Gary Allen Evans

Gary Allen Evans passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family. He was born on April 19, 1936, in Little Falls, New York, to Joseph and Carrie Evans. He was 90 years old.

Gary graduated from Little Falls High School with the Class of 1955. While in the ninth grade, he met the love of his life, Ann Marie (Francesco) Evans. They were married on June 6, 1957, after Lt. Gary Evans completed Cadet Training at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas. He went on to serve as a Bombardier-Navigator, flying B-47 aircraft until his honorable discharge in June 1962, completing seven years of service in the United States Air Force.

From an early age, Gary had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. As a young man, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and learned the skills of a fur trapper. His adventurous spirit led him to participate in a wilderness survival experience, where he was dropped by plane into a remote wilderness area and lived off the land alone for a week.

Following his military service, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science degree and began a distinguished career as a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He started by banding birds at wildlife refuges and concluded his career in Oregon, where he worked on endangered species conservation. His career gave him and his family the opportunity to travel extensively and live in many states throughout the country. Even after retirement, Gary remained active by mowing parks and cemeteries throughout Multnomah County.

Music was another lifelong passion. Gary was an accomplished fiddler, earning fifth place at an Oregon State competition, and earning twenty eighth place in a Weiser Idaho fiddler’s national competition. He performed for two years with the Cabin Moonshine Band and was a member of the East County Community Orchestra. He also delighted audiences as a self-taught musical saw player, using a violin bow to create beautiful and unique music. Gary found great joy in performing at nursing homes, private events, and with the Old Time Fiddlers. He continued playing both the violin and guitar until the day he passed away.

Gary is survived by his sister, Nancy; his brother, Dan; his daughters, Yvonne and Nan, and their husbands; his grandson, Steven; his granddaughter, Mandi; and his great-grandchildren, Timber, Tia, Tayah, Scout, Tyde, and Ryan.

Gary will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to nature, his gift for music, and his adventurous spirit.

A private service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gary's honor.