RAY EVANSON

1917 - 2006

Mr. Ray Burnell Evanson, beloved husband of Myra Gwyneth Griffin Evanson of Taber, passed away peacefully at the Taber Health Care Centre on Monday, March 20, 2006 at the age of 88 years with his wife of sixty three years, at his side.
Besides his loving wife Myra, Ray is survived by his children Linda Maureen (Charles) Burke of Coaldale, R. Brent (Dorothy Ann) Evanson of Macon, Georgia, John Charles (Heather) Evanson of Oakville, Ontario, A. Eric (Ruthie) Evanson of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephen James (DeRae) Evanson of Lethbridge and Catherine Louise (Allen) Bird of Willard, Missouri. He is also survived by twenty four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, his sister Ruth Harding of Willard, Utah and by three sisters-in-law Stella, Rae and Mildred.
He was predeceased by his brothers Harold, John, Archie, Richard and by his sisters Edna, Virginia, Deanna and Eva.
Ray was born in Taber on July 13, 1917 to John and Hannah Eorun Evanson. He received his schooling in Taber and completed his police training in Calgary and Regina. He served with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the S.I.S. of the Canadian Army overseas for two years on the continent. Upon his return to civil life, he was employed as Agricultural Superintendent of Canadian Sugar Factories in Taber, as the Assistant Director of the Barons Eureka Health Unit and was a physical education instructor under the Dominion Provincial Youth Training Program.
As a loyal and dedicated citizen of the Town of Taber, he served in many capacities including on the Sugar Beet Board, he was a past president of the Kiwanis Club, he served as Red Cross and Water Swimming Safety President, as a member of the Taber Public School Board for eighteen years (twice as chairman), he served on the Taber Hospital Board, the Taber Rodeo Committee and the Taber Museum Committee. He was Padre of the Taber Legion, vice-chairman of the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, as chairman of the Taber Foundation Board which administered Clearview Lodge, Harmony Home, Pioneer Place and Homestead Manor, he served on the committee which established Parkside Manor, he organized the Taber Thrift Shop, served on Taber Town Council, was a member of the Parkside Seniors and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He also organized the Taber Native Drop-in Centre and instituted the Taber Meal-on-wheels program. Taber truly was his home.
First and foremost however, he was totally dedicated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and during his lifetime he served in the following capacities - as Bishop, First Stake President of the Taber Stake, Mission President for three years of the Southern States Mission, as Regional Representative, he spent twenty seven years as Stake Patriarch and also served  on various boards and other positions.
Ray was a great leader in all areas and his prime interest was his family whom he loved dearly and they in return loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, March 24, 2006 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 10:40 A.M.   
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop David Walters conducting. Interment to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.