Chris Lentz Remarks

My favorite attribute I will remember about my father is his willingness to help and serve others. He always gave of his time, energy and resources. You all might reflect on even more of his actions than I can because I left for California after college.

Growing up, he/we always stayed and helped clean up after church functions, we have folded and stored more chairs back under the stage than you can imagine.

When we were in mutual as young adults, he loved to attend our service projects as we went to senior’s homes to clean and rake leaves. He also chaperoned many scout camps and youth conferences!

He fed the hungry at food banks on Thanksgiving Day, he shoveled snow in the winter at peoples drive ways. He gave free dental service to the missionaries and low- income families. He sponsored two (2) foster children and took care of my mother’s parents in their home, till they passed.

My mother and my dad worked in the Bishops storehouse for several years and I cannot remember them more happier in those years as they were doing something together for once.

Service is a key component in the LDS church and all forms of religion and humanity. The Golden Rule right….Do unto others as you would have others do unto you….

There are thousands of inspirational quotes about service but Gordon B. Hinkley, who I actually had the privilege of meeting at the “Y” once, said it best.

 

 

Why did he seem to be more energized when he helped people?

• Social aspect= he loved to get to know people, being a dentist, he was the only one who could talk all those years so I guess he got good at that.  Stephanie inherited this trait - He was a great home teacher although he probably spent too long at everyone’s houses

• Amazing work ethic = Loved to be busy and he hated to wait for us girls…perhaps growing up on the farm in Meridian Idaho, taught him to be this way,

• Humility = he never believed in status or ranking he believed in equality,

• He wanted to be on the side lines, never needed accolades or titles,

• He lived in the moment… he loved adventure and having fun

• He was sarcastic on the outside but had a big heart on the inside….

In closing, as time goes on for each of us, we realize our greatest legacy we can leave, is the lives we have impacted.

As family members of William Bruce Evans, lets honor our father by trying to emulate his best qualities.

 

Katherine Lentz: Video of Grandpa Bruce

Google photos link to WBE family photos

Stephanie Evans Bishop: REMARKS

Thank you for your Christ-centered service, love and support. As families, we are blessed and strengthened by each kind gesture, word and action from so many of you. Seeing all of your faces here today I know is making my Dad’s spirit SMILE!

One of my Dad’s unfortunate aging ailments was hearing loss. It greatly diminished his abilities to do two of his favorite things: talk & sing

Heavenly Fathers plan of salvation states our bodies will return to perfect health and we will be reunited with loved ones. My testimony of the details and doctrine allow me to know my Dad now has his voice & hearing back and he resides in his soon-to-be perfected body. He is surrounded by generations of Evans relatives whom have already created melodious melodies in heaven. 

LDS Church music and other uplifting music is in my soul, my Mom, my Siblings and my posterity because of my Dad. 

—In the early 1960's He wooed my mother by taking her to a GOLD & GREEN  ball (that is a dance for you Millennials) WHERE there was lovely dancing and music. Mom & Dad were married in the Logan Utah Temple and had 55 years of life together. 

--In the mid 1960's, Mom and Dad made Kansas City their home due to acceptance and completion of UMKC Dental School for my Dad. My Dad's long-term practice, on 47th & Mission in the City of Mission, KS often had “elevator” music softly harmonizing to the WRRR of the drill!

—IN THE 1970’s Dad was the Chairman for the Independence, MO outdoor LDS Pageant titled "Families are Forever or later titled "Missouri Mormons & Miracle"  During  Summers of my adolescents years, my siblings and I practiced singing, dancing and performing along with a large cast of fellow Latter day Saints.

  The iconic song we will sing at the closing of this service, OH MY FATHER:, was the last song of the Pageant. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's voices were heard as "White-robed" angels (whom were cast members) greeted their beloved Grandmother with open arms. Hearing this song causes me too instinctively raise my arms and imagine the glorious reunions Dad is having with family, friends, ROMEOS, and fellow ward members.

—During the -1980’s. Neil DIAMOND’s “Coming to America was our family’s THEME TRACK! I can still visualizes a small black square 8 TRAC and our BIG BLUE EXTENSION VAN. Road tripping across the USA in a van that not only had a roll-out bed, but fridge and sink and swivel chairs--- WE WERE LIVIN’ THE DREAM as we traveled to the Grand Canyon, Tetons, Washington DC, Florida, Branson, MO & Colorado camping!

—In the 1990’s, my Dad participated in the KC metro’s version of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He loved singing BASS, meeting new people, and performing at many various venues.  My boys MAY remember their Grandpa dressing up in a tux for these performances which was mildly out of character for an Idaho farm-boy.

