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Brian EVANS Obituary
Ph.D., D.Litt. (Hon.), O.C.
With profound sadness, the family and close friends of Brian L. Evans announce his passing on February 15, 2016, at the University of Alberta Hospital. We are grateful for the excellent care provided by Dr. Ron Brisebois and the dedicated staff on units 3E2 and 3E4.
Brian was born and raised in Taber, Alberta. He developed an early fascination with China which, as he recounted in his memoirs Pursuing China (2012), became a lifelong passion. After receiving a B.A. at the University of Alberta, he earned a Ph.D. in Chinese History at the University of London. While in London, he married his wife of many years, the late Margo Burwash. From 1961 until his retirement in 1996 he taught Chinese and East Asian History at the University of Alberta. He also developed the teaching of Asian languages and exchanges with universities in Asia and elsewhere.
In 2001, Brian was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his outstanding role in establishing Chinese and East Asian studies in Alberta and in advancing the Alberta Chinese community.
Brian had a gift for making friends wherever he went. As one member of his nursing team said, "Brian knows everyone's name and he respects what we do."
He will be dearly missed by his eighteen nieces and nephews and their families and by many devoted friends, colleagues and former students around the world. They will remember a thoughtful, generous man who was happiest when sharing dim sum with friends, old and new.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the Dynasty Century Palace Restaurant, 9700-105th Avenue, Edmonton. RSVP by March 14 to [email protected].
Donations in his honour may be made to the Edmonton Humane Society (13620-163 Street N.W., T5V 0B2) or to the "Dr. Brian Evans Memorial Fund," Office of Memorial and Tribute Giving, 3-501 Enterprise Square, 10230 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4P6. Cheques should be made out to the "University of Alberta."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
March 10, 2017
Gone for over a year now but not forgotten. Missing you, your smile and your spirit.
Debbie
Debbie
April 30, 2016
Thinking of you brings me to tears,
But they are tears of much laughter and joy through the years
James Dunlap
March 22, 2016
Dr. Evans taught me Chinese history at the U of A in 1971 and he remained a friend ever after. Partly because of that class, I got more and more interested in China, and ended up going to China, learning Chinese, and practising law in Hong Kong for 26 years. I saw less of him after I left Edmonton in 1981, but we saw each other in Hong Kong when he was visiting, and more recently in Edmonton when I was home visiting my parents. He was always friendly and positive to me and all his students, and for many of us he made a tremendous difference to our lives. I will never forget him.
Jessie Hislop
March 17, 2016
I was only his student for one course in 1977-78an evening survey of Chinese history from pre-history to the cultural revolution in which we almost covered a dynasty an evening. By mixing in his personal experiences and insights, slides (the state of the art those days) and emphasizing the key themes and nuances through the centuries, we were given insight that still informs understanding of one of the major countries and cultures of our world and the universal metaphor of the mandate of heaven'.
I knew a little more about Brian than most students as my father had taught for a couple of years at Taber when Brian was a student (though he didn't teach him). In one of the first classes, Brian asked me to stay during the break (what had I done?) to ask about my father and he later asked about me when meeting my parents at Rick & Alice's café or at the Taber reunion. People he'd once known always mattered to him.
What inspired me was his journey from Taber to being an expert on China and part of the re-opening of contact between our countries. It showed that if you were passionately interested in something, you could literally and figuratively get there.
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Mary Macalpine
March 12, 2016
Uncle Brian, you will be missed. Although I did not see you often you were always in my heart. Rest in Peace.
Terry Williams
March 11, 2016
Professor Evans was one of my favourite professors at the U of A and I have very fond memories of his lectures on Chinese history. He will be missed by his many students.
Elizabeth and Lewis Shaw
March 11, 2016
We will always cherish our memories of you, Uncle Brian and your sense of humour will truly be missed. You had a passion, China and were able to fulfil your dream in life. Rest in peace.
March 11, 2016
Uncle Brian you will be missed. Although I did not see you often you were always in my heart.
Love Mary MacAlpine
Ernie Bastide
March 11, 2016
My dear friend Brian I will miss you so much! We had so many great times together and I sincerely enjoyed working with you on the "100 Anniversary of Edmonton's China Town". You touched everyone you met with warmth and kindness. May you rest in peace.
March 11, 2016
We will miss Uncle Brian always. There are few people in this world that gave so much inspiration to family, friends and colleagues .
this little cat is for you and Mookie
Love always
Al and Debbie Habberfield
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8310 - 104th St, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E8
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