John V. Evans

1925 - 2014

John V. Evans

Idaho's faithful servant, Governor John Victor Evans Sr., joined his heavenly family Tuesday, July 8, 2014, surrounded by family at his home in Boise.

A descendent of an Idaho pioneer family, John was born Jan. 18, 1925, in Malad, Idaho, to David Lloyd and Margaret Thomas Evans.

He attended public schools in Malad and graduated from Malad High School in 1943. An accomplished athlete, "Jack," as he was fondly called, helped lead his high school basketball team to district championship against Pocatello High School in his senior year – quite a feat for the small Malad hamlet.

Evans attended Idaho State University prior to joining the Army. He spent 18 months overseas as an Army infantryman in World War II, serving in the Philippines and Korea.

He married his high school sweetheart, Lola Daniels, on April 29, 1945, in Malad, while home on leave before being shipped overseas. John and Lola celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.

At war's end, he attended Stanford University and graduated with a degree in business and economics.

Before becoming governor, Evans was a Malad farmer, rancher and businessman. With his two brothers and sister, he operated business holdings established by his father and grandfather.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, D.L. Evans, who served as Idaho House Speaker at the turn of the 20th century, Evans spent 33 years in public service. His service was almost continuous from 1953 to 1987, when he finished his term as the 27th Governor of the State of Idaho. He served three terms in the Idaho Senate from 1953 to 1958, serving as Majority Leader of the Idaho Senate in 1957-1958. Mr. Evans left the legislature and was elected Mayor of Malad and served from 1960 to 1966. Mr. Evans returned to the Senate in 1967 (Minority Leader from 1969-1974) and served four more terms, until his election as lieutenant governor in 1974.

His crowning political achievement came when Evans became Idaho's 27th governor on Jan. 24, 1977. Governor Cecil Andrus was appointed to Secretary of the Interior, Lieutenant Governor John V. Evans succeeded to the office of governor. He was elected to a four-year term as governor on Nov. 7, 1978 and reelected to a second term in November 1982.

During his first term, Governor Evans initiated a "Capital for a Day" program that took the administration of state government to each county seat for a day activity. As part of the day, he conducted town hall meetings, giving participants the opportunity to voice their concerns and hear directly from the governor.

While governor, he was particularly dedicated to providing the children of Idaho the finest educational opportunities possible under rather extreme budgetary limitations. Facing severe financial deficits during the early 1980s, he supported both severe budget restrictions as well as increased taxes to provide for a growing state economy and balance the state's budget.

Being a farmer and understanding the importance of Idaho's water, Governor Evans guided Idaho in the resolution of one of the most troubling water issues of the century. Governor Evans, along with then-Attorney General Jim Jones, negotiated a settlement with Idaho Power on the Swan Falls Decision, which established minimum flow for power generation and required a basin wide adjudication of the Snake River Water Rights.

With the closing of Idaho's oldest and largest silver mine, "Bunker Hill," in Shoshone County in 1982, and the loss of 2,200 miner's jobs, Governor Evans marshaled state and federal resources available to stabilize the North Idaho mining economy, locate jobs for the unemployed miners and support their families. He counted this time as one of the most troubling economic times in our state's history.

Governor Evans was active in both the Western Governors' Association and the National Governors' Association. He served as vice chairman and chairman of the Western Governors' Conference. He served on numerous National Governors' Association committees, many in committee leadership positions.

Idaho's capital city, Boise, was the site of the 1985 National Governors' Association Annual Meeting. As the host governor, Governor Evans also welcomed seven of Canada's 10 Province Premiers, who participated for the first time in a National Governors' Association annual meeting. During this meeting, a Governors and Premiers Task Force on Trade was established, and Governor Evans and Premier William Bennett of British Columbia were named co-chairmen.

In 1986, Governor Evans experienced his only election defeat when he ran for the U.S. Senate. The governor retired from public office on Jan. 5, 1987, at the completion of his second full term as governor and was recognized as having held the office for 10 years, which is the third longest term of any governor in Idaho's history.

He joined D.L. Evans Bank in Burley, Idaho, as president, and served in that capacity until his death. He actively worked in the bank until 2009 and, with his son, CEO John V. Evans, Jr., grew D.L. Evans Bank from two branches to 21 branches, soon to grow to 26 branches by Sept. 15, 2014.

He took great pleasure in serving on the D.L. Evans Bancorp and D.L. Evans Bank Boards of Directors with his brother, Chairman Don S. Evans, Sr.; nieces, M. DeLell Evans and Paula D. Evans; nephews, Don S. Evans Jr. and Larry L. Evans; children, David L. Evans, CEO John V. Evans Jr., Martha Evans Gilgen and Susan Evans Scarlett; and close Burley friends and businessmen, Glen Kunau, Lex Kunau and James Lynch Sr.

Fondly called "Guv" by bank employees, John truly enjoyed his banking career and was a great spokesperson. He loved the camaraderie of the bank employees and meeting and working for the bank's customers. He always made time to meet with customers, advise staff and was routinely the last employee to leave at the end of the day.

He immersed himself into community service, supporting the efforts of many associations throughout the Magic Valley. He served as secretary of the Independent Community Bankers Association and on ICBA committees and lobbied Congress on behalf of the nation's community bankers.

His public accomplishments are well recognized, but they pale in comparison to his love and support of his family. He loved his wife, Lola, dearly and cared for her passionately. They were a powerful political team, renowned for their ability to "work a crowd." He created opportunities for his children and grandchildren and planned for his grandchildren's college education. His grandchildren loved his Dempsey breakfasts, cooked on the old cabin's wood burning stove. Despite his busy schedule he always had time for his grandchildren at the Dempsey Creek Ranch. He was a voracious reader and writer of Dempsey journals. You could depend on him to have a pen in his pocket – always prepared!

