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Michael Evans Obituary
1952 - 2015
Michael Evans passed away unexpectedly, just eight days after discovering that he had rapidly growing cancer in multiple organs. Three weeks earlier, he had hiked in the Uinta Mountains with his dog Lucy, grand puppy Bella and close friend Darrell Jensen. His astonishingly sudden passing broke the hearts of friends and family into whose lives he brought much happiness.
Mike enjoyed three and a half years of active and joyful retirement after serving with distinction for 22 years as Court Commissioner in the State of Utah Third District Court, where he presided over more than 40,000 domestic relations hearings. Prior to 1990, he served as Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake and was an associate with the firm of Cohne, Rappaport and Segal. In addition to practicing law, he devoted much time to adult education and served as both an Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Adjunct Professor of Law at the S. J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah. He created and taught groundbreaking classes in divorce education for children, a cause very close to his heart. He edited the Domestic Relations Bench book for Utah's Judges and Commissioners and wrote a Domestic Relations Training Manual for attorneys who volunteered to provide free representation to Utah's underprivileged.
Mike grew up in Lehi, Utah, the youngest child of Ferd and Lila Evans, and attended Lehi schools. He is survived by siblings Gary Evans (Lehi), Bill Evans (Providence, Rhode Island) and Marcia Russon (Bountiful). He was married to Judith Borries Evans from 1976 through 2002, and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Erin Evans (married to Michael Leibsla) and Hayley Evans. He earned a BA (cum laude) in journalism at the University of Utah and a Juris Doctorate from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. While earning these degrees, he served his country honorably in the US Army Reserve, including active duty in Louisiana and Texas.
Mike was an extraordinarily outgoing and beloved man. He genuinely liked people and enjoyed numerous close and life-long friendships. He was enormously kind, generous, thoughtful and non-judgmental. He truly cared about people in need and made his corner of the world a better place for strangers, friends and family alike. He loved hosting gatherings at his home in the Avenues and cooking delicious meals for all who arrived. He loved exploring Utah's amazing wilderness areas and was an avid hiker, photographer and naturalist.
A viewing will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor Sunday, October 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City. A Celebration of Life will follow Monday, October 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at The Tower at Rice Eccles Stadium, Gate C, South elevator on the 4th floor, 451 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City.
The Evans family wants to thank the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their thoughtful and compassionate efforts to prolong Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mike's name to Repertory Dance Theatre, 138 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, (801) 534-1000, www.rdtutah.org/. Mike served on the Board of Directors of RDT and loved and supported the arts throughout his life. He will be interred in the Lehi Cemetery, near his parents' and grandparents' graves. Close friends and families will hold a graveside service.
A private graveside service will be held at the Lehi City cemetery near his parents and grandparent's graves on Monday October 5th.
Arrangements entrusted to Starks funeral parlor online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Evans
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Valerie Hale
October 6, 2020
Mike, five years have gone by since you left all of us so quickly.
You are still missed.
I think you wouldn't recognize so many things these days. I think of your often and want your girls to know that there are many times I wish I could just pick up the phone to ask you what you'd do in a particular situation.
I know you're likely having a blast wherever you are.
Cindy Prokop
March 5, 2017
I was shocked to learn of Mike's death just today. What planet was I living on? I worked with Mike at Legal Aid and Cohne, Rapport & Segal. He was a truly wonderful employer and taught me a lot. He was always fair and knew how to keep the work force light hearted. I am sorry to his family and please accept these extraordinarily late condolences. Rest in peace, Mike.
Carolyn Rae Ryan
September 20, 2016
We all miss you! Hello to my dad and Shelly❤
Valerie Hale
September 18, 2016
It's been almost a year since you have gone and I still can't watch the video we show in the Divorce Ed for Parents Class without choking up. The Divorce Ed for Children's Class is going well. We are in the process (slow going you know) of changing the name of it to "Mike's Kids" - I know you would probably laugh about that and tell us not to change it.
Mike, you were the kindest and most fair man I ever knew. Your ability to make sense of the hardest cases, and your creativity when it came to trying to find new ways to solve hard family problems continues to inspire so many of us today. Thank you for those Christmas Cake Lollipops. Thank you for laughs. Thank you for saying you didn't roll your eyes on the bench when you TOTALLY DID ROLL YOUR EYES.
I can't believe it's been a year and you are not here. I'm so glad you had a chance to ski every single resort in one season. And hike everywhere. And tell stories about hiking out of someplace crazy with a broken leg.
