Lyn and Sharon Belnap: Bruce Evans's sister: Logan, Utah

I have been thinking a considerable bit about what experiences I have had with Bruce and Tamara over the years.  When they went to Kansas City many years ago our experiences were reduced drastically.  But having lived in Independence for a year I can definitely understand why they chose to stay in the mid west after Bruce became a dentist.  This is a beautiful place and I like being here.  Of course, I like Logan too.  I think I will go back in time to when they were beginning to know each other.  I remember an incident at BYU when Bruce came to my apartment requesting my help with Tamara.  He was pretty upset over something I don't remember what.  He wanted me to go talk to Tamara and plead his cause.  I can't remember what that cause was but he seemed rather desparate at the time.  I did go and talk to her and I can't remember what I said to her or her reaction, only that they got back together again.

I don't know if Bruce and Tamara remember their wedding day beyond their actual doings, but I was there to see their wedding.  I had asked my BYU bishop if I could take out my endowments the day of their wedding because I wanted to go to their wedding.  Besides I was going to get married in August and couldn't see any reason I couldn't go to the temple in April.  I didn't plan on making a big deal out of going but when Grandma Evans found out I was going to the temple she tried to tell me it was wrong of me to go before I was married and gave me a rather heated argument about temple policy, etc.  I told her I was going and she eventually settled down and left me alone.  I went to the temple on April 27 and everything went well. I was glad I went.

Sometime after they were married and before Lynn and I got married we had the infamous confrontation with my mother.   I don't think any of us will ever forget that experience.  I know I won't.  I think we were all a bit surprised at the stubborness of my mother and her determination to have her way.  I won't go into that experience other than it took place in Bruce and Tamara's apartment at BYU. 

Of course I had many experiences with Bruce, my brother, over the years and I won't go into those because they don't include Tamara.  I remember Tamara was in my wedding line when Lynn and I got married August 29, 1962.  My memory is not as good as I would like.

I know that you, Bruce and Tamara, have served in the church diligently for these 50 years and periodically children have been born into your family.  All your children are very beautiful and I know you are extremely proud of them and their accomplishments.  As I am sure you both know, we don't have 50 more years to live, but a few more and I know you and Tamara will make the best of those years left and so will Lynn and I.   May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.    Love,  Sharon (your favorite sister)

Let me know if this is not okay, Stephanie

Carole Cowley: Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Tamara and Bruce,

Congratulations on fifty years together!  What a wonderful team you are.  I'm so happy Stephanie found us so we can

celebrate with you and add our note of love and appreciation for both of you.  I will always be grateful for Team Evans.

Do you remember when we worked so closely together in the Kansas City Stake Relief Society presidency?  How many times did you design and decorate the Stake Center for Christmas socials, women's conferences, leadership meetings, General Relief Society broadcast gatherings, dinners for missionary conferences, etc., etc. etc.? Tamara, the refined, lovely, truly creative, talented artist with beautiful taste; and Bruce, always a strong and willing helper, with enormous patience, good nature and constant support.

I can still see all of us hauling dozens of pine trees into the building, trimming them with hundreds of sparkling white lights; then the two of you struggling to hang the extraordinarily beautiful, huge, Christmas wreath (which you created) on the front wall of the chapel.  With heroic effort, you got it up.  Together with festive garlands and banks of poinsettia plants the chapel had never looked more stunning.  Remember the "thanks."  ("Get it all down by morning!"). Ha!

Before Costco and their Chinese suppliers ever thought of it, you and Bruce created life-like white, wire (or grape vine?) reindeers, strategically placed amongst the pines, softly lit, resulting in a dramatic and lovely stage scene.

That's only one part of one event and there were so many other events during that busy but happy time.  (Remember the "Dickens of a Christmas" December  social?)  Whew!  The two of you were untiring in making everything  perfect.

I so appreciate your friendship, love and support; your great ideas, wise counsel, kindness, constancy, caring and hard work.  It was such fun working with you and I so enjoyed sharing with you the challenges of our growing families.

