W. Laurence Evans

W. LAURENCE EVANS A LIFE OF IMPACT ON FAMILY AND FRIEND Passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, peacefully and surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital at the age of 82. Laurence was the eldest child of Wilfred and Gladys Evans (both deceased) and was born and raised on their family farm in Reach Township. Laurence was married to Olive (nee Wilson) in May of 1951 and together they raised 8 children, Larry (Janice), Joan (Dwight Wideman), Brian (Luanne), Nancy (Darcy Wallace), Susan (Harold Kloosterman), Margaret (Tej Minhas), Mary (Rev. Tim Dickau) and Linda (Greg Jaster). The family grew to include 34 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren. He was brother to Ross (Barbara), Floyd (Grace), Mildred (deceased), David (Shirley), Doris (Allan Hockley) and Doreen, (Thomas Pickett, deceased). Family, not only his immediate but his extended family was important to Laurence. These were loved ones that he cared about and chose to be with often. Laurence grew to appreciate hard work on the family farm. By the age of twenty, Laurence had bought his own farm and began a mixed operation while also developing a dairy herd. For 13 years, Laurence worked at Williamsons Motor Sales in Uxbridge. In 1965, Laurence became an Insurance Agent with Great-West Life and started Evans Financial Services which continues today. Laurence also was a founding member of the Optimist Club in town. His level headed approach to business affairs kept him busy as a volunteer on several committees and charity boards over the years, including the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Board. For several years, Laurence participated on the Uxbridge Township, Committee of Adjustment and then on the Land Division of Durham Region. Some of his descendants had been founding elders at Claremont Baptist Church, Uxbridge Baptist Church and Sunderland Baptist Church. It is not surprising that after sensing a Godly call to Christian Ministry and because of his strong faith and spiritual passion, Laurence and Olive were instrumental in commencing a new work in Newmarket that became known as the Victory Baptist Church and continues today. From his teenage years, Laurence was a very active member of the Uxbridge Baptist Church, Youth for Christ and Baptist Youth work in this region. He attended Central Baptist Seminary and Dominion Business College in Toronto. He would often be sought after to preach in church pulpits and special services through out the region. In 1980, Laurence became the President of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. As a member of the Gideon's for 16 years, Laurence distributed New Testaments to the Grade 5 classes of Elementary schools through out the local townships. However, Laurence was probably best known as the neighbour and friend who always took time for people. People he met on his walks, at the arena, in the restaurant, while visiting at local hospitals and wherever life led him. As he once preached, "The church isn't a building. The church is the people of God living out their faith daily wherever life takes them." A Celebration of Life service is planned for Tuesday, March 13th, 11:00 a.m. at Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock Street West, Uxbridge. Visitation opportunities with family, also at the Church, are planned for Sunday, March 11th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Monday, March 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The family has suggested memorial donations be directed to The Gideon's or the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Low and Low Funeral Home, Uxbridge, 905-852-3073. Online condolences may be made at www.lowandlow.ca