Search Results

EVANS -- Leonard G. Evans, 88, affectionately known as "Paw" to his family and many, many friends, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 14, 2009, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Elizabeth; his brother Lewis and wife Bernice, and his sister Ida Oberschulte; his children Charles and wife Sharon, Kurt and wife Patricia, daughter Laurie Balmer and husband Dean; his grandchildren Andrew and wife Mollie, Kate, Lindsay, Jessica, Meredith, Madeline, and Ethan and many nephews and nieces, including Michael and Sandi Jerome of Albuquerque. Paw was born in Buffalo, New York on June 6, 1920 to George and Helen Evans. Like so many of his generation, he struggled through the Great Depression with perseverance and an enduring will to succeed. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at a young age and soon after began his life-long career as a highly-skilled sheet metal worker. In the U.S. Navy during WW II, he served on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard with bravery and dedication, traits he would display continually during his life. A hard-working, loyal union man, he was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association for more than 65 years and a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 49 since 1958, when he and his family moved to Albuquerque from Detroit, Michigan. Paw was a skilled woodworker and cook, famous among family and friends for his apple pies and green chile stew. Patient and accepting of others, He was a generous, stable, caring presence for the many friends and neighbors who counted themselves as part of his family and thought of him as their "Paw". He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Paw's memory will be cherished by those of us who want to live our lives as he lived his. Cremation has taken place.
        Published on: Sun May 24, 2009