Thank you for helping me see that making the decision that is right for children isn't always the popular one. And for when to make a change to help others in a different way.
You are still missed by so many.
I know you are up there in Heaven, skiing and hiking and still spoiling your dog Ginger.
Jill and Dave Van Langeveld
October 19, 2015
Hailey and Erin,
Dave and I were very surprised and saddened to hear about your Dad. We were in Italy, France and the Netherlands from 9-15 to late 10-16. Becky Colvin called and left three messages on our home phone which we listened to on Sunday (10-18.) We are sorry that we couldn't be there to help
It was always fun to watch Lucy and Bella take Mike for a walk; they weren't interested in neighbors talking to neighbors. It was really nice having your family a couple of houses away.
We have his calendar he made with his personal photos, hanging in our bedroom.
We knew that we could always bug you if we needed something. You girls take care and if there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Stephen Clark
October 16, 2015
I'm very sad to learn of this. I appeared before Commissioner Evans many times. He did not often rule in my clients' favor, but I generall could not take issue with his rulings. After his retirement I ran into him occasionally, and he seemed genuinely happy. I'm sad that his retirement and service as a mediator was cut short. I'm sad also for the loss and shock his family must feel
Betty Billiman
October 10, 2015
Back in 2003 mike made a ruling that was a lifesaver for me. So sad that he had to leave us so soon.
Jeffrey Hunt
October 6, 2015
Twenty eight years ago, Mike gave me my first job as a newby attorney fresh out of law school. Mike was the best friend, mentor, and teacher a new attorney could have. I have valued his friendship ever since. I will especially miss our chats about family and the Utes. My condolences to his daughters, for whom he beamed with pride, and to Judy.
Jerry Romero
October 5, 2015
I too was shocked to hear about the untimely passing of my good friend, Mike Evans. He is and was a "jewel" who made me laugh without fail and who was the first to offer his thoughts and prayers for a loss or a congratulation for "whatever" was going on. I still am having a hard time grasping his loss. I will be with others to share and celebrate his life and my thoughts and prayers go out to his daughters and Judy.
Ellen Yaroshefsky
October 4, 2015
Mike was a very close friend of my partner, Eric Poulos. We live in NY but we always intended to visit him together, to hike some beloved trails. Over the years, Eric has spoken of Mike so often. I am so sorry that I never got to be with him and to enjoy his vitality and quiet calm. It is all so hard to believe, My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Cynthia Skousen
October 4, 2015
Mike was a kind friend and wonderful boss....I will always remember him with gratitude and honor.
FROG
October 4, 2015
Shocked is the word! The best always go first. Mike was an inspiration to me through the years. As a friend, attorney,fellow U of U sports Fan and as a fellow worker. Spent a lot of time with him at Football & Basketball games as well as time hanging out. Will miss the Utah Good Times Calendar he made each year as well as the Thanksgiving Day largest turkey ever every year. A TRUE UTAH ICON..
Linda Volmer Auwerda
October 4, 2015
During a complicated divorce my ex and I ended up in Commissioner Evans office several times. He was always kind and fair when considering all sides of the issues. I wouldn't have had the divorce I was eventually granted if it wasn't for his understanding our situation and making sure my children and my rights were covered. I have never forgotten what he did for my children and I and have always been thankful that he was assigned to my case.
October 4, 2015
Always knew Mike would accomplish much..and he did. Great person..I am sure Mike will be and is missed by many!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew Mike.
Debbie Darling
winna downs
October 4, 2015
I went to school with Michael. Not only was he my friend, but also a cousin. We had so much fun, back in the day. He was in Spanish with me and his assigned name was Miguelito ( sorry about the spell) After that, he was "Migi". I got to sit by him at the reunion, and we had a great visit. We even figured how we were related. I am very sad for his passing. Please know you have a lot of people who loved and cared for your dad. My prayers are with you. Winna Grant Downs
Lisa Michele Church
October 4, 2015
Mike was a great human being and accomplished important things during his life of service and compassion. He will be missed.
Caiti Kennedy
October 3, 2015
Lots of love to Erin, Hayley and all Mike's friends and family. He was the best of the best, and will be missed.
Much love Erin and Hayley, and all family and friends. Mike was the best.
Caiti Kennedy
October 3, 2015
Royal Hansen
October 3, 2015
So sorry to lose Mike. He was an outstanding judicial officer and a great friend. We will miss hiking with Mike at judicial conferences. Our best to the family as you mourn his passing. Royal & Laura Hansen
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