A few years ago, a Christmas card addressed to you returned to me and someone told me you had moved to Franklin or Preston, or somewhere, to be nearer to your aging parents.  I am glad to find you and learn from Stephanie that you are safe and sound in our beloved Kansas City.

Sam joins me in sending our love and good wishes for a happy 50th wedding anniversary celebration of your well-lived life together.  

Your friend and true admirer,

  

Carole Cowley

5235 Pioneer Fork Road

Salt Lake City, UT 84108

801-581-1997

Sharon and Jim Lineer: Utah

I have attached a photo of your Dad after Don's baptism.  He and Bob Valentine were Stake Missionaries and taught Don the lessons (again).  He was baptized 18 Aug 1979 in Overland Park.  This was afterwards at your folks house.  They had us all over for a party. We love and appreciate their friendship.   Maybe you can use this in your 50th anniversary celebration information.

Don & I just had our 50th this past month.  Kaleen & family came down from Utah to help us celebrate.  It was so much fun.

Thanks,

Sharon

Joy and Jim Ruge: Dallas, Texas

HAPPY 50^TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!    Bruce and Tamara Evans.

What a great milestone! You are true examples of a couple that have followed the example of our Savior.  You, Bruce, set the example even before you were married, when, along with Jerry Lynn, you were “Ward Teachers” who actually  visited with Jim in his years at BYU. 

When we think of you we think of service and love; always abounding in good works.  You are always first to drive a load of young people to activities.  To put together a youth conference, a play, a program, or whatever is needed.  You are always willing to share of your time, talents and skills.  Never too busy to be of service, no matter what the need.

We are so very grateful to have brushed shoulders with you.   You have touched our hearts and lifted us over the years.  Not to mention how great it is to have someone that understands how great Boise is….(Go Bronco’s)

We love you!

Jim and Joy Ruge

Wayne and Loralee Miller: Overland Park, KS

Happy 50^th Wedding Anniversary                   to Bruce and Tamara!!!

Congratulations on 50 years of marriage --- so far!  What a great couple you are.  We have many fond memories of you since 1972, when we moved to Overland Park.  We didn’t meet you when we first arrived, because we moved in the day that you delivered Tanya, in June 1972!  But we met you soon afterwards, and learned what gracious and talented people you are.  In 1977, we were delighted to move to 97^th Terrace and become your closest LDS neighbors!  And from 1982-1987 Bruce served as a very faithful and devoted counselor in the Bishopric with Wayne.  What great friends you are! 

Some of our favorite memories over the years:

·        Taking turns carpooling a carload of 18 children to Primary on Tuesday afternoons:  full of the Evans’, Christensen’s, Midgeley’s, and Miller’s (no car seats!).  Boy, was it noisy!!!  And fun!

·        Anguishing as we heard about the fall Tamara took off the stage when she was painting scenery for the BIG Stake RS Christmas production. 

·        Appreciating the beautiful flowers Tamara arranged for Suzanne’s wedding reception. . . and Emily’s and Adrienne’s, too!  She and Bruce worked very hard to decorate an arch with touille and flowers, and it was gorgeous!

·        Smiling as Tamara told how the car Bruce bought was a “deal”, but that her artistic sense was shaken because the gold exterior paint didn’t match the olive green interior!

·        Honoring your devotion to your family:  children, grandchildren, and your aged parents whom you lovingly cared for in your home.

·        Remembering the little candy business Bruce had going for awhile, which was stocked in his garage.  Unfortunately, Emily and Adrienne and Kim ate up any profits.  SORRY!

·        Feeling honored to have our children play at Christine’s backyard reception.  It was a beautiful affair, as is everything Tamara touches!

·        Enjoying the chance to celebrate the Fall birthdays we shared, by going out to lunch with Carol, Tamara, and Loralee each year.

·        Sharing school memories as our children went through Katherine Carpenter, then (several) middle schools, and finally Shawnee Mission South High School together.

·        Sharing church memories as we have been in Overland Park First Ward together for 38 years.

·        Treasuring the original art work Tamara has done for us – through paintings and cards.

·        Respecting the faithful home teacher Bruce was to us for several years.