—In 1996 I caught my DAd once standing in front of a old stereo (as big as an adult-sized dresser  ) singing at the top of his lungs the Hallelujah Chorus from the Handel's messiah.  it was during the holiday celebration and the only audience member in the living room of our childhood was my hard of hearing 90-year-old grandmother. Angels must’ve heard Dad on that day.

—Just last week, by my Dad’s bedside in HOSPICE CARE, my sweet daughter-in-law arranged for family to sing some of Grandpa’s favorite hymns. What a lasting memory for my family.

May you remember my beloved father each time you worship through song.

I testify that Our “Bruce” is now surrounded by dear loved ones singing in and out of tune. 

In the name of Jesus Christ AMEN. 

Kimberly Evans: REMARKS

 A TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM BRUCE EVANS                                      

   OUR FATHER BRUCE BORE HIS TESTIMONY NOT LONG AGO STANDING HERE AT THIS VERY PULPIT. HE’S BORE MANY TESTIMONIES OVER THE PAST FORTY YEARS BUT THIS ONE TRULY STRUCK ME BECAUSE THE WORDS HE SPOKE WERE OF SUCH WISDOM TO ME. HE SPOKE OF ENDURING TO THE END BUT NOT JUST ENDURING BUT ENDURING WELL. IN FIRST NEPHI 13:37 IT READS-AND BLESSED ARE THEY WHO SHALL SEEK TO BRING FORTH MY ZION AT THAT DAY, FOR THEY SHALL HAVE THE GIFT AND POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST; AND IF THEY ENDURE UNTO THE END THEY SHALL BE LIFTED UP AT THE LAST DAY, AND SHALL BE SAVED IN THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM 0F THE LAMB; AND WHOSO SHALL PUBLISH PEACE, YEA,TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY, HOW BEAUTIFUL UPON THE MOUNTAINS SHALL THEY BE."

OVER THE PAST SEVENTEEN YEARS HE UNDERWENT NUMOROUS Health CHALLENGES, and persevered despite his limitations.

HE HAD SUCH AN AMAZING DRIVE TO ATTEND CHURCH SERVICES EVERY WEEK. EVEN CLOSE TO THE END OF HIS LIFE WHEN HIS HEALTH REALLY STARTED TO EFFECT HIM AND MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE KEYS AWAY HE DROVE TO CHURCH. THIS IS WHAT HE WANTED AND NO ONE WAS GOING TO ARGUE WITH HIM ABOUT SERVING THE LORD.  KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS, AND GOING TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY. HE WAS A FAITHFUL AND DILIGENT Latter-day Saint.

 WHILE I HAVE CARED FOR MY FATHER OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS I HAVE TRULY BEEN BLESSED TO UNDERSTAND THE MAN HE WAS. OUR FATHER LOVED PEOPLE AND TAUGHT EVERYONE AROUND HIM THAT EVEN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY AND CHALLENGES YOU CAN ALWAYS WEAR A SMILE AND HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR. HE LIFTED PEOPLES SPIRITs

HE ENDURED A CAREER OF DENTISTRY BUT I ALWAYS BELIEVE HE LONGED FOR THE OPEN ROAD AND NEXT BEST ADVENTURE! HE OFTEN TALKED TO MY MOTHER ABOUT SELLING THE HOUSE, BUYING AND R.V. AND HITTING THE OPEN ROAD WHEREVER IT MAY LEAD. HE WAS A BORN ADVENTURER AND LOVED TO BE OUTSIDE. 

   OUR FATHER COMES FROM A LINE OF ENDURING MEN. HIS GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER’S NAME WAS JAMES HERN. HIS WIFE’S NAME WAS ELIZA. THEY RODE WITH THEIR FAMILY IN THE GREAT TREK OUT WEST IN THE WILLIE HAND CART COMPANY. THIS GREAT MAN BURIED TWO CHILDREN AND ENDURED MUCH HEARTACHE WHILE HELPING THE SAINTS MAKE THAT HISTORICAL TREK. IT WAS SAID HE WAS A LARGE MAN IN STATURE AND HE CARRIED MANY WOMEN AND CHILDREN ACROSS STREAMS AND RIVERS DUE TO THE EXTREME COLD. WHAT A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF ENDURING WELL ROOTED IN THE TAPESTRY OF OUR FATHER’S ANCESTORS. THIS SAME COURAGE, PERSERVERANCE, TENACITY AND TRUE GRIT RUNS IN ME. IN US!  IN D&C 121:7&8 WE READ, MY SON, PEACE BE UNTO THY SOUL; THINE ADVERSITY AND THINE AFFLICTIONS SHALL BE BUT A SMALL MOMENT; AND THEN, IF THOU ENDURE IT WELL, GOD SHALL EXALT THEE ON HIGH; THOU SHALT TRIUMPH OVER ALL THY FOES."

