ROTARY HELPS ITS OWN

Service clubs thrive across the globe. When my late husband Jack and I travelled to India in 2004, we were delighted to see a roadside Rotary sign, proudly announcing that a local school was financed and supported by Rotary. It was a touching reminder that service transcends borders.

Jack Evans understood the importance of giving back from a young age—a value instilled in him by his maternal grandmother.

One of Jack’s favourite sayings was, “Do as you would be did by,” a sentiment that closely aligns with Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.

As a young man in Brantford, Ontario, Jack joined the Lions Club. When he later moved to British Columbia, he lived in Lions Bay and became a member of the Tiddlycove Lions Club. This was around the time I met Jack and witnessed firsthand his dedication and joy in the camaraderie of service.

In 1993, we relocated to Richmond/Steveston. By 2001, Jack and his close friend Bob Butterworth were drawn to the vibrant energy of the Steveston Rotary Club. Jack returned from one of his early meetings and exclaimed, “I love this Rotary club! They have women members, and they get us organized in the best possible way!” He also added—with typical Jack flair—that the food was excellent.

Jack thrived on the projects the club took on. He participated in Wine & Seafood fundraisers at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, the Canada Day Parade (especially enjoying the Rotary Pirate Ship), the pancake breakfasts, and refereeing the Jimmy Ng Road Hockey Tournament—an event honouring the late Richmond RCMP officer. I remember one year in particular: it was about 25°C, and only one other member was available to referee. In his late 60s, Jack ran up and down that hot asphalt for five hours without a single complaint. He came home sunburnt, exhausted—and utterly proud to represent Rotary at the heart of Steveston Village.

Over the years, Jack served as the club’s membership representative and eventually took on the role of president.

Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jack continued to volunteer wherever possible. His generosity never wavered. I sometimes had to jokingly ask him to sit on his hands and let others step up—but that simply wasn’t Jack’s way. As it became clear he was struggling to fully participate, I discreetly informed a few members about his early-onset dementia and asked if they could quietly “shadow” him during projects. The club stepped up with grace and compassion, ensuring Jack remained an active and valued part of the team.

Jack was also a serious athlete, competing at a high level in Senior Men’s Slo-Pitch. He proudly represented Canada at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah, earning two bronze medals, one silver, and a gold. He was passionate about sports—especially baseball, slo-pitch, football, basketball, and golf.

As his condition progressed, I reached out to the club with seven pairs of tickets to Vancouver Canadians games at Nat Bailey Stadium. I asked if members could take turns picking him up, enjoying the game with him, and bringing him safely home.

Rotary helped its own—and for that, I will always be grateful.

Submitted by Kim Evans (April 2025)