Evan’s Legacy

Evan saw the world through a lens of possibility. This foundation was built to honour the friend, the son, and the brother who bettered everyone’s lives by unapologetically living his.

Stories are the way we hold ourselves together and remember who we are collectively and individually. A story inspired this foundation. His story, Evan’s, is helping us to write a new story of our own. One that involves collaboration and heart. In 1996 our family life took a new turn the moment the doctor popped the MRI scans onto the screen and told us our five-year-old had tumours inside his spinal cord. The roller coaster ride of surgeries and medical travel carried on for years—and although specialists said Evan could only live two more years, he lived twenty-two more. And he lived well. Landing in a wheelchair did not stop Evan. He continued to pursue sports, his business degree, travel, and creative passions. And he loved well. Perhaps most importantly, Evan is remembered as a connector of people. Through his creative passions, his love of music, art, community, and collaboration, he built connections across Canada and the United States. He cared deeply about others and that love was evident in his efforts to meet new people and bring others into the creative community that he was so proud to be part of. He is known as a strong, funny, and kind man who inspired and encouraged many others to follow their own passions. His heart for a community that looks out for one another continues to inspire the people he left behind, and is the impetus for this foundation.

— Pam, Evan’s mom