EVANS, Arthur Wayne Evans

It’s with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Arthur Wayne Evans, 79 years old, in Newcastle, Ontario on December 6th, 2025. A man who impacted many with his adventurous spirit, giving nature (if it was worth it), words of advice, sarcasm, and humour. Art was born on July 8th, 1946, to Arthur and Dorthy Evans in Toronto, Ontario. The firstborn of two children, he was named after his father. Brian was born a couple of years later, and the boys spent their earliest years in Welland, ON until the family moved to Toronto. Art grew up in Toronto, and when he was old enough to work, his dad helped him get a job with Christie’s Bakery. In the summer, Art was assigned the bread delivery beat for all the summer camps in the Muskoka’s, but it was his stop at Camp Onondaga that he looked forward to the most. He was smitten with a sous chef named Jane Clements. They started dating, and Art knew she was the one. He asked Jane to marry him so many times that he couldn’t remember the exact time she finally said yes. They were married on November 13th, 1971, in a ceremony in Stirling and a celebration in Toronto.

Art started at the University of Windsor for his first year of pharmacy, then transferred to the University of Toronto for his second year. It was there that he met Mark Borutskie, and they became instant friends. It was during their time together that they hashed out their dreams. They were going to go into business together and raise their families in the same town. They just needed to find the right town and a suitable pharmacy. The perfect place became unexpectedly available, and they purchased Alex McGregor Drugs in 1973. Art and Mark became a staple in the Bowmanville community, and you felt like you were going to visit friends when you went to McGregor’s. Art and Jane purchased an old farmhouse just outside of Newcastle, and the kids followed shortly after. Art and Jane loved being parents and devoted themselves to a busy household with their three sons: Brent, Greg, and Derek. The old farmhouse was full of love, warmth, and good food. Art and Mark accomplished those youthful plans, and to this day, their families, full of grandkids, still get together every Christmas Eve to celebrate the holidays.

Art lived a life beyond his years. After graduation, he backpacked across Europe and fell in love with travelling. He couldn’t wait to find the next adventure. At last count, he has travelled to 70 countries and every continent except Antarctica. He was trying to convince Jane to go to Panama next. He loved being a part of the community; he volunteered his time with the Kinsman Club, St. Paul’s United Church, and Durham Soccer. He even took over the youth soccer league when no one volunteered, ensuring his kids had a place to play. He enjoyed camping and served as the leader for the kids’ Beaver, Cub, and Boy Scout groups. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of their numerous family camping trips. Art and Jane would pack up the car and travel all across North America, camping everywhere along the way. The extended family still goes on a camping trip that Art plans every year to celebrate his birthday. Impressive that a 79-year-old still chooses to sleep on the ground for his birthday. Art loved watching movies. We cherish our family memories of attending the drive-in theater, and Art and Jane still celebrate New Year’s Day by going to the cinema (since tickets are cheap and the theaters are quiet). One of Art’s favourite pastimes is looking for movies that he can convince Jane to watch with him. Art and Jane spent much of their time together, and he was always trying to convince her to spend just a little more.

Art was a hard-working, caring man who wasn’t afraid to state his opinion, and he wouldn’t ever hold a grudge. He would do anything to support and provide for his family, and he was loved by many. He will be missed.

Art is survived by his wife Jane Evans, his children Brent (Denise), Greg, and Derek (Emily). Grandpa to Cora, Tim, Somaiya, James, and Lucy. Beloved brother to Brian (Pam). Brother-in-Law to the late Ralph (Carrol). Loving uncle to Valerie (Kosta) Glen, Rick (Tracy), Rob (Babs), Brian (Carmen), Brad (Janice). Great Uncle to Eva, Sarah, Sydney (Chris), Porter (Cass), Gracie, Tanner. Great-Great Uncle to Maeve.

Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Dorthy and his father in-law Thomas and mother In-Law Ida.

Family and friends are invited to visitations on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Monday December 15th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home 53 Division St, Bowmanville.

Funeral Service on December 15th at 11:00 am at Northcutt Elliot Funeral Home 53 Division St, Bowmanville. Burial at Bowmanville Cemetery 1330 Haines St, Bowmanville with a reception to follow at St. Paul’s United Church 178 Church St, Bowmanville.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Feed the need in Durham or the Against Malaria Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

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