Peter Michael Evans

Pete Evans loved to fish. His family believes he is in a place that he can fish every day. Pete was born on Nov. 21, 1957, in Seattle, Washington, and was the fourth child of Yvonne Hope (Darwin) Evans and George Gilpatrick Evans. When his father retired from the Army, as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1958, the family moved to Southern California. Pete was an independent-minded individual even as a young child, sometimes testing his parents’ patience.

On Feb. 16, 1983, a group of children from Flamson Middle School were whale watching aboard the boat San Mateo and the boat capsized, spilling the students, teachers and chaperones into Morrow Bay, California. Without the slightest hesitation, Pete, who was a deck hand, and private citizens within the boating area, rescued each of the potential victims, except for the captain. Pete and others who helped during this ordeal were recognized by the state of California for the heroic effort, heroism and valor they displayed during the successful rescue. People are still alive today due to Pete and others’ quick actions.

Pete was an angler at heart and could be found checking for fish wherever open water was present. He shared his love for fishing with his co-workers, friends, grandchildren, wife and extensive family. Pete was a beloved husband and grandfather whose proudest accomplishment was the bonds of friendship and love he found living in Alaska. Pete shared his skills, generous heart and wonderful sense of humor with all he encountered. His special sense of excitement for the natural world around him brought him to Alaska in the first place and provided endless opportunities for him to seek on his own, or share with others, the wonders of the outdoors, fishing, and all that comes with living within this majestic land. Pete was a proud union member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357 and was employed by the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility facility for the last 12 years. He also was a painter, sheet rocker, tile master, knife maker, carpenter, deck hand and loving husband, stepdad, grandfather, and caring brother.

Pete, 57, was surrounded by his family when he passed away from cancer Feb. 27, 2015, at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Bixby, and their dog Felix of Wasilla; step-daughter, Megan (Bixby) Garnaat and spouse, Chad, and their two children, Jaxon and Kobe of Anchorage; sister, Elaine Constantz and spouse Harmon Constantz of Altadena, California; Leslie Herron and spouse, Steve Herron; brother, Greg Evans and spouse, Nancy Evans, of Wasilla; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Bixby) Despain and Judi Bixby of Sitka; Catherine Bixby and spouse Robert Larsen of Anchorage; brother-in-law, Albert Bixby and spouse Pam Woolcott of Juneau; and all the children that come with these lineages.

Pete will be buried in Sitka where his last great adventure was on the fishing boat Sea Haven, captained by Alan Andersen and deck hands and sisters, Peggy, Judi and Mary.

A memorial service is planned for Pete from 4 to 6 p.m., March 14 at Alliance Christian Fellowship Church in Eagle River, 16620 Brooks Loop, Eagle River.