Robert P. Evans, philanthropist, dies in Ogden

Intermountain Catholic

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Robert P. Evans, Catholic and philanthropist. photo courtesy of the Evans family

OGDEN— "Our reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans epitomizes Bob so well," said Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, in the homily at the funeral Mass for Robert P. Evans June 30 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ogden. "He loved life and lived it to the fullest because he did not live just for himself; he lived for others and for the Lord. Christ was real in his life. There was not a selfish bone in his body. Bob felt he had to give back to the community because he had received so much. Whether he was golfing, hunting or fishing, spending winters in the Arizona sun, figuring out the value of grain or the swings in the stock market, he was always upbeat, humorous and putting the best face on the worst of adversities. There were no enemies, just obstacles. His goal was always to benefit his family and the faith he so loved."

Evans, beloved husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, and great friend to many, died Tuesday June 24, 2008. He was a devoted Catholic and active member of Holy Family Parish. He was a great supporter of Catholic education, especially the Saint Joseph Schools community in Ogden. He was a founding member of the Catholic Foundation of Utah and a supporter of the activities of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

The Most Reverend John Charles Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, said he regretted only getting to know Evans "in the last paragraph on the last page of his life."

Born on a farm in Randall, Minn. Jan. 19, 1927, Evans served his country in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn. While he was in college he met Mary. They were married June 13, 1953. They were members of their college choir and sang together throughout their married life.

Evans began his career with Pillsbury Company in 1953, and moved to Ogden in 1958. In 1964, he founded Evans Grain. He was a successful businessman who was generous to his family, friends, employees, church, and community. He served on the boards of many organizations and foundations, including St. Benedict’s Hospital Advisory Board, St. Joseph’s Schools and Boosters, Utah/Idaho Grain Exchange, Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve, and First Security Bank.

"During the more than 30 years I knew Bob, I experienced his generosity," said Msgr. Fitzgerald. "He was on the board at St. Benedict’s Hospital and was an original member of the Catholic Foundation of Utah. As one of the pioneers of the new Holy Family Parish in South Ogden, he was very pleased that the new church was finally under construction and he was a generous benefactor.

"... I pestered Bob all too often to help find financing for the Ogden schools. Whether he was in Arizona or at home he would always respond: ‘Let me discuss it with Mary,’ he would say, ‘and see what we can do.’ He never said no. When there were significant decisions facing the diocese, we would call Bob for his advice. He always respected our discussions and would work behind the scenes to resolve issues. There could be disagreements over issues, but Bob never held grudges but was cheerful and respectful. His love for clergy and religious was admirable."

Evans was a member of the Ogden Golf and Country Club and the Boulders Golf Club in Carefree, Ariz. Filled with energy, he was an avid skier, golfer, and tennis player and spent many days fishing on Lake Powell and the lakes of Minnesota. He loved hunting at the Canada Goose and Duck Club and his Snake River farm in Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Mary and children, Meg (Steve) Chambers, Ogden; Joan (Nicholas) Ahlf, Huntsville; Susan Evans, San Diego, Calif.; John (Kelli) Evans, Burley, Idaho; Patty (Todd) Bradley, Sandy; Nancy (Joe) Evans-Hazel, Flagstaff, Ariz.; Barbara (Jeff) Wogoman, Jackson Wyo.; and 19 grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Lawrence Evans, Fla; and two sisters, Eleanor Thorson and Mary Ann Justin, both of Minnesota.

"We can be consoled because Bob Evans was a man of tremendous faith," said Msgr. Fitzgerald. "He was the just man of the Book of Wisdom. He never forgot his humble roots on the Minnesota farm where he learned the necessity of planting in order to reap a rich harvest. There he learned to love the outdoors, the beauty of nature, and to appreciate the family. He came to value the significance of Catholic eduction as a school for Christian wisdom. His struggles in the business world, his desire to do that was right, his care for those who had so little and his love for the Catholic Church in Utah certainly proved him worthy.

"As we celebrate this Holy Eucharist, Bob Evans is no doubt enjoying his reward with Christ in heaven. His is a legacy of integrity, honesty, generosity, and loyalty, the hallmarks of a wise Christian gentleman. May he have eternal rest and may he look down on you, Mary, on the family, and on all of us who were blessed to know and love him."