Evan Griffith Board

My dear friend Liz

My deepest sympathy and warm love on the loss of precious Evan. I regret that I was out of town for the service but want you to know that from my remote location I was with you in spirit.

We met as single Mom’s raising boys (Evan and Chad and Cole Barnett) to become good men. We maneuvered though some tough parenting times but always knew we had the support of each other and a motto of “this too shall pass” which I firmly believe not only kept us sane but aided the boys through their teen journey. It wasn’t all tough – we had loads of fun times together – like summers camping at Cowichan Lake … the time when Evan and Cole took the Zodiac out on the lake and ran out of gas and how we couldn’t quit hugging and kissing them when they appeared, rescued by a passing boater!

As a man I appreciated Evan’s precocious spirit and fun loving personality. Evan could always make be laugh! His sense of humour, sharp and contagious. I was impressed by Evan’s avid love of reading – he read well beyond his years. We had many conversations about Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) a novel we both agreed was an outstanding novel containing life messages. Evan was a kind and loving person, I remember the transport of the puppy in his truck, all the way from Saskatchewan to give to you in an attempt to fill the gap that Buster left behind. Evan was industrious and took on challenges – like offering to construct my interlock patio a few years ago. He had worked for Brick-Lok on the crew who completed the brick work around the Butchart Gardens Carousel and was confident he could take on the job. He worked tirelessly to complete this multi-phase job, bringing in others when needed assistance. My brother Russ came in at the final phase and he commented that Evan was tenacious and what he lacked in experience he excelled in will and determination.

What I will remember and admire most about Evan was the love and devotion he showed to you and his Gramma Betty. You two women were the “loves” of his life. Both of you are the primary reason that Evan became that good man. My heart aches for both of you.

My love always, Delayne.

Erik, Liam and I want to extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences. I can’t even begin to fathom the space that the loss of a child can leave in your heart, and I hope that the happy memories of your time with Evan will slowly begin to fill that void. I trust you are surrounded by the love and kindness of friends and family, but please know that we also have you in our thoughts.

Dear Liz,

My heart aches for you and your family for your tragic loss. Although I didn’t know Evan, I do know that your love for him was unparalleled. As work colleagues, you mentioned him frequently and I got a sense of how close you were to him. Your loss is unimaginable. I wish you courage, strength and serenity in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of need.

Evan was my first guy friend as a young girl, I think we were 10 years old. We remained in contact over the past 15 years with intentions to meet again one day. He most recently sent me a photograph to remind me of my “creative” hair and makeup phase. We laughed at my unflattering choices. We did not speak often or frequently but Evan had a great influence on my life at an impressionable time. I will always cherish and love the memories. He came to Hornby Island with me on a family holiday and while inside of an inner tube he was nearly sucked out to sea on the outgoing tide. He screamed like a girl, I remeber telling him and laughing. We then ate ice cream on the beach and he later saved my dog Oscar by doing the army crawl in a small space to get him out from under the house. I also remember singing the song “Evans mom she’s got it going on” with him, before he introduced me to you Liz he was saying “You will like my mom.” And I do, always have. I hope you and all of his loved ones have all the support, comfort and love needed during this time. Love always, Chelsea

I met Evan for the first time during the summer of 2015, at Koh Phangang, Thailand. Evan and his friend Mike instantly reached out to me when I finally got to the hostel after hours of travelling. It didn’t take much time for us to learn how to know each other, and for the next days we spent so many memorable moments together. One night we got together a bunch of people and went down to the beach around a fire. The sky was full of stars, showing the bright colors of the Milky Way with shooting stars running by. In the water, we could see glowing algae sparkling around like a reflection of the stars above. We had so much fun that night, and that night is a night I’ll never forget. Evan and Mike made it memorable with their sense of humor and wonderful personalities. Later on, we had to split our ways due to different plans with our journeys. But it didn’t take long until we caught up again on another island.

Evan was one of those guys with a tough look on his face, but with a heart full of kindness. And this was easy to notice. I remember Evan as someone who cared about his loved ones, who took politics seriously with a deep engagement, and who always put others first, even to the very last day of his life. I salute this man for donating his organs in order to give others a second chance of life. Evan was simply one of a kind.

Now, years later, I sit here with so many great memories of Evan without being able to thank him for them. Evan and I didn’t stay much in touch after the summer of 2015. We made sure to wish each other a happy birthday once a year, but that was it. He congratulated me just a few weeks before his passing, and that was the last time I spoke to him.

Evans passing has been a reminder to me that life is a great gift, a gift I can’t take for granted anymore. We must use that gift and show more often our loved ones that we love them. We should more often turn around to someone who stands us near and tell them how much we care. Because life is too short to get shy by saying “I love you”.

Thank you Evan for great moments and memories.

– Henrik from Norway

When I think of you, I can hear your voice and your laugh crystal clear, which is funny considering we haven’t been in regular contact since we were kids. You were a good guy: good-natured, good-humoured; just good in general. My deepest condolences go to your family and friends, my heart breaks to think they have lost a cherished son, grandson, nephew etc. Rest in peace, Dear Evan. Sending love.

October 2013, wrangler rig 1, you and I worked together and it was abit confusing when someone would say “Evan”
You eventually grew out your handlebar mustache, and quickly acquired the new nickname “Ben” from our crew… of course referencing Ben Stiller. Eugene even got “Ben” put on your coveralls, which you weren’t thrilled about
We gave you heck everyday, you always were good about it and most of the time had a smart remark back for us
I still remember the first time you threw a “ringer”… we had been on that same location, by lashburn I believe, for a good month. But you finally got it
Boy we’re you ever scared the first time in the crows nest
Although I only got to work with you for 4 months, it was a pleasure man
Rest In Peace Ev

Evan, I love you and will miss you and that laugh of yours every day. The world is a little less bright without you in it. Love from Uncle Ted and Tanya

Be proud of the time you had together. From the too few times I met him he was articulate, polite and pleasant to be with – a credit to his upbringing and his nature. I am deeply sorry for your loss and here if ever you need help, support, or a shoulder to lean or cry on.

Liz, I’m so sorry for your loss. Evan was a great guy with such a good heart. Many memories with you guys I will cherish ❤️

Liz, Words cannot express. My sincerest condolences for your loss.

Your Houle family hurts for your hurt, weeps as you weep and hugs as you hug.
May we offer our many sincere condolences at this the time of your loss and our support for the days ahead.

Evan was kind, funny, and dear. My condolences go out to Liz, Betty, Julia and the rest of the family..and so many friends. I don’t think Evan had an enemy in the world. Rest In Peace, Evan, you will be missed ,deeply ❤️

Liz, We am devastated and beyond sad over this incredible loss. I wish I could be there for you right now. Know that we are thinking and praying for you. And you young man…You were a real character, Evan Board. You certainly made life interesting. We will always remember you..particularly when you 3 amigos ran together. Here’s to you Er (Eric Larson), Ell (Elliott Maloney) and you, Ev. You have left us all broken-hearted and asking why? See you on the other side, hon. RIP
Anita Germann, Elliott Maloney & Jorie Maloney