John Clare Evans

John Clare Evans, 71, of Baker City passed away at his residence under the care of Heart 'n Home Hospice on September 6, 2016. A celebration of life will be held at the Baker Valley Church of Christ in Baker City, Oregon on November 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Mike Cross officiating the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel.

Note from Gray's West:

I must admit there are times when this career path is taxing, it can be extremely rewarding but at the same time so incredibly heartbreaking especially when you get to know someone who has touched your soul, just as John did.

John was a special friend of Troy and I (Windy), he used to pop in to tell stories and let us know what he wanted to happen after he passed. He knew there was something wrong with him and didn't feel like it would be long (I thought he looked great and was convinced he would be around a lot longer, good thing I am not in the medical field, eh?). John expressed he did not have many family members left and he didn't want to leave the burden of making his final arrangements on the family he has remaining, which is how we got to know him. Sometimes I think it may have been an excuse to come in and talk to us, which we welcomed every time he came through our doors.

I only knew him for a short amount of time but he was a bright spot in my world and I was always eager to see him coming up the walkway to visit with us. I don't know much about John and his life, but I do know that he was a United States Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam. He was stationed on aircraft carriers and this struck a chord with me because my own father is a navy vet who was stationed on aircraft carriers in Vietnam, and because of this commonality, John was always willing to talk about his time in Vietnam. I found him a fascinating man and one who could be quite serious but could belt out one of those gut laughs in a moments notice, I loved that about him.

Rest in peace John. I want to say to you what I said to you every time you left the building "I hope I don't see you again soon, John", but if for some reason I do see you again soon, I would like to hear some more of your stories. And, please be assured we are taking great care of you just as I promised you we would, because that is what we do.

With Love,

Windy