HAMPDEN – Colby Lee Evans, 73, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility with his family at his side. “Gramp” was born Nov. 18, 1936, in Bangor, to Lawson and Gladys Evans and was the eldest of their children, John, Joyce, Barb and Butch. He married his high school sweetheart, Janis Patterson and they had four children, Sue, Karen, Colby II and Gary. A lifelong resident of Hampden, Colby graduated from Hampden Academy in 1956, where he was a gifted three sport athlete and a proud member of the LTC champion team of ’52. Throughout the years his interest in high school sports continued watching his own children and grandchildren, always so proud of his family. He carried his athletic ability with him throughout his life. We will remember him for his strength, hard work, sense of humor and love for his family. He worked for Local 496 Ironworkers. His job took him to the paper mills and job sites throughout Maine. He was very proud of being an ironworker and held his fellow ironworkers; Brother John, Jenkins, Blake, Larry Costigan and Larry Dunn; and many others in the highest regard. Colby was a 50-year member of Mystic Lodge No. 65 AF & AM, Hampden. Gramp loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling trips with friends and family. Memories of him that will not be forgotten. Gardening was also a passion for him and he was known for his green thumb. Many grandchildren were caught snitching the goods from Gramps garden. When he wasn’t gardening he was working on his woodpile, usually with a grandchild watching. His woodpile was exact and all done by hand. Colby and Jan spent many weekends at their camp on Hopkins Pond with their family, relaxing, building fires on the big rock, watching his grandchildren swim and play on the hammock, naps on the deck. Life was good until the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. After years of being the family provider, it was our turn to take care of Dad. When we needed help we turned to the girls at Westgate. Words can’t begin to describe how grateful we are to all of you. He made you laugh and cry, you made him feel so important at his new job site. Still waiting for that paycheck though! Colby was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Joyce and his wife of 43 years, Jan. He is survived by his daughters, Sue Hopkins and husband, Jim, Karen Beal and her husband, Lloyd; sons, Colby II and his wife, Jeanette, Gary and his wife, Sandy; eight grandchildren, Jessica and Jeremy Hopkins, Troy Hopkins and his wife, Jen, Ben Beal and his wife, Jen, Katie Beal, Brad Evans, Ethan Evans, and Kyle Evans; and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Joseph Beal. In keeping with Colby’s wishes there will be no funeral services. Interment will be private beside his wife at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor. Family and friends are invited to visit 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Jim and Sue’s home, 2381 Carmel Road North, Newburgh. To honor his girls at Westgate, for the care they give to the elderly patients and the comfort they bring to the families, donations in Colby’s honor may be made to Westgate Manor Activities Fund, 750 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com. <
COLBY L. EVANS
