Byron Evans

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Byron Evans, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at Woodlawn Commons in Saratoga Springs, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Aurora, IL, he was the son of the late Loren Evans and Hazel Rupert Evans. His childhood was informed by the straightened circumstances of the Depression, but he was a precocious boy. He flew his pilot’s license solo on his 16th birthday, married his college sweetheart on his 19th birthday, and he became the Superintendent of schools in Sisters, OR at the age of 22, while serving as CO of his infantry National Guard unit. Byron was a lifelong educator, serving as Superintendent at Glide, OR, high school principal in inner city Detroit, and Superintendent in Saratoga Springs, where he brought a complicated school consolidation to fruition. He later served as Vice President and Vice Provost at RPI, and lastly as BOCES District Superintendent for Saratoga-Washington-Warren counties. He also chaired several statewide education committees and commissions. Dr. Evans also served on the board of trustees of Saratoga Hospital and a number of local charities. He was a graduate of Oregon State U. (bachelor and masters), the U. of Oregon (doctorate) and the U.S Army’s Fort Benning paratrooper school. As a diversion from work, he taught himself the crafts of jewelry-making and scrimshaw. These hobbies led him to antique collecting, and he eventually amassed collections of antique canes, music boxes and scrimshaw that are nationally recognized. Byron was a kind man, always patient and supporting. He was a true gentleman, and though he was the very model of reason and temperance, he could also be stubborn on important matters, for he knew his own mind. He was also an incurable romantic, and had a great appreciation for beauty in music and nature. Lastly, he was an unfailing optimist. He looked for the best in everyone, and he was confident he could work out the best possible outcome to any situation. In addition to Peggy, the love of his life (and wife of 71 years), he is also survived by sons Eric (Anne), Philip (Lisa), grandchildren Dr. Ryan Evans (Tina), Dr. Katherine Evans Saemann (Andy), Andrew Evans, Alison Evans Witmer (Josh), 5 great-grandchildren, and loving friends, to many of whom he was a treasured mentor. He was predeceased by his brothers Rupert, Allen, and Philip. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at the William J. Burke and Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A funeral home service will follow at 4 p.m. and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs 12866 or a charity of your choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.