Donald Francis Evans

Don was born September 24, 1929, and spent his childhood years in Olmsted Falls, OH, on a small farm. He loved farm life and remembered his mother, father, and four siblings having a good life in the years following the Depression. At an early age, Don developed a strong work ethic, helping his parents with the animals and vegetable garden that sustained the family.

As a teenager, Don moved with his family to the heart of Los Angeles and would often describe the shock of moving to the big city. He missed Ohio greatly. After graduating from Dorsey High in Los Angeles, Don attended UC Berkeley and received his degree in Plant Pathology. He remained a lifelong Cal Bears fan. After college, he served two years in the Air Force and received his training in Flight Navigation in Texas and California. Flying the B-25 was something he recollected with great pride.

In Don's early professional career, he worked in sales for various chemical companies. One of his earliest jobs was in New York City, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He often reminisced about his time there, visiting jazz clubs and the thrill of seeing his musical idol, Louis Armstrong. In 1961, he moved back to Los Angeles and met Nancy Robbins, his wife of 17 years, and would eventually have three children: Matthew, Elizabeth, and Don Jr. Work life took Don and Nancy to Gig Harbor, WA; Boston, MA; Boise (the first time); and Southern California. As a side business, Don and Nancy bought Larsen's Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach and met many wonderful and interesting people there. Don was passionate about business and eventually started his own company, Olympic Chemical. After divorcing, Don moved his three adolescent children back to Boise in 1982, a place he always loved. Ever the entrepreneur, and with his love of farming, Don purchased 200 acres of fruit trees in Emmett, which would become Evans Idaho Orchards. He would eventually sell the chemical company and the orchard and retired in 1998.

In retirement, Don thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis with his friends at the Boise Tennis Coalition, reading, gardening, playing the trumpet, fly-fishing with his family, and could often be found with his beloved cat, Tammy, on his lap. He was a lifelong Catholic and attended St. John's and Sacred Heart.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Pat, Bud, and Jim. He is survived by his children: Matt (Gerrie), Elizabeth (Mark), Don (Melanie), two grandchildren, Jack and Andy, his younger brother Tom (Kathy), his ex-wife Nancy with whom he remained friends, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved. He is also survived by his loyal and loving caregiver, best friend, and tennis partner for the last eight years, Kimber. And Sharon, who also lovingly cared for him and made sure he had his pie every night. Our family would like to also thank Horizon Hospice and Homewatch Caregivers for the additional care and support that was provided in his final years. We are eternally grateful to all of you.

Don's greatest legacy is the deep love and devotion he had for his family, who adored him in kind. He also had a great sense of humor and natural wit that everyone remembers. Committal service will precede interment at Veteran's Cemetery on Tuesday, April 14th at 1pm. Wake and celebration of life to follow at family home. In lieu of flowers, Don's family would love it if you have a nice piece of pie, play a game of tennis, cast a line on the river, admire the birds frolicking, hug your family, and/or play a little Louis Armstrong in his memory.