He coached the college rugby team at CMU for four years. But, most importantly, Doug was a man with a huge heart for others and for his family. Doug was a builder at heart. He was a master craftsman but more, importantly, he built young men’s lives as a role model, father figure and friend. Doug knew no strangers, once a person met Doug, they were friends for life.

In Doug’s last years with us, he touched many hearts. He tended his grandchildren days upon days and made lifelong memories in his Legacy. Doug remained a rugby coach in the valley and mentored many of the kids on his team. His kind soul was one to help in any way shape or form. Rugby meant the world to him and being able to influence his young players kept him going on. Doug was a fatherly figure to many; his love and gracious soul has taught so many people in so many ways.

Doug was an avid big game hunter and loved to tell and share stories of all his successful hunts and even his unsuccessful hunts. He taught his son Hayden and Godson Ty the way of hunting and then proceeded to teach his grandson Grayson the love of hunting.

He leaves behind his wife, ReChelle, his devoted son, Hayden Evans and daughter-in-law, Jessica Evans and two much-loved grandchildren, Grayson and Maelynn. Loving daughter Bailey Evans, daughters Stephanie Harrison and Kendra Carter and grandchildren Elizabeth, Katie, Natalie, Chase, Cole, and Ryann. He also leaves behind son, JoJo Whitaker, and JoJo’s son Kahlil. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael and Brooke Rhodes, a beloved granddaughter.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday June 3rd at 1:00 pm at Palisade Riverbend Park. If you are a rugger, please wear your rugby boots or jerseys to salute the rugby brotherhood that was so important to Doug’s life. Ruck on mates!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Evans family.