Richard Ernest George Evans
Write a TributeRichard E Evans: 1946-Sept.7 2025
Richard, also known by many friends and family as Dick, passed away peacefully on Sept.7th, 2025 at the age of 79, after complications arising from Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife Loretta, his step son David, his sisters Judy and Susan, his nephews Jason and Shelby, and nieces Karen and Tricia. His younger brother Roger predeceased him a few years ago, as did his parents, Ernie and Elinor.
Richard was born and raised in Lachute Quebec, a place he held firmly in his heart as he cherished his years of deep friendships, sports and family. Annual summer trips to Algonquin Park with his family were key to his love of camping, canoeing and fishing.
Sports permeated his early life, as the local hockey rink was a few short blocks from home. Hockey became his favoured sport eventually leading him to play on a farm team for the Detroit Redwings. He also played baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf, and badminton as he studied at McGill University earning a Bachelor of Physical Education.
He later attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay earning a Bachelor of Education while he assisted with coaching the men’s hockey team.
After moving to Vancouver in 1974, Richard joined the staff at Charles Dickens Elementary school where he continued his love of teaching and coaching, enriching the lives of his young students. He earned a Masters degree in Education Administration at UBC and became a School Principal at Lord Tennyson, Chief Maquinna, and Lord Selkirk schools, always coaching the senior teams, winning multiple City Championships.
Richard and Loretta were married in 1987 in Tofino, which became their favourite and frequent travel destination over the years. His love for the outdoors led them to walking the West Coast Trail and to canoeing The Bowren Lakes. They enjoyed many trips to Europe, Hawaii, The Oregon Coast, and Okanagan wine country. They were members of The Jericho Tennis Club where Richard excelled in Squash and enjoyed the many friendships formed over the years.
Many years of golfing at The Point Grey Golf Club also enriched their lives.
Richard will be fondly remembered for his enduring kindness, his warmth, his love of sport, his generosity and devotion to family and friends. A Celebration of Life was held at Point Grey Golf Club on Oct.29th.
Donations may be made in his honour to the Alzheimer Society of BC or The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
February 23rd, 2026
Mr Evans was my grade 6 teacher and his first class in Charles Dickens elementary school in Vancouver 1974/75 He was also the PE teacher for the entire school.
Whenever we reminisce about our school memories Mr Evans name always comes up. He was the track pants wearing teacher with the whistle around his neck and drove the coolest car being a 12 year old student at the time. An orange Camaro.
He made three of us responsible for the gym equipment. We would take out the hockey nets, gymnastics horse, etc for the younger grades PE classes. And set up the universal wall gym apparatus thing. An experience that gave us responsibility and confidence at a young age.
I read his obituary and now I know why he encouraged many of us kids to play hockey. We played several schools after 3pm and also had a lunch time tournament. I still remember our team won I got raised on someone’s shoulders and Mr Evans picked up another kid as we cheered. He let me bring a hockey stick home once, the worn out one. And continued hockey well into my 30s and with the same kids in his class.
I tracked Mr Evans down in the 90s thru another principal as he was the principal at Chief MacQuinna. My mothers home was up the block from the school so I had to walk down, and yes he was wearing track pants! He remembered me and we fondly spoke about the other kids in his first class at Charles Dickens.
Another ten years later we reconnected again on Facebook again thru the Charles Dickens school group. Mr Evans was absolutely one of the favoured teachers at the school with many. And with lots of great memories cherished.
My condolences to his family.
RIP Mr Evans.
Jason
Grade 6 student
Charles Dickens 1974/75
Vancouver
November 21st, 2025
Richard and Loretta have been dear friends since 1974. Richard and I shared a love of basketball and refereed for many years in the Lower Mainland, covering games from the elementary school level to UBC and SFU varsity teams. As a keen student of the game, he was tremendously observant on the floor and was regarded with utmost respect. Whenever he walked into a gym, both coaches knew they would get a well-officiated game.
Our paths also crossed while working for the Vancouver School Board. Richard coached all his school teams, as both a teacher and an administrator, and was extremely successful in developing young athletes to their full potential. He also cared about them becoming good citizens.
Richard was a tireless advocate for his students and staff. He was a mentor to so many colleagues. In addition to his athletic and personal attributes, he was humble, passionate and generous with his time. Our sincere condolences to Loretta and family.
November 8th, 2025
We both knew Richard through our work at the Vancouver School Board. He was admired, respected and well-liked by all who knew him. He was an excellent administrator and athlete. His passing is a great loss — our deepest sympathies to Loretta and his family.
November 7th, 2025
Dick and I met at Lakehead University studying in the newly established BPHE program. Afterwards we were both involved in refereeing basketball and playing badminton. Although we only knew each other for less than five years, we became lifelong friends. We lived miles apart but Dick was always close to my heart as a friend. Dick was truly a gentleman in all respects. He touched many people in a very positive way. Rest in peace my friend.
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