He supported the Democratic Party, unconditionally gave time to Democratic candidates and championed social justice causes. He believed in rights for all Idahoans, a constant progressive thinker; in 1965, he was the father who told his 10-year-old daughter she would go to college and should become a lawyer.

Too numerous to name are the many civic, city, county, state and national organizations on which he served throughout his lifetime. Mr. Evans is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and served as vice chairman of the National Distinguished Guests Committee of the American Legion. He was a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge, a member of the Masonic Lodge 51 Malad, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Rotary Club.

Mr. Evans is survived by his lovely wife, Lola D. Evans; brother, Don S. (Demona) Evans Sr. of Malad; his children, David L. (Marian) of Malad, John V. (Karen) of Burley, Martha Evans (Brent) Gilgen of Boise, Susan Evans (Paul) Scarlett of Portland, Ore., and Thomas D. Evans of Twin Falls, Idaho. Gov. Evans had 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

His parents, David L. and Margaret T. Evans; brothers, D.L. and Roland; and sisters, Neva and Mariemma, precede Mr. Evans in death.

Governor Evans will lie in state at the State Capitol from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 11, for public viewing. Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes. Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, July 12, at the Second Ward Church, Malad City, Idaho, with graveside services following at Malad City Cemetery, under the direction of Horsley Funeral Homes.

The family expresses their appreciation to Alexis Thiel, Bobbie McCommon, Brenna Kreglo and Abby Carman of 24/7 Idaho Home Care and Harrison's Hope Hospice for their excellent care and attention.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Idaho public school, college or university or to a charity of your choice.

Deb Coleman

Deborah Ann (Deb) Coleman of St. Anthony passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014, at her home from complications with lung cancer.

Deb was born Jan. 5, 1953, in Idaho Falls to Max R. Stephens and Marilyn Duke Stephens. Deb was the oldest of three children.

Deb grew up and attended schools in Ashton and graduated from North Fremont High School in 1971.

Deb's strong yet forgiving personality and sharp mind will never be forgotten. She was dedicated and passionate about everything she did, but she never sought the limelight.

Deb was employed by Mountain Bell Telephone Company (US West/Qwest) and retired after 30 years of service. She was a jack of all trades, including climbing poles and working to reestablish service to the upper valley after the 1976 Teton Flood. Later, she worked as warehouse manager and cable splicing and installation/repair tech for the company. Deb was also a union rep for the local chapter, being a great supporter for employees' best interests.

Deb's life was always one of compassion and commitment to the protection and rights of animals. She became very active with the Humane Society and put in many hours of service to their cause and fostered over 1,000 dogs. She was an active participant in the growth and development of the Snake River Animal Shelter. Deb was the president of Upper Valley Humane Society at the time of her passing.

Deb is survived by her parents, Max R. (Annie) Stephens and Marilyn Duke Peck, both of St. Anthony; sister, Kathy (Kent) Lords of Ashton; stepbrother, Mark Peck of Grand Junction, Colo.; daughter, Kim (Kevin) Labrum of Boise; nieces, Kammie (Kent) Dummer of St. Anthony, Shannon (Joey) Jimenez of Denver, Kallie (Jason) Pino of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kayla (Dirk) Forbush of St. Anthony; nephew, Logan (Daridee) Nagle of Sugar City, Idaho; and 14 grand-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Donald (Dusty) Peck; and her brother, Doug (Digger) Stephens.

No services will be held at this time. A tribute to her life will be celebrated with friends and family at a later date. For information regarding the tribute to Deb, email her sister, Kathy, at Lords.kathy_lords@myidahomail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Stephens family suggests that donations be made to Upper Valley Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.

Kirt Park

Kirt Ward Park, 50, of Ririe, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, after a three-year battle with cancer.

He was at his home surrounded by his family.

Kirt was born Jan. 25, 1964, in Idaho Falls to Kendall Ward Park and JoAnn Harding Park.

He was raised in Ririe, graduated from Ririe High School and then continued his education at Ricks College and Western Governors University.

He married Laurie Smith and together they had four children. They later divorced.

On March 18, 2000, he married Brittni Marie Edwards in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and together they had two children.

Kirt worked at Robertson Supply and he, along with his wife, owned and operated K & B Threads. He sang, entertained and announced rodeos at Meadow Vue Ranch in Island Park for over 20 years.

Kirt was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; he served a full-time mission to Albuquerque, N.M., and served in many other capacities including Elders Quorum president, ward clerk and most recently served as Elders Quorum instructor and ward choir director.

Kirt enjoyed singing and playing guitar, camping, hunting, fishing, riding horses and snow machines. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He touched many hearts with his beautiful voice at numerous sacrament meetings, weddings and funerals.

Kirt was a loving father and was adored by his children and grandchildren. He was passionate about his music and had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Brittni Park of Ririe; children, Kyle (K.C.) Park of Hermiston, Ore., Josh (Jill) Park of Rigby, Jessica (Justin) Slocum of Cheyenne, Wyo., Wyatt Park of Burley, Keagan Park of Ririe and Halle Park of Ririe; parents, Kendall and JoAnn Park of Ririe; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Shellie Edwards of Idaho Falls; sister, Hollie Spaulding of Ammon; brothers, Devin (Julia) Park of Ririe, Tony (Beverly) Park of Ririe and Kory Park of Eugene, Ore.; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother-in-law, Ray Spaulding.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name at www.gofundme.com.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the Ririe Stake Center, 14061 N. 130 East in Ririe. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, both at the church. Burial will be in Ririe-Shelton Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneral home.com.