·        Learning from you as you accepted any assignments or callings, and faithfully carried them out.

We love you and hope to continue learning from you forever!!!!  Happy Anniversary!!!!

Jason and Radawn Bagley: Boise, Idaho

I have known Bruce and Tamara ever since we joined the ward 8 years ago. They were one of the first to introduce themselves to us and inform us that there are two kinds of Utah Mormons in Kansas - those who stay and those who can't wait to get back home! After 8 years, we're pleased to fall into the first category.

The Evans have always impressed me for their willingness to help others. I've watched them completely immerse themselves in volunteering at the storehouse. Even after their calling ended, Bruce continues to offer his time to volunteer. They also are willing to help others in need. I'm grateful to see their examples of perseverance and hope to emulate their example someday.

Gayle and Keith Huntsman: Fort Collins, CO

We have been blessed to be part of the Evans family through our wonderful daughter-in-law, Tanya.  We got to know the Evans when we lived in Kansas City.  Our second son met their daughter and our third child became friends with Kim.. We have enjoyed the Evans when they come to Colorado and the great job they have done in raising an outstanding family.
 We wish them well as they start the next 50 years.

Sincere regards,

 Keith and Gayle Huntsman

Daryl and Patty Ward: Overland Park, KS

Dear Bruce and Tamara,

What a wonderful celebration it is!  It's a joy to know both of you and your children.  I have enjoyed visiting with both of you during holiday dinners at Stephanie's house.  Just last week I made some copies of Tamara's paper doll drawings for some little girls playing at our house.  I knew they would just love her beautiful artwork.  My older girls are very found of Sister Evans as she was their Acheivement Day leader for many years.  They have treasured the beautiful things made with/by Sister Evans.  Thank you for sharing yourself, time, and talents with my children. 

Our family is blessed to know both of you and we are thrilled for you to celebrate 50 years together.

Our best,

Patty and Daryl Ward

Vern and Georgia Anderson: Overland Park, KS

Dear Bruce and Tamara!

Vern and I met you and your beautiful family in 1976....You probably didn’t know this but I watched the way you took care of your girls and I tried to pattern that with my own daughters....In 1979 Tamara watched Audra for me while I attended Cosmetology school....Kim and Audra are the same age and went to church together....Sometime in the 1980’s I had this idea that I wanted to give my sisters and mother a cook book so I hired Tamara (for very, very cheap) to paint a character of each one of them on the hard cover of a book that had blank pages....I truly loved what she did to them and so did my family....To this day that is my one and only cook book that I use on a regular basis...Again in the 1980’s I needed Tamara’s help with a project....I had been asked many times to help Young Women classes study the art of taking care of themselves and how they looked....I wanted to be able to demonstrate to them the different face shapes and what hair styles would look most appropriate on them so, Tamara sketched these very large, beautiful face shapes on individual ...I was so very excited to have them in my possession!...Another memory I have is  of Bruce, besides his friendliness and his devotion to callings is a time while Vern and I were on a trip to Santa Maria Island in Florida I had a severe tooth ache.  I called Bruce and he called me in prescription.  As soon as the medicine got into my system I felt better. Bruce did things like that for us many times in the last 35 years..In our later years (like right now) as we struggle with our children “living life” they were both so very compassionate and kind to us.

We love you both so very much and thank you for the wonderful example you both have been of true Disciples of Christ.

Love,

Vern and Georgia Anderson

Joe and Heidi Fackrell: Overland Park, KS

This isn't going to be any good, but here goes. 

I remember meeting Bruce and Tamara at a very young age.  I think I was seven.   That is when Bruce became our family dentist.  Later when I was about 11 Tamara was my Merrie Miss teacher in Primary.  I learned all sorts of things some of which I still do today.  They have both been a postive influence in my life.

