In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

EVANS, Roger Charles - It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Charles Evans, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, our family's guiding light, on December 18th, 2022, after a brief and unexpected illness.

Roger was treasured by his family. Left with infinite loving memories are his wife Carmen of 53 years; son Sean (Alison) and daughter Paola (Enrique); his five doting grandchildren; brother William (Rose); and several nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by many friends and relatives in Peru, particularly his two sisters-in-law, Quela and Patricia. He is predeceased by his mother, Hazel, and father, Charles. We miss his love, guidance and wisdom beyond words, and it is so hard to walk this world without this extraordinary man in it, however, we continue to look for his guiding light.

"We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one."

His was a great one: Roger was born and grew up in Brandon, Manitoba to the late Hazel and Charles Evans in 1936. He loved the prairies, and the farm he grew up on always remained in his heart. After finishing high school, he went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1956-1961 as a marine electrician. His days in the Navy were always fondly remembered by Roger; he was still in touch with some of his old Navy buddies and he would often tell stories of the enriching and rewarding experiences shared among them. Stationed on the East Coast of Canada, Roger and his fellow crew members travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to Greenland and different parts of Europe. He was known as a friendly man with strong values, principles, and work ethic; traits which were admired and respected in the Navy. He left the Navy with a solid education in marine electronics and went on to work for Canadian Marconi in Vancouver. Shortly after, he was offered a position in Lima, Peru with EkoLite. While working in Peru, he met the love of his life, Carmen Lazarte, and they married in 1970. They started a family, welcoming their two children, Sean and Paola. Soon after, Roger opened his own marine electronics company in Lima. According to one of his closest friends, Roger was "by far the best marine electronics technician on the Peruvian coast. Everyone looked for him". In 1976, Roger returned to Canada with Carmen, Sean and Paola, eventually settling in Nanaimo. He opened his own business and named it Bastion Electronics. Roger became an established and respected marine electrician and will be missed by many in the community. In his cozy shop on Poplar St., fishermen and boat owners would gather and enjoy coffee talk while waiting for antennas and radars to be repaired. After closing Bastion Electronics, Roger continued to work on his own. He would travel up and down the island in his legendary red van and was well-known for his dedicated work. Roger and Carmen often returned to Peru and would usually spend Canadian winters on the beach. They always stayed in close contact with their family and friends there, who loved him very much and miss him greatly.

A man of great generosity, Roger was always, always a true gentleman who walked with poise and integrity. His soul was kind and gentle, a man of quiet nature, who at the same time carried a powerful presence. He had so much to be proud of, yet he was humble and modest and praised for his deep moral values. He did things in his own proper manner, despite the status quo, and had a kind word for everyone. His heart was grand, and he never hesitated to help those in need. He was also quirky and funny and loved a good chat over a cold beer or a glass of wine. His pearls of wisdom will always be remembered.
Roger lived an exemplary and honest life and was admired and loved enormously by his family. He took joy in life's simple pleasures such as his daily walk around his cherished Diver Lake, but his happiest and most treasured moments were those spent with his family. He was a first-class husband, father, grandfather and friend and his top priority was always his family. Growing up, Sean and Paola had a loving and devoted daddy who taught them the value of honesty, kindness, hard work and charity. He never missed a special moment and invested deeply in them. He was there for the five AM swim and hockey practices; at their games and meets; always waiting at the airport when one arrived from a trip abroad; he was always present. And through his wonderful manner, he made them feel safe and supported in whatever path they chose to take in life wishing them happiness more than anything. He shared special moments with each of them: hiking mountains and trails, camping, sharing in the experience of triathlons at the age of 65, and taking them on the best road trips. He talked about the trials and tribulations of life and his wise words and knowing looks were never lost on them. Always, as the gentle and caring man that he was. Paola and Sean couldn't have asked for a better daddy.

Just as he invested in his two children, he found the energy to devote the same love and patience to his five grandchildren that he was blessed with. He was a marvellous grandpa who did it all: in the pool doing swimming lessons; building legos and puzzles, and looking under rocks for snakes; reading to them, even in Spanish; fixing their bikes and go-karts; going for nature walks; jumping off cliffs into the river with them (at the age of 83!); dancing around the living room with his granddaughter in his arms, and so much more. So many memories that will remain in their hearts. He and Carmen travelled across the country and across continents to be there for the birth of each grandchild. He waited anxiously all night, pacing hospital corridors so that he could hear the first cries and hold his newborn grandchild in his arms. He was there for almost every birthday, boarding planes and ferries so that he could wish them a happy birthday and break the piñata or play musical chairs with them, even at the age of 85. He took pride and joy in them and gave them love and guidance that will live in their hearts and memories forever.

Our precious daddy, our "abu", our "baba", our Roger, we are so heartbroken, but we were so very lucky to have you.

We will miss you forever and ever.

"Now he is everywhere, he is in everything".

As per Roger's wishes, no service was held, and cremation has taken place. If you would like to honour his memory, please consider making a donation to your favourite charity.

~The Evans family would like to express how grateful and appreciative they are to everyone for the kindness and sympathy shown during this difficult time. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Ibrahim Dodo for being not only a compassionate and dedicated doctor, but also a caring friend in time of need. (Nanaimo News Bulletin 18 Dec 2022)

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