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John Richard Evans
John Richard (Dick) Evans died at home on Monday April 26, 2021 at the age of 96. Dick was born on October 23, 1924, the son of Thomas O. and Eleanor May Evans, in Racine, WI, where he grew up. He married the love of his life, Charmond Lee Vance, on June 30, 1951. His early years included many activities at the Racine YMCA and Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, WI where Charmond's father was the Boy's Secretary and Camp Director, respectively.
Dick served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific as a radar technician on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV6. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 and the Naval Reserve in1955.
Dick earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin and his master's degree at the University of Michigan. He was a 5th and 6th grade teacher, first for the Marquette Public Schools (1954-1961) and then for Midland Public Schools at Siebert Elementary (1961-1984). He celebrated retirement by doing a solo bicycle trip to the Mackinac Bridge and back, camping along the way. From 1970 to 1992 Dick worked as a summer park ranger, first at Clear Lake State Park and then at Rifle River Recreation Area. He also taught swimming for many years at the Midland Community Center.
He was a member of the Men of Music for 57 years (1962-2019). He was also a bicyclist into his 80s, a swimmer into his 90s, a hiker, canoeist, camper, woodworker, furniture refinisher and general handyman. Dick rode his bicycle with the Midland Flatlanders in the Make-a-Wish Foundation Wish-a-Mile 300 Fundraiser, a 3-day event covering 100 miles each day, for 3 years in a row when he was 78, 79 and 80 years old. Last summer, at 95, he was pleased to participate again in the Wish-a-Mile Virtual Fundraiser from his living room using a floor peddler.
Dick and Charmond's world travels began with a trip to China, Hong Kong, & Tokyo when Charmond retired from her 1st grade teaching position in 1987. Their trips, often with friends and family, took them all over the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, European countries, Australia & New Zealand, and 2 cruises through the Panama Canal.
Dick is survived by his two daughters, Betsy Evans and Lynn (Bob) Haiducek; 2 grandsons, John (Sarah) Haiducek and Dale (Jennifer) Haiducek; great granddaughter Hudson Ruby Haiducek and her soon-to-arrive baby brother; his brother Thomas W. (Jean) Evans; and many other relatives and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents (Thomas and Eleanor Evans), wife (Charmond), and sister (Ellen Jane Boyer).
Per Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 1 PM at Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church's outdoor fire circle, 5501 Jefferson Avenue, Midland MI. Dick's family will receive friends and family at the fire circle (think camping!) for an hour until the time of service. There will be an option for participation in the service by remaining in cars in the parking lot and tuning to radio station 99.1. A graveside service will occur at a future date in Racine, WI.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Camp Anokijig (W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073-2868) or the Men of Music Fund through the Midland Area Community Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hi girls, I miss Dick so much. He was a great man. And we had a lot of fun together. Love Connie
Connie Inman
April 29, 2023
Mr. Evans was one of my favorite teachers. I had him for 5th grade, 1976-77. One of his teaching methods involved us reading our written compositions into a microphone/tape recorder-pretty unusual at the time! Many were a tad timid about it, but he insisted-and I´m sure this helped us with any future public speaking! I enjoyed it immensely and went on with friends to make more tapes like this.
He took pride in his Welsh heritage, pronouncing the town in Wales (which is 58 letters long!) to our amusement.
He also taught us the "short" way to do long division, something which confounded my later math teachers ("Show your work!") but made me feel sophisticated and grown up. (I still use this method!)
Thank you, Mr. Evans. I only knew you in one arena of your life, but it sounds like you made use of so many talents and abilities! Rest In Peace, sir.
Jane Coleman
School
July 9, 2021
Lynn, Betsy, and family;
What an inspiration Dick was to all of us. He had a zest for life that overflowed, strong faith, a friendly smile for all, a love of learning, respect and love of nature, and abundant love for his family. I still remember you telling me, Lynn, how he would go swimming in the lake/river every morning when working at the camp. Brrr. He will be missed at the Haiducek BBQ. He will be missed period. Peace friends
Carol and Chet
Friend
June 4, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. I absolutely loved working with Mr. Evans he was a absolute joy to be with. I really miss being there with him.
Connie Riggie
May 6, 2021
Lynn and family,
What a beautiful write up about your father. My condolences. I hope the “campfire” celebration of his life brings peace and comfort to you.
Kim Mead
Coworker
May 6, 2021
Betsy,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful person. I remember many campfires at Rifle River shared with he and your mom.
Kathy and Randy Brown
Kathy Brown
Friend
May 6, 2021
Mr Evens ,,my 5th grade teacher at Seibert,,,would see him several times around Midland alway enjoyed a chat with him ,,was a great teacher .
Betty Livingston
Student
May 5, 2021
Betsy, Lynn and Family... I am saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. He was a very accomplished man and a friendly neighbor. Having grown up next door, I will always remember him driving his VW bug and saying, “Hi”, wondering how I was doing when I’d stop to visit my parents. My prayers are with you all... his, was a life well lived!
Deb Klump
Deb Klump
Neighbor
May 5, 2021
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