Heidi Fackrell

Kreig and Sherry Smith: Overland Park, KS

Dear Bruce and Tamara, Congratulations and Happy 50th Anniversary!!! Yipee!  What a great milestone of togetherness! A couple doesn't reach 50 years of Happy Married Life with out being remarkable! Some of the wonderful traits that we have appreciated you sharing with our family~ Tamara was an activity day leader to Karlin--she shared her creativity and her artistic ability and her love with Karlin and with us.  I had the opportunity to serve as a visiting teacher to Tamara.  I was grateful for her openness and honesty.  Her willingness to share her insights and her life.  I have always appreciated Tamara for her loving personality and her patience in moving ahead--even in adversity.  Tamara has steadily done what  which was within her power to do--and done it wonderfully well.  We  have enjoyed seeing her artistic and interior design skills that she has shared with the ward and also enjoyed them in her home.  I remember for one year in Relief Society,  Sister Evans did the theme poster boards--they were also so beautiful! We also enjoyed seeing the beautiful way she decorated the Chapel for the holidays.  Bruce is gregarious and outgoing.  He is a ready friend to all.  We have also appreciated both of their willingness to serve on their church missions at the Bishop's store house and to serve above and beyond the call of duty.  Their  example of family love and support and  their willingness to do hard things speaks volumes without them even ever saying a word. This is evidence of their own discipleship to the Savior. Happy 50th  Anniversary!!!  With love, Kreig and Sherry Smith

Brandon Evans Bishop: Grandson--Brad and Stephanie Bishop

Here's my tribute to Grandma and Grandpa: I love my grandparents!!! They have helped me grow and shaped who I am today in so many ways. Home teaching with Grandpa helped me learn how to truly love and serve others through home teaching, I was always so impressed with how caring he was with the families we visited, and I have learned a lot from his people skills that helps me out a lot as a missionary! Grandma is amazing, I've never heard her say an unkind word about anyone and I have learned so much from her Christ-like charity for others. I am so grateful to have them as my grandparents and for all the wonderful things they have done for me and my family. Thank you so much, happy anniversary!!!

Bob and Carol Valentine: Overland Psrk, KS

First, Congratulations to you, Bruce and Tamara!  What a wonderful milestone in your lives.

Bob remembers when he first met you, Bruce was in Dental School.  I remember meeting Tamara arouind the time when Bob and I were married and we were here in the Overland Park 1st Ward.  One of the first things that impressed me about Tamara was her wonderful artistic talents.  Whether flower arranging, painting, Calligraphy, decorations of any and all kinds they were all so elegant.  But more than that was her sweet and gentle spirit.  

We remember the overnights that our girls had, rotating from the Christensen's, Ruge's, our home, and the Evan's home.  Car pooling for the early morning seminaries.  Teaching some of your children and grandchildren in Primary.  And the last few years serving as your Home Teachers.  Through all these many experiences with you and your family, we have come to feel lilke a part of your family. 

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.

Happy 50th Anniversary and wishing you many more.

Bob and Carol Ann Valentine

Paul and Billie Platt: Overland Park, KS

God blessed you together

these Fifty years,

memories of much love,

full of laughter and tears,

children and grandchildren,

family and friends.

A love for each other,

a love without end.

Through commitment and love

God answered your prayers.

You help those in need

and always care.

May your blessings be bountiful

and friendships grow.

You are loved by many

more than you know.

                                       --Anonymous

We are so grateful that we are among those you help and care for…through faithful home teaching, opening your home to our young women, transportation for Paul and companionship for the oh-so-important sports events.  Happy Anniversary.  Happy Forever Together!

                                                                        Love—Paul and Billie

Larry and Sharon A. Olsen: Brother--Cedar City, Utah

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND LOVING EXPERIENCES WITH

TAMARA AND BRUCE

It was on October 4, 1941, that our sister Tamara was born in the Logan Budge Hospital.  Our family was elated to have our parents bring a sister into our home since eight years had passed since Larry was born and twelve years passed since Clair was born.  Tamara was a beautiful baby, and everyone doted over her.  She was not home very long before she caught pneumonia and was taken back to the Logan Hospital where she was between life and death situations.  The President of the Logan Temple was requested to come to the hospital to give her a blessing.  After the priesthood blessing, she seemed to make slow recovery.  Many of the family members would sit with her during her long recovery period.  But she improved and got better and was able to return home.

