Oh Evan. My first recollection of you - the pastor’s kid running amok outside the Firs in Bellingham where Tenth was holding a retreat.
Andrew and I knew of each other as teens, being neighbours, but it was Theo and Evan’s bond that drew our families together. Impromptu visits in and out of each others houses, sleepovers, Ashley crafting with Olivia…. They all found lots of ways to entertain themselves, especially Theo (and Olivia) watching Evan play video games. The haphazard baking. The plastic balls and nerf pellets when enticing the adults into ‘house wars’ in my basement.
You are such a great big brother and alongsider to Theo. We were all so sad when you moved away. Distance didn’t deter us from keeping in touch. And welcoming you back to our home was a joy. I’m glad for all the times you just showed up in the house. Thank you for bouldering with Theo and caring so much about him and us. Thank you for enjoying my cooking and baking. My heart hurts so much knowing that those times are gone. You will always be in our hearts.
My deepest gratitude to Andrew, Julia and Ashley for letting us into your lives. In this dark and difficult time, we will continue to hold space for your grief and friendship. We love you.
3
2022, The Hive Bouldering Gym, Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hive Van's Boulder League - Team Rocky Road
6
2023
You asked me about my life. You really wanted to know what it was like to be married and have a family. You knew what was really important in life at so young an age. We lost a good one but I look forward to seeing you again and telling you how it all turned out. Rest well my friend and enjoy His good company.
6
I am so sorry for the loss of Evan. Unfortunately, I did not know him very well. As he was working with the kids at the time. I am a senior of 66 years old so I didn't hang out with him. Thank you.
In response to "What made Evan different from most people you know?"
1
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can only pray that God will comfort you and wrap his loving arms around you during this time of mourning.
0
Cheung Family,
Continually praying for you as you celebrate Evan's amazing life even as you grieve his passing. Praying that you experience God's nearness and tenderness in the days ahead.
-watson
0
2009, Science World Station, Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Kiddos having fun
— with
Ashley & Aidan
2
2022, Vancouver, BC, Canada
I'm not good with words, but I wanted to share this photo that I took of Evan. I miss him a lot. After he moved away to DC, we kept in touch and became really good and eventually close friends. We used to hang out just one on one and talk about the most random things. Evan made me laugh. He was a special friend - his honesty, this thoughtfulness - and I wish we had gotten to spend more time with each other. I miss you Evan.
5
To the Cheungs and the Chui family: I am so sorry that you lost such a beloved family member and were not given the chance to say goodbye. It's been so long since I saw Evan but I remember him as such a cute kid. I've heard it said that grief is love with no place to go. May you always carry your memory and love for Evan as time takes away the sting of his sudden passing. I am lifting you all up in prayer asking the Lord to be near to you with comfort. May you run to His word in your pain and meditate on His promises and the hope we have because of Christ. I am encouraged by the sweet ways you are remembering him (hair cuts, burying each other in sand, bubble tea) and doing it together. I'll bet he would have loved this family time you are having now. Thinking of you all <3
2
2023, Vancouver, BC, Canada
I’m not very good with words, so I thought this photo would help express how I remember Evan. I… I miss him.
5
The Cheung family had recently arrived in DC, and Andrew had begun pastoring us at WCF. One morning around that time, I saw Evan in the WCF Annex, apparently playing something on his phone. An opening to meet him, I thought! I asked what games he liked (having a son only 8 years older, I hoped to be conversant). Evan told me about his pleasure playing Fortnite. He said that he was going to become good enough to play full time -- professionally. We spoke a little more about the game, and I wished him luck in his pursuit. This past Spring, I thought to ask him what he thought of that goal of nearly 5 years ago, but we never had an opportunity to speak. Just now, I'm learning his birthday is the day after my daughter's. I wish I'd known that earlier, so I would've had something else to talk to him about. Much, much love to you, Evan, and to your mom, dad, and sister.
1
The last time I saw Evan was a few weeks ago sitting in the car as Julia drove Evan home from my place and en route to Mo’s house for a girls hang out. We were dropping Evan off and he ran into the house to get something for Julia when Julia said to me:
J: Evan is always worried about his height.
Me: What about his height? That he’s too tall??
J: No, he thinks he’s too short! Tell him what you said to me!
As Evan came back out to us, I shared our conversation with him and my objective perception that he was tall and that I never once had thought otherwise. He smiled in his sweet sheepish way and said, “Thanks, Auntie Cece.” I will always cherish that sweet last encounter with Evan.
But that right there also gave me a glimpse into his self perception, how real mental illness is and how it can completely alter the way we view the world and ourselves…
Evan, I hope you now see yourself the way we’ve always seen you - beautiful and perfect just the way you are.❤️
8
On one of those long car rides where Evan opens up and asks you deep questions, especially dating ones!
Evan: should you split the bill or always pay on your first date?
Joe: always pay for the bill on the first date
Evan: why? So that it shows you are chivalrous?
Joe: no. So that it guarantees a second date because you tell them ‘you can get the next one.’ 🥲🥲🥲🥲
3
While I led the older kids at CREO, during my time as a leader, I always bumped into Evan here and there (especially during camp). Evan was quiet and bright, always being a helpful hand whenever he saw us leaders needed it. Whether it be setting up for a game, or getting kids together for lunch, Evan was a steady presence and someone that I (and other leaders) could count on. He was such a thoughtful spirit and it just breaks my heart to know that his spirit on this Earth has been cut short. But he's with Jesus now and I am sure he's having fun climbing heaven and cheering others on.
Sending my deepest condolences to Andrew, Julia and Ashley. I know far too well the struggles of depression and mental health, and while we cannot turn back time - know that Evan left a lasting mark on this earth. He marked the people in his life with the love of Jesus. And now, he's finally at peace with Jesus.
3
To say our lives are shattered and changed forever is an understatement. My heart is broken for Everyone but especially for Andrew, Julia and Ashley. He truly loved his family, his community and his climbing. You raised a wonderful kid. We are forever grateful that we got to spend so much time with Evan this year. Everyone speaks of his climbing but we were blessed to get to see him weekly and watch him flourish into a stronger climber and crush all his sends. To see him finish his first 6 hex was truly remarkable. To get to be awkward and goofy and real all at the same time are memories we will forever cherish. We truly believed that this summer and the next year would have been a pivotal time for us all. we had so many plans and hopes. we truly believed we were going to have to have the most epic summer. Evan and I (Linda) were both finally graduating (although 20 years apart ) and getting past prob the hardest year of our lives. I’m sorry we both couldn’t get to celebrate this. I know you’re in heaven smiling. Fist pumping. And rooting for us. I will carry our torch. we love you kiddo. Our prayers are with everyone and the Cheungs and the family. May God give you peace and comfort and hold you His arms.
4
2022, Cloverdale, Surrey, BC, Canada
5
Andrew , condolences to you and your family. I won’t be able to attend the celebration of life .
0
Share with others
Donate in memory
