EVIE (1918--2007)

We were prepared by Evie, herself, that the end of her life was nearing. She prepared us for everything, including this when she said "Do not grieve." However, I hope she will forgive some moments of tears as we individually recall our acquaintance.

The year was 1967 when we arrived in Juneau. We had packed only one stick of useful furniture for the move. That was David's crib. It did not take long for the members of the Church of Christ to furnish our rental. Stan and Evie had a desk they "loaned" us - for 20 years! When we left in '87, they requested its return

When one spoke of Evie they also spoke of Stan. To this day, Ron will tell you that it was the quiet, steady, daily example of the mailman that attracted him to seek out the church where Stan attended. I remember in the bitter cold of winter, several of us driving to the lake and everyone parking with their headlights barely penetrating the darkness to spotlight those brave enough to try to stand on the ice. Most of those skaters were pretty wobbly. But, then, out of the night came the most amazing sight. Not one person but two moving as one, dancing and twirling in harmony.....gliding, skimming the ice as though it had been miraculously groomed, moving in and out of the light. That couple was Stan and Evie.

Evie was a nurse. Each time we gathered to worship, she would make her rounds, inquiring about our health and that of our family. Apple juice seemed to be the remedy for many intestinal concerns; a small amount of 7-Up for colicky baby, the list is endless. When I voiced concern that my feet would be cold giving birth in the dead of winter, she showed up at my door with some fuzzy socks.

When visiting in their home, the offered beverage often would be a root beer float. Once, an already-troubled pre-teenager asked his parents for their car keys so he could listen to the radio as he waited for them to finish visiting after worship time. However, once he was in the car, he decided to try his hand at driving. He threw the gear shift into "R" and backed right into Stan and Evie's station wagon, shattering the rear window and damaging the door. For years, you would hear this story being repeated with this conclusion, "It was a good thing for that kid that he hit Stan and Evie's car." They not only spoke forgiveness, they lived it.

The last time we visited Evie in her room at the Pioneer Home, she pointed out her window to a little gnome scene she had created. Just weeks before, she had left the confines of the Home and walked around to her special spot. It was a sunny day, and she enjoyed the pleasure of being at eye level with her project. When she realized it was time to go inside for dinner, her knee replacement surgery prevented her from rising. Eventually, she was able to scoot close enough to the building to strike it with a stick, but no one came. As the day slipped into night and the temperatures dipped to freezing, typical of Evie, she did not panic. Rather, she enjoyed the peaceful setting, finding pleasure in the night sky, singing, talking to God and visiting with Stan. It would be well into the next day before her absence was discovered. Even this experience was a beautiful memory to Evie.

Tom Brokaw has correctly labeled Evie's age group as "The Greatest Generation." Yet, I pray that some of their legacy will survive because of their example and influence. We will grieve our loss for a short while, but remember joyfully for a great deal longer the life and love of Evie.