As a middle child, Larry became the prominent baby sitter for his sister Tamara, and later for Michael when he was born four years later.  I enjoyed and loved my sister and Michael, but I was at an age where I wanted to spend more time with my friends.  Baby sitting always seemed to take precedence over doing fun things with my friends.

Tamara grew into a beautiful, talented girl.  I guess she was one of us that got genes from her handsome father.  Tamara grew up with some fine young girls, to name a few: Kerma Neuenswander, Ellen Dahle, Grace Ann Beal, Julie Robinson, and she could add hundreds more.  We were raised in a good home where love and respect abided.  The Gospel was lived by our parents and taught to us as children.  Our father was a hard working, talented blacksmith, and our mother loved drama, literature, tributes, and Relief Society.

Tamara loved to paint, and at a very early age she was painting beautiful oils and watercolors.  She also did very well in learning to play the piano and singing.  She was a good student and graduated from West Side High School in Dayton, Idaho, and was involved with school activities and had several boy friends

After graduating from High School she attended BYU and lived with Larry and Sharon who were recently married and expecting their first baby.  Marty was born on November 2, 1958.  Since all three of us were working on our degrees, we had to juggle baby tending schedules so we could attend our classes.  Tamara was very helpful with us in tending Marty.  It was Tamara who came up with the song

“Here Comes Peter Cottontail” that seemed to calm him down during colic times.  We enjoyed Tamara living with us as we tried to do fun things on a low budget.

When Sharon and I graduated with Business Education degrees and went to Cedar City to teach.  Tamara met Bruce Evans at BYU.  They had a beautiful courtship and were eventually married in the Logan Temple and had their reception at the Weston Ward building.  She had a beautiful reception with trousseau items and flowers over the whole cultural hall.   Bruce still had his dental school to finish, and they decided to go to Kansas City to do his residency.  Little did we know then that is where they would make their home and raise their family.  We have made about 10 trips back to see them since they took up residency in Overland Park.  They purchased a large, new beautiful home.  Tamara loved to decorate the home and was able to use many of her paintings and floral arrangements to adorn her home. We always loved our trips to Kansas City and their home in Overland Park.  Bruce always liked to take me on scary rides—like riding down gunny sacks on a high slide that took my breath away.  Then there were the scary narrow roller coasters at “Worlds of Fun” that nearly scared the dickens out of me.  I think he just wanted to see the frightened look on my face.

Many of our trips back to visit them included our parents or our friends who were always welcomed in their home and given a tour of the Church historical sites of the area.  We made several trips with Tamara and Bruce to Nauvoo and to Branson.  Other trips that we took together were to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park.  I remember Bruce liked to have lots of crisp cold air to sleep at nights.  I remember freezing to death as the four of us slept in a cabin with all the windows open with 50 degree weather.

A few years ago we took a trip to visit Christine and Paul in California.  We always thought they were fun travelling companions and loved when Bruce wanted to be the sole driver. We had fun on the beeches and seeing the San Diego Temple, visiting the Mormon Battalion headquarters, and our fun visits with Christine, Paul, and Kathryn.

We congratulate you on 50 years of a beautiful marriage and raising such a fine family.  May you be blessed with many more exciting years ahead of you.

Your devoted brother and friends

Larry and Sharon

Greg and Gloria Lambert: St. Louis, Missouri

OH MY GOSH, how cute are these two!!!!  We are  so happy for you to celebrate 50 years!!!

What a wonderful milestone, it says much about your commitment to one another, to family, to the gospel, to vows and it is an example to everyone around you!  All things are possible when you see friends accomplish something so wonderful.

We  loved living in the Overland Park Ward with you, you both have the best smiles!!!  It is easy to see you are happy and that makes others want to be around you!  I loved meeting with Tamara to finish our visiting teaching together, short and sweet!

Your family is amazing, We look up to all of you as examples, thank you for your kindness, and you are still welcome to come stay at the Lambert home anytime you want!!!  We love you both,

Greg and Gloria Lambert

Robert Naylor: Friend from OP KS American Fork, Utah

I got a text from my mom saying that your dad is in the hospital. I
hope everything does well with his surgery and that he can have a
speedy recovery. We will defeinately have him in our prayers. She also
asked me to send some memories that I have of your parents.

