Marvin Evans
December 2, 1925 – January 9, 2016
The Rev. Marvin Evans, student, archivist, Unitarian Universalist minister, social justice political activist, and in the Evans tradition a “waterman,” passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2016 at his home on Bainbridge Island. He was accompanied by loved ones and greatly assisted by the kind people of Hospice of Kitsap.
Marvin was born on Dec. 2, 1925, in Norfolk, Virginia, the third child and only son of Olaus Evans and Pearl Evans.
Marvin grew up in Norfolk. After high school he served in the Army and participated in the liberation of Western Europe.
After the Army, he graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1949 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. In 1950 he accepted a position on the staff of the Archives Division of the Virginia State Library in Richmond.
On Aug. 8, 1953 he married Mary Hood. They had two children, Kent Evans (who sadly died in an accident in 1972) and David Evans (Alexis Johanson) and grandson Michael Johanson of Kitsap County.
In 1958 Marvin and Mary joined the First Unitarian Church of Richmond. Shortly thereafter, he would enter Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago to prepare for the Unitarian Universalist Ministry. He received the degree of Master’s of Divinity in 1963.
Marvin served as minister of the Unitarian Church of Victoria, British Columbia from 1963 to 1967. This was a period of great social upheaval and change in the United States so in 1966 they decided to retire, move to Seattle and devote time, energy and abilities to various interests and issues in the volunteer sector. They joined University Unitarian Church of Seattle and were active, dedicated members for 30 years. Marvin was designated a “Minister Associated” in 1977.
Once settled in the Blue Ridge area of Seattle, Marvin began what became 25 years of sustained activity on various boards, committees, task forces, etc. including as a board member of Washington Citizens for Death with Dignity.
The Evans Family enjoyed summers sailing on the waters of the Salish Sea. Marvin and Mary logged 1300 nights aboard the “Shenandoah” and later the “Brandywine” with frequent visits by family and friends.
In February of 2003 Marvin and Mary moved to Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island, where Mary passed away on Sept. 30, 2004. Marvin then moved to a nearby apartment where he had over a decade to enjoy what he described as “Radiant Twilight.” A major component of this was his active membership in Cedars Church, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
His memorial service will be hosted by the Cedars Congregation at The Island School (8553 NE Day Road) at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.
Remembrance contributions can be made to the Kent H. Evans ’73 Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Lakeside School, 14050 First Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98125.
Marvin took great pleasure in the continuing education of students in Kent’s name.
