Robert Evans, third-generation lawyer and lifelong Bradford resident and volunteer, recently had to miss a milestone.
Evans officially retired from the law practice founded in 1894 by his grandfather, T.W. Evans, after 54 years in real estate law, wills and estates. He was all set to celebrate with a retirement party on April 4 – but then COVID-19 hit, leading to closures, and bans on large gatherings.
The party had to be cancelled, or at least postponed indefinitely.
Now he’s approaching another milestone, and this time his family is determined to mark the occasion.
On May 19, Bob Evans turns 80.
It still may not be possible to have a party, but his family has planned a “Surprise Slow Drive-By (or Walk-By) Celebration.”
It’s not exactly a “birthday parade,” in the way that most birthdays are celebrated these days. Instead, friends, family members, clients, colleagues and the community at large are invited to walk or drive past his home at 56 Fox Run Lane in Bradford, between 2 and 4 p.m. on May 19 – to honk, wave, and even enjoy a short ‘visit.’
The invitation has been extended to clients of Evans DeVries Higgins Law, formerly Evans & Evans LLP; those who are associated with him as members of the Simcoe County Law Association, York Region Law Association or the Ontario Bar Association – and everyone who knows Bob Evans through his engagement in a long list of organizations and charitable works.
Evans was a trustee with the Simcoe County District School Board for over 13 years. He has been involved in the Bradford Rotary and Lions Clubs, advocated for the BWG Public Library, and is a founding member and director of the BWG & District Community Foundation.
Some residents will know him from Bradford United Church; others, from early morning programs at the BWG Leisure Centre (in pre-COVID times), and still others from his volunteer efforts with dog “Sparky” at Bradford Valley care community.
In fact, everyone who knows Evans is invited to stop by and share the celebration.
“We have decided not to do this parade-style, as we are hoping that it may give Dad a chance to enjoy a 5-minute road-side window visit with some of you,” said his four children, in an email invitation.
“With his retirement cancellation, and now not being able to even have a full family dinner, it’s kind of lunch-bag let-down,” added daughter Heather Langford. “We just want to try to make the day feel celebratory.”
So, look for the banner and balloons in the front yard of 56 Fox Run on May 19, and wish Bob Evans a happy birthday.