First of all, I think that they are great people and very friendly to
talk to. They always come up to me and call me by name (half the time
Andrew but don't worry we get that a lot lol) and ask how I'm doing.
They ask about school, work, family, etc. and it always is nice to
know someone cares about you and your family when you come back to
visit.

I remember watching a lot of BYU football games with your dad. I
thought it was funny where if its a close game he couldn't stand it
and walk upstairs, then come back down, then walk back upstairs, then
come back down and so on. He always knew what he was talking about and
enjoyed watching with friends and family (even with people who aren't
Boise St. fans).

Your mom is a great artist and made wonderful personalized cards with
beautiful illustrations on the cover for my graduation, wedding, etc.
It was nice to recieve those cards because I'm sure they probably took
a while to make each one and personalize them.

Hope all goes well with everything.

Rob Naylor

Robert Olsen: Nephew: Montana

 Wow 50 years! Congratulations! If there was one person who most emulates Grandma Hilda Olsen (Gam) it would be Tamara. She is so caring, thoughtful, considerate and kind. And Bruce is so gentle and giving of self.  My fondest memory of Tamara and Bruce happened while I was serving on my mission in upstate New York. I was serving in the Utica New York area. One of the great opportunities of serving in the New York Rochester Mission was being a part of the Hill Cumorah Pageant as well as being able to visit and be in the Sacred Grove. Also touring the Joseph Smith home and the home of Peter Whitmer was a trill. Upon our arrival back from serving at and being a part of the Hill Cumorah pageant to our apartment in Utica I received a phone call from Uncle Bruce. They were in New York and had taken their family to see the pageant and to visit the various sites. I am not sure if Utica was on their way home or not but they went out of their way to come visit me. I was quite surprise to hear his voice and even more excited that they were there in Utica and wanted to take me and my companion out for a hamburger. So we made arrangement to meet up at a McDonald's close to our apartment. It was such a joy to see them and it gave me such a warming feeling of closeness to my family that was so far far away. I truly appreciated that short little visit that made such a difference in my life. It showed to me and taught me a great lesson that the love of family, no matter where we are in this big wide world, will always be there, as we are all one big family, forever! Thank you for taking the time to show me your love for family members. It truly reflects and shows who you both really are, caring, thoughtful, considerate, kind, loving, and gentle and always giving of self. I express my love and admiration to the both of you!

Robert Frank Olsen 

Please give them each a big hug and express my love to each of them.

Have a wonderful time. I'll watch for Facebook pictures and comments.

Love,

Robert

--
Bob Olsen
PO Box 972
Hamilton, MT 59840
406 544 9655
bobolsen.mt@gmail.com

Susan Merryweather Olsen: Niece: Brighman City, Utah

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 50th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!
     Wow where do the years go?????  I have memories of Uncle Bruce and Aunt Tamara one year when they traveled to Idaho for Christmas.  They were loaded up in a van with all their kids. It was very snowy and wintery, but they didn't seem to mind. Actually I was kind of jealous as 11 of us were packed in a station weapon, no seatbealts,fighting with each other. The van looked very luxurious and roomy inside!!!  One thing I can say about both of them is that they always have beautiful smiles and make you feel very welcome.  I am so grateful to them for taking such great care of my grandparents. Being caregivers is a full time job and I know grandma and grandpa were grateful for all you did for them.  Tamara has a wonderful gift of painting and I love each year to get their Christmas card as it is hand painted with love.  I have kept every one of them and treasure them, my husband is in awe of her ability and thinks she should overtake Mary Engelbreit, I totally agree. Here is to many more years of happiness, enjoying your children, grandchildren, ?greatgranchildren!!!!  We love you and wish
you the happiest on the 27th.  Love Rick & Susan (Olsen) Merryweather

Boyd and Joanne Evans: Overland Park, Kansas

Bruce and Tamara we want to wish you a Happy 50th Anniversary and many more to come.