 I’VE FACED MANY HEARTACHES AND CHALLENGES IN MY OWN LIFE BUT OUR FATHER ALWAYS TAUGHT 0ME TO KEEP Persevering AND NEVER GIVE UP! TRUST IN YOUR SAVIOR AND LEAN ON HIM AND YOU WILL GET THROUGH. ENDURE KIMBERLY AND ENDURE WELL AND DON’T FORGET TO SMILE. 

In the name of Jesus Chrisst, Amen

Tanya Evans Huntsman: REMARKS

A scripture that sums up my dad is from Mosiah 2:41, it states, “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep my commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.”  My dad lived a blessed and happy life.

An attribute I admire in my dad is his ability to laugh at life and his positive outlook on life.  I have tried to keep this same perspective in my life and teach it to my children.  

When I think back of all the many memories that I have with my dad, they definitely include a lot of laughter and fun.  

One of my favorite memories include being with all of our families playing many hours of cards and games laughing with each other.  Sometimes my dad liked to cheat and be funny about it.  My daughter said to me the other daywhen we were talking about my dad and sharing memories of him that maybe she should start cheating at King Corners like grandpa.  We both started to laugh about this memory.

Majorie Pay Hinckley once said; “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it.  You either have to laugh or cry.  I prefer to laugh.  Crying gives me a headache.”  

My dad has always had a positive outlook on life.  He made our childhood fun.  I remember every morning during high school he would wake us up for seminary at 5:00 am.  He would remind us in a funny way that he always got up at 4:00am to milk the cows at our age.

A week before my father passed, my mom,brother, sisters and I were able to be together for a couple of days around my dad in the hospital sharing memories of dad and saying our goodbyes. It has been a long time since we have been with just our mom and siblings.  We laughed.  Steph peed her pants.  PAUSE  Nowait that was me. PAUSE  Just kidding see laughter, I learned from dad.  We cried which did give us a headache by the way.  We shared many memories of dad and we planned his memorial.

I am grateful for my father and the values he taught me.  I learned from his example to love and serve others just like the Savior did.  

In closing I want to read a quote from David Bednar about my dad,

“Ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do Simple Things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results.”

 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

LIFE SKETCH

Life History of William Bruce Evans:  Nov. 12, 1938 --- Oct. 24, 2017

During the last six years of Bruce's life, he developed trusted relationships with  medical professionals, hospital systems, and health-care diagnostics.  Since 2012, Bruce suffered at least 5 acute health episodes leading to long-term recoveries. Aided by skilled physicians, health care workers, wife and family, he bounced back and returned to what he loved most : driving his black Honda! 

Nurses, care assistants, physicians, social workers, etc continually commented on Bruce's smile, calm demeanor, perseverance and positive attitude during diagnostic, treatment and recovery.

Br. Evans was most joyful serving others and did so persistently. The LDS church allowed him to serve as High Councilor, Bishopric Counselor, BSA Scout leader, Youth Leader, teacher, Nursery leader, etc. Tamara and Bruce were skilled companions on many set-designs for dramatic productions choreographed to uplift, inspire and entertain LDS members and other visitors.  Bruce served with his wife in the St. Louis Temple and the couple also served in the Bishop"s Storehouse as full-time missionaries. His love of people and building them up was evident in all his service.

Bruce felt great joy in supporting, loving and spending time with his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The couple welcomed 5 children into the family, 4 girls and 1 boy: Christine, Stephanie, Greg, Tanya, Kim. Bruce and Tamara have 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

The small family of 3 moved to Kansas City, Mo in 1964 where Bruce attended and graduated from UMKC Dental School. Two dental offices in the Mission, Kansas suburb served as offices for the dentist and his growing career. He was a loyal & trustworthy provider, employer, and business manager throughout his career.

Born on Nov. 12, 1938 in Logan, Utah and raised in a small Meridian, Idaho community with his parents, younger sister and 2 brothers and other farmers, family, and Mormons, Bruce learned his work ethic working his family farm. He served an LDS mission to the Eastern States mission from 1959-1961. His destiny wasn't farming as he went off to the big city of Provo, Utah and attended Brigham Young University. He met his companion of 55 years in college. Tamara Olsen Evans and Bruce were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on April 27, 1962. Tamara taught school in Riverton, Utah and Bruce worked many odd jobs including "Moving Truck" packer. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Christine, while living in Provo. 

Bruce's legacy of love, service, devotion, & perseverance will be felt for generations.