William G. Evans

1940 - 2023

William G. Evans

August 13, 1940 - November 5, 2023

Tacoma, Washington - Bill passed away peacefully at his home November 5th, 2023. Born 1940 in Hastings, Minnesota, Bill grew up in West Seattle and was educated by the Tacoma Dominican Sisters, graduated Seattle Preparatory and later Catholic University of America. After living in Peru, where he married his wife Ann in 1973, he returned to the Pacific Northwest and lived the last fifty years in Tacoma.

Bill is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Deirdre, sons Matthew (Cedric) and Paul (Andrea), grandchildren Anya (Kent), Fiona, Keira, Declan, Brinna and great-grandchildren Adeline and Liam. Bill is also survived by his sisters Sharon, Sara and Gwen and many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Bill was a visionary, involved in many political, social, and civic events. He served eight years on the Tacoma City Council and worked with others to enhance the City of Tacoma and the Proctor District. He participated in saving and developing the Blue Mouse Theatre, Proctor Treats, the Junior Daffodil Parade, the Proctor Farmers Market, and the Proctor Arts Fest. Over the years his concern for social justice led to his involvement in "6th Sense", the Sanctuary Movement, Sister Cities, the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, the World Affairs Council, Citizens for a Heathy Bay, and ALF (American Leadership Forum).

After the horrific events of 9/11 he initiated the creation of the Peace Plaza in Thea's Park to show the world that Tacoma was a welcoming international city hence, the US Flag and the Peace Pole with the words, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written in the languages of our Sister Cities.

He loved family, travel, and appreciated different cultures. Bill and his wife Ann owned The Pacific Northwest Shop in the Proctor District for nearly 40 years. He loved meeting and greeting customers and telling them where each product in the shop was made. They were often made in small towns and rural areas he and Ann liked to visit.

Above all he will be missed by his family for his unconditional love. He was all anyone could hope for in a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We have great memories to sustain us in our moments of loneliness.

A funeral mass will be on November 18, 2023, at 11:00 at St. Leo Catholic Church with a reception to follow.

To honor Bill, you are welcome to make donations to Tacoma Sister Cities www.tacomasistercities.org or The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation www.crpftacoma.org.