We have have known you for so many years, since you were in dental school and your young family

moved into the ward. We enjoyed seeing you at church and loved seeing your little girls dresses

that you had made.

I enjoyed serving with you on the Stake Relief Society board, and watching you create all the 

lovely productions that you were in charge of. Thanks for sharing your talent with all. I remember

lessons you taught in R.S. and all the beautiful art work and flower arrangement you made.

What a great time we had going to Colorado skiing. Our families had so much fun together.

Bruce I remember your challenge to race me on the slalom course. We never did do the race,

but if we had I would have beat you!

Bruce you have been a great example of helping others in need. You are an inspiration to us

and others.Your dedication to others is very Christ like.

We love meeting once a month with the old fogies dinner group and sharing stories. We look 

forward each Christmas to receiving your hand made personal card which is always so beautiful.

We love and treasure our friendship with you over these many years.

             From the other Evans'   Boyd and JoAnn

            

Karen Ferguson Fackrell writes a letter to Dad

Hello Bro. Evans,

  I have wanted to write this letter for over two years now, seriously!  You have been in my thoughts and prayers so often and it is time I put my thoughts on paper and let you know how important you are to me and my family.

  I don't want to sound overly dramatic in this letter but you truly have been an influential part of my life,  and so many times the thought has crossed my mind that I couldn't be where I am today without the help you gave me SO many years ago.

  You hired me back in 1972/1973 (so long ago I can't remember) I was a junior in high school.  Why you chose me out of all the other capable young women in our ward at that time was something I've always wondered about.  Learning dentistry from you was easy and so much fun, and I soon found that I loved it.  I especially loved ortho. Taking arch wires, ligature wires, and all the tools needed to change my own wires to BYU was a funny thing to my roommates.  They would watch every arch wire change and ask me how I learned to do it. So I would tell them about Dr. Evans. Thank you, Doctor Evans.

  Self-confidence is an issue that most young people deal with as they mature, and I was no different than most.  What you maybe didn't know was that I was in a home environment where self-confidence was not a priority and my father continually told me I was dumb, stupid, and that I couldn't do anything right.  Working along side with you helped me see that in many ways, I wasn't dumb, or stupid, and that I could do many things.  You were always someone who encouraged me and made me see that there are better ways to help young people develop self-esteem.  When I came through the door of your office I knew my sadness and frustration would disappear and that great conversation, learning, and lots of laughter would boost my mood.  You had a true interest in the youth of our ward and would love to ask me questions about what we were all up to. You were interested.  You didn't replace my dad; I loved my dad very much, but speaking of church matters and anything related to church participation was taboo at our house.  My dad hated our church.  It was so nice to be able to speak of church things without the threat of the "cold shoulder" treatment.  When I was baptized at age 15 my father did not speak to me…..not one word….for weeks.  I love the church and I loved the church as a teenager.  Being able to talk about it with you was something I will always remember and appreciate.  My testimony grew because of you, Thank you,  Brother Evans.

  Your friendship through the years was something I could always depend on.  Whether it was work or church, I knew you cared about me.  Many years have passed since I helped you fill someone's tooth,  or sat in ward or stake meetings planning youth activities.  Over the years I have worked for many dentists and doctors because of the things you taught me and tools you helped me develop.  I now work at Mayo Clinic in the Phoenix area and have had my wonderful job for over 11 years.  I know I would not be here in a job I love if you hadn't taken that chance on me, hiring me so many years ago.  Your relationship with your sweet wife was an example I wanted to follow in my own marriage, and it was something I noticed even as a teenager.  I watched how you treated your children.  I now have four wonderful adult children that have heard about you over the years because I told them how important your help was to me at a time I really needed it. You are a great example of Christ-like love and service.   Steve knows how much I appreciate you and he joins me in my gratitude.  Thank you, friend Bruce

  I have heard you have had a rough few months and my prayer is that you will find strength through love and support from your many friends and devoted family.  Steve and I are hoping to come to KC sometime this year to go through the KC Temple.  We will see you then.  The Steve Fackrell Family loves you and your family!!  

Karen Ferguson Fackrell