EVANS, John E.

On Sunday, February 15th, 2004, held in the strong grasp of God’s love, John stepped from time into eternity. For those who loved him, and for the many who were enriched by his gifts, earth is a little poorer, today. He will be missed most especially by his family whom he left with great reluctance; his wife and closest friend, Ruth; his sons and daughters-in-law, Terrence and Betty-May (Mississauga, Ont.) and Glendon and Anne (Ottawa, Ont.); and his much-loved grandchildren Zachary and Anderson; Briana, Katelyn and Kian. Son of Jean and the late Elmer Evans (Lindsay, Ont.), he is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Bob Robertson (Lindsay, Ont.), and Anne and Dave Garst (Rock Hill, S.C.). Son-in-law of Ruth and the late Max Runions (Edmonton, Alberta), and brother-in-law of Maxine and Cam Hancock (Vancouver, B.C.) and Margaret and Doug Hollands (Saskatoon, Sask.). A teacher at Anna McCrea Elementary School for 26 years, John taught many young students to play their first band instruments, and gave them their first band experience. His first and enduring love, however, was music of the church, and his friends at First Baptist Church and throughout the evangelical faith community, were blessed as he led choirs, performed solos, sang in various ensembles, and played the piano or organ. His music, performed with excellence and sincerity, and often written or arranged by John, spoke to the deep longings of the spirit and brought honor to his Lord and Saviour. His family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Walde, Dr. Spadafora and the team of health care professionals in the Cancer Clinic, Medical Day Care, and Palliative Care; you cared for him with expertise, compassion and gentle humour and we thank you. Friends may visit his family at Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 from 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be at First Baptist Church (corner of March and Albert Streets) on Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to The Gideons or Sault Area Hospital Cancer Clinic would be appreciated.