Byron-Evans-Obituary

Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes

Byron Evans

Saratoga Springs, New York

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DIED
September 14, 2016
LOCATION
Saratoga Springs, New York
CHARITY
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William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes Obituary


Saratoga Springs, NY – Byron Evans, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at Woodlawn Commons in Saratoga Springs, after a brief battle with cancer. 


Born in Aurora, IL, he was the son of the late Loren Evans and Hazel Rupert Evans. His childhood was informed by the straightened circumstances of the Depression, but he was a precocious boy. He flew his pilot’s license solo on his 16th birthday, married his college sweetheart on his 19th birthday, and he became the Superintendent of schools in Sisters, OR at the age of 22, while serving as CO of his infantry National Guard unit. 


Byron was a lifelong educator, serving as Superintendent at Glide, OR, high school principal in inner city Detroit, and Superintendent in Saratoga Springs, where he brought a complicated school consolidation to fruition.  He later served as Vice President and Vice Provost at RPI, and lastly as BOCES District Superintendent for Saratoga-Washington-Warren counties.  He also chaired several statewide education committees and commissions.  Dr. Evans also served on the board of trustees of Saratoga Hospital and a number of local charities.  He was a graduate of Oregon State U. (bachelor and masters), the U. of Oregon (doctorate) and the U.S Army’s Fort Benning paratrooper school. 


As a diversion from work, he taught himself the crafts of jewelry-making and scrimshaw.  These hobbies led him to antique collecting, and he eventually amassed collections of antique canes, music boxes and scrimshaw that are nationally recognized. 


Byron was a kind man, always patient and supporting.  He was a true gentleman, and though he was the very model of reason and temperance, he could also be stubborn on important matters, for he knew his own mind.  He was also an incurable romantic, and had a great appreciation for beauty in music and nature.  Lastly, he was an unfailing optimist.  He looked for the best in everyone, and he was confident he could work out the best possible outcome to any situation. 


In addition to Peggy, the love of his life (and wife of 71 years), he is also survived by sons Eric (Anne), Philip (Lisa), grandchildren Dr. Ryan Evans (Tina), Dr. Katherine Evans Saemann (Andy), Andrew Evans, Alison Evans Witmer (Josh), 5 great grandchildren, and loving friends, to many of whom he was a treasured mentor.  He was predeceased by his brothers Rupert, Allen, and Philip. 


Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4pm Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (584-5373). A funeral home service will follow at 4pm and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. 


In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs 12866 or a charity of your choice. 


Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.


 


 

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Peggy, Eric, and Philip,

My name is Chuck Phelan and I knew Byron when he served as Vice President for Student Affairs at RPI. He was a trusted friend and confident when Eliot Graham and I were upgrading the facilities of WRPI. I was honored to know him years later when he visited in California, where I had moved and he and I flew from Burbank to Santa Barbara. On the way back, he said "you know, I have a pilot's license that I haven't used in years, do you mind if I fly the...

Dear Phil & Lisa please know my thoughts & prayers are with you in the loss of your father. Please extend my condolences to your family. Ann Woodruff

Phil, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a man to be admired. He led a full life. Certainly one to be emulated.

He was always someone to admire. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He had a full life. One to be emulated.

Aunt Peggy, Gary and I wish to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Uncle Byron.
He was always very kind and loving. I feel blessed to have known him.
Hugs to you and your family.
He is dancing on streets of gold in Heaven, but sorely missed here on earth.
Love,
Gary and Anne

Eric and Philip - Your father was a true gentleman indeed. I first met him in 1966, and am so sorry for your loss. My best to your mother. Gaynor Hartigan

Peggy and family:
we are so saddened to hear of By's passing.We have known him for the past seventeen years while spending the winters in Spring Hill,Florida. He was a wonderful friend who shared experiences with us on the golf course and the Timber Pines Snowbirds Club. We bonded initially because we were both retired superintendents of school districts but mostly because he was a person that one could easily bond with. We will really miss him--he was such a good man! Rest in Peace...

Peggy, our Sincere and Deepest Sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your husband. I always felt blessed to have worked for him and known him for many years at BOCES. Like others have said, he was kind, patient, understanding, etc. I learned many things under his guidance. He will be greatly missed.
Sandra Brady & Roger

Tom and Jo Ann Coffinger wish to express our deepest sympathy and prayers to all that loved and knew Dr. Evans. He will be greatly missed. We enjoyed working with this most fantastic man for many years at The F. Donald Myers Center in Saratoga. Loved his sense of humor and compassionate way of dealing with all he came in contact with.