July 18, 1940 ~ April 23, 2025 | Age 84
Wendell Bruce Evoy passed away peacefully at Algoma Manor on April 23, 2025, at the age of 84, with his devoted children by his side. His final moments were filled with the same love, gentleness, and quiet strength that defined his life.
Wendell was a man whose kindness left a lasting mark on all. Loved and widely respected, he carried himself with quiet humility and a warmth that made people feel at ease. He had a rare ability to make strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family.
He is now reunited with his cherished wife of 60 years, Elaine, who passed away in 2024. Wendell’s heart never quite healed after her loss, and his family take comfort in knowing they are together again.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Shawn (Tina), Darin (Joni), Merril (Christine), and Colleen Orr (Jeff), and his adored grandchildren: Reilly (Peter), Keegan (Taylor), Conor (Lydia), Liam (Jaceil), Kady, Gage, Kellen, Bronwyn, Ethan (Kassidy), Jacob, Caleb, Justin, and Ryan (Jenna). He was a proud great-grandfather to Jacob, Iris, Quinn, Emory, Alex, Grace, Reece, and Lucy, each of whom brought him immense joy.
Wendell was predeceased by his parents, Percy and Fern Evoy, and his siblings William, Madge Hill, Beula Palmer, Verna Infanti, Edith Darou, Rilla North, Frank, Tony, Ben, Della, and Nelda. He is survived by his brother Gerry (Kim) and sisters-in-law Leona Evoy, Lanny Clark (late Wayne), Carol Findlay (late Wayne), and Linda Findlay (Ken). He is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Bar River, Wendell spent his entire life in the place his family has called home for generations - a place rich with memories, tradition, and deep-rooted connections. He was the kind of neighbour everyone hoped for - dependable, good-natured, and quick to offer his skills whenever needed. From tending farms, to painting cars, to fixing anything with an engine, his talents were many.
In 1967, he joined Transport Canada as a firefighter at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport. Over the years, his dedication and leadership led him to the role of Fire Chief and Manager of Safety and Security, a position he held until his retirement in 1993. His colleagues admired him for his calm under pressure and unwavering commitment to his work family.
Outside of work, Wendell’s interests were as wide-ranging as the Ontario backroads he loved to explore. He was a lifelong learner with a voracious appetite for nonfiction - especially Canadiana. He had a poetic streak too, often penning racy, clever verses that never failed to raise an eyebrow and a smile. A fabulous singer and a wonderful dancer, he and Elaine could light up any room. He discovered desserts at the age of 70 — a revelation that surely had him wondering why he had resisted his wife’s delectable baking for so long.
In his later years, Wendell remained close to home where he enjoyed tending his garden and entertaining family and friends around the kitchen table. For the past two years, he made his home at Algoma Manor, where he was cared for with deep compassion and genuine kindness by a team to whom the family is profoundly grateful.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Laird Cemetery on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 11:00 am for a graveside service. Following, everyone is invited to the Bar River Hall for a Celebration of Life from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, where friends and family are invited to share stories and celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the Algoma Manor Charitable Association would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.
“We all have a memory or a story to tell
Of loved ones who are now departed.
But looking around, this room full of kin,
Makes me think – do they know what they started?
Memories are nice to keep in our hearts
But let’s not forget our heirs.
For they are the ones who will carry our name,
And the joy we now share will be theirs.
As some of us age we dream of the past,
And forget to think of the future.
But our time here won’t wait for anyone,
And so, it’s our faith we should nurture.
So, family just remember,
That no matter where you’re from,
In the words of R.W. Thomas, “Keep your fork”
For the best is yet to come.”
~ Wendell B. Evoy