Evan STITT

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STITT: Evan Nelson Stitt, 1926-2010. Sadly but peacefully, Evan Nelson Stitt, dearly beloved husband of Alice passed away December 8, 2010. Evan was born August 2, 1926 in Rossburn, Manitoba, the seventh child and fourth son of James Wilson Stitt and Annie Eileen (Cope). Siblings Florence, Dorothy, Lois, James, Clifford and Shirley predeceased him, brother Gerald of Penticton survives. Evan received his early schooling in Rossburn. After Grade 12 he entered the Army serving from August 1944 to June 1945. From an early age, his desire was to become a pharmacist and when he received his admission to the Faculty of Pharmacy he abandoned his B.Sc. studies in third year. Throughout his Pharmacy years, he had a variety of jobs in order to support himself and achieve his dream. He graduated from Pharmacy in 1953. His first position was at Goodhand’s Drug Store in Dauphin, Manitoba. In Dauphin, he met his future wife Alice Balchen. They married February 19, 1956 and enjoyed almost 56 years of happiness. Although he was happy as an employee, his dream to be independent was paramount and when the opportunity arose he bought his own store. Evan was a popular, successful businessman and his never failing good humour and kindness drew people to him. He was generous to all and had time for a quick chat with everyone. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, the Dauphin Golf and Country Club and Curling Association for many years and after purchasing the cottage at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park he was a member of the Clear Lake Golf Club too. He was a very active member of the community and devoted many hours to various projects. He was always a willing volunteer. He was an avid sportsman planning hunting and fishing expeditions to northern Manitoba. He loved the outdoors and instilled a love of nature via cross-country skiing, ice skating, hiking, biking in his much loved children. He was an inspiration and mentor to his family, someone, who, from humble beginnings achieved and lived a dream. In 1985 Evan retired, sold his business and travelled throughout Manitoba as a relief druggist giving fellow pharmacists much needed holidays. In 1990 Alice and Evan decided to broaden their horizons and looked west to Victoria as an ideal location. They quickly settled into Victoria, both joining Newcomers and through the Club he participated in golf, bridge and pub lunches. He was an active member of the Victoria Curling Club and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow curlers. He played his last game on October 15, 2010. Alice and Evan travelled widely during their years together but no trips were more anticipated than the family trips to Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Big Sky, Montana. For countless years August second was reserved for celebrating Evan’s birthday, an occasion no one wanted to miss. He was the life of the party and nicknamed “effervescent Ev” because of his great zest for life. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife Alice, their children Ingrid, Robert (Suzanne), Gerald (Maureen), Kathryn (Michael) and Alan (Shannon), their grandchildren Gregory, Wayne, Jason, David, Laurel, Evan, Erin, Kiersten Caroline, Fiona, Claira and Brooklyn and their great grandson Dominic. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. December 28, 2010 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Saanich, B.C. Flowers gratefully declined, donations to the Victoria Symphony or charity of your choice. Please visit the Notice for Evan Nelson Stitt. http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000147101843X “Sic transit gloria mundi.”“Thus passes away the glory of the world.”

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 18, 2010