Professor emeritus Brian Evans (pictured above during his appointment to the Order of Canada by former governor general Adrienne Clarkson in 2000)
Dr. Brian Llewellyn Evans (1932-2016)
The Department of History and Classics, the University of Alberta, and the Edmonton Chinese community are much saddened by the passing of Professor Emeritus Brian L. Evans, on February 15, 2016 at the age of eighty-three. It was the eighth day of the Year of the Monkey, and Brian, an Albertan son and a Monkey, has joined the Monkey King soaring through the clouds and still, in his words, "pursuing China" while keeping his gaze on Alberta.
Born in Taber, Alberta, Brian widened his horizons early in life to embrace China, a life-long passion that took him to an undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta and a PhD in Chinese and Southeast Asian history at London University. His academic home from 1961 to 1996 was University of Alberta's History department, but apart from teaching and research, he served as Department Chair in 1968-1973 and Associate Vice-President International from 1985 to 1994. Canada appreciated his special diplomatic skills and appointed him Cultural Officer and Sinologist-in-residence, at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, where he helped shape Canadian foreign policy.
Among his most enduring legacies is the development of Chinese and East Asian history, culture, and language studies in Alberta. He taught Canadian-Chinese external relations, and Chinese and Japanese history; in the 1970s he worked to expand the field by adding a Japanese specialist and a Southeast Asian historian to the History department. Then he set up Chinese and Japanese language programs within the History department; in 1982 these formed the foundation of the current East Asian Studies Department. In 2001, the Governor-General recognized Brian's outstanding educational role in establishing Chinese and East Asian studies in Alberta and in advancing the Alberta Chinese community, and honored him with the Order of Canada.
After his retirement, Brian continued to be active in the academic world, often travelling to China for lecture tours and conferences. His tireless research has produced two very well reviewed books, Pursuing China: Memoir of a Beaver Liaison Officer (2012) and The Remarkable Chester Ronning. Proud Son of China (2013), both published by University of Alberta Press. He was completing a book manuscript on the history of the Chinese in Alberta.
Two generations of Brian's students, colleagues, and many friends in Canada, China, and beyond, whether working in restaurant service, or in government, diplomacy, law, public service, and education, will miss his humor, warmth, and stimulating conversations. Each of us will treasure individual and shared moments with Brian, whose life consistently exemplified Mencius' Confucian way: "A person who loves others will always be loved by others, and a person who respects others will always be respected by others 愛人者、人恆愛之，敬人者、 人恆敬之" (Mencius 4B). Brian, rest in peace, love, and respect.
Written by Jennifer W. Jay
Professor, History & Classics, University of Alberta
February 16, 2016
According to Brian's wishes, there will be no funeral.
A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.