Obituary of Sheila A. H. Evans (née Dick)

May 23, 1936 - Carluke, Scotland
September 6, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Sheila Evans of Calgary, Alberta, beloved spouse of Frank (predeceased), passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023, at the age of 87.

Sheila was born and raised in Lanarkshire, Scotland, daughter of Elizabeth (née Carson) and Robert Brownlee Dick (both predeceased). Sheila grew up surrounded by friends and family. She spent her youth between the family’s main home in Carluke and a summer home in North Berwick. Sheila and her sister Lorna (predeceased) learned to swim in a swimming pool (a.k.a. the pond) in North Berwick which they were fond of pointing out was filled with cold water from the North Sea.

Sheila went to the University of St. Andrews to become a teacher. Shortly after completing her studies, she decided to move to Canada for “one year”. But before she left Scotland, she got cold feet and decided not to move. Her father, however, told her that she could turn around and come right back, but that she would be getting on that plane. And a good thing she did, because moving to Canada changed the course of her life.

In Vancouver, Sheila was introduced to Frank Evans by a mutual friend of their parents. On July 18, 1961, they married at Glasgow Cathedral. Their son Rob was born in 1964, followed by another son Jamie in 1966. Frank’s career with Montreal Trust moved the family to Kelowna in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley in 1968 and then to Calgary in 1969. Frank and Sheila loved Kelowna and spent every summer there. They were often accompanied by Sheila’s sister Lorna and her husband Eric, who would come over from Scotland. Their home in Kelowna became a true gathering place for the family in the years when Rob and his partner Norman; Jamie, his ex-wife Susan (predeceased), and their daughters Megan and Sydney; and, in addition to Eric and Lorna, their son Richard, his wife Jane, and their boys Bob and Mike would also come over from Scotland.

Sheila participated in many clubs over the years, among them the Calgary Newcomers’ Club and The Women’s Canadian Club of Calgary (President from 1984-1986). Sheila was an avid bridge player and played most days. She also took part in an annual bridge tournament in Penticton (more of an excuse to hang out with her girlfriends and drink wine!). Despite being born and raised in Scotland, Sheila grew to love hockey and even had season tickets for her team, the Calgary Flames. Sheila also loved dogs and had many canine family members over the years. Frank and Sheila were proud members of the Calgary Golf and Country Club, where the family would gather for a standing lunch on Saturdays, when Frank and Sheila weren’t traveling.

Sheila fought a long and valiant battle with a chronic illness, and did so with a characteristic strength, grace, and dignity that was unsurpassed. While her final years were marked by a progressive decline in her abilities, she never lost her optimism, kindness, or generosity. The family wishes to thank the team of caregivers, led by Stephanie Martinez, who were by Sheila’s side day and night to provide her with the best quality of life possible. They did so with compassion, laughter, and a deep affection that will be ever appreciated.

Sheila is survived by her son Rob (Norman) of Kelowna; her son Jamie and granddaughters Megan and Sydney of Calgary; her nephew Richard (Jane) Gray; grandnephews Bob (Katie) Gray and Mike Gray; her cousins Nan Howe, James Tate, Emily Tate, David Tate, and Bob White (all of Scotland); and her cousin Bill White (England); in addition to other extended family in the United States, Australia and South Africa; and her beloved dog Midnight.

A reception for friends and family will be held at the Calgary Golf and Country Club on Friday, September 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests are invited to honour Sheila’s love of colour when considering your choice of attire. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, (403) 205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca.  

A tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area in memory of Sheila.