Gaylord Evanson, a longtime Spokane Valley resident, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Gaylord was born October 15, 1941 to Hans and Johanna (Evanger) Evanson in Watford City, ND. He attended elementary school through tenth grade in Arnegard, ND and finished high school in Williston, ND. After high school Gaylord served in the U.S. Army stationed in Orleans, France. Upon completing his military service he returned to Williston and attended UND Williston, later transferring to Minot State College. During his career with Frontier Airlines, he and his family were stationed in Minot, ND, Billings, MT, Riverton, WY, and Spokane. Later he worked for the Post Office and then owned and operated The Friendly Tavern in Spokane. After closing the tavern he drove truck until his retirement in 2011.
In March of 1964 Gaylord married his sweetheart, Gladys Martin. Gaylord and Gladys were a couple in the best sense of the word. They did things together. Big things, little things, day to day things. They were together on trips to London and Japan, and together to run errands around town. Gaylord and Gladys raised and loved three wonderful sons, Greg, Jeff and Chris. As a family they spent countless days making the kind of memories every family would be fortunate to share. They camped, boated, fished, and traveled together. They shared special times with their extended families and friends. Hunting and fishing in North Dakota and Canada with sons, brothers, brothers-in-law, nephews and cousins, teaching their sons how to be there for family and friends in good times and sad times. Many of their happiest days and weekends were at various spots on the Columbia River. The river will always be special to them. Those trips were happiest when the family included the boys and their families, Cheri and Alecia, and their grandchildren, Megan, Carly, Hunter and Kyle. Gaylord reveled in those times watching the kids play and enjoy everything outdoors. Gaylord loved to fish for salmon on the coast. His most recent trip in September was simply incredible. He returned from that trip giddy with the experience and friendships shared.
Gaylord was a North Dakota boy through and through. Which means he loved people, loved a good story, believed in an "open door" policy, welcomed you with a cup of coffee before you had a chance to sit down, and was always available to help out. He loved to whip up a batch of rolls, grill something for dinner, or talk Gladys into making a lemon pie.
Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Johanna, his brothers Jerome, Vendel and Orville, his sisters Hazel and Helen. And not to be forgotten, his beloved companion black lab, Duke.
Gaylord is survived by his wife, Gladys, their three sons Greg (Cheri), Jeff, Chris (Alecia) and his grandchildren Megan, Carly, Hunter and Kyle, his sister Elena Njos of Williston, his brothers Raymond (Joanne) Evanson of Williston, Hans (Joyce) Evanson and Jim (Bonnie) Evanson, both of Livingston, Mt, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 5th at 3:00 PM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 2511 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice in Gaylord's memory.
Farewell, dear Gaylord, we love you!