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John David Evans

1925 – 2012

  John Evans, of Sonoma, passed away peacefully on Dec. 19, 2012, at the age of 87 years.

  He was born July 9, 1925, in Rome, Italy, the son of William P. Evans and Olga Grace Bruns Evans. He was a graduate of Cheltenham College in England. He served in the RAF, completing his flight training in South Africa prior to the end of the war. After the war, John joined the Singer Sewing Machine Company in London as a shop mechanic. For the next 34 years, he traveled the world, predominantly in South America, working for Singer in various managerial capacities, retiring in 1986 as VP of Africa and the Middle East. Before moving to Sonoma in 1993, John spent the first seven years of retirement at his family home on Lake Como, Italy.

  While John resided in Sonoma, he was involved with the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation as treasurer as well as chairman of the Awards Committee. Although a British subject, he adored anything Italian and, gratefully, he was able to return to his homeland this past September.

 John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ernestine Hutchins Evans, of Sonoma; his four children, Olivia Yacukowicz (John); James Evans (Clare); Angela Vaughan (Brian) and W. Barrett Evans (Shanna); adored Nonno of Sarah and William Townsend; Katherine and Taylor Evans; Helena, Aidan, Devin and Quinn Vaughan; Grace, Allison, Margaret and Rachel Evans. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy (Ian) Forsyth, of London, England. He will be greatly missed by his niece, Linda Von Nida of Australia.

  John was preceded in death by his older brother, James Evans, who was killed in France during World War II.

 A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 275 E. Spain St., Sonoma. A private interment will be held in Rome at a later date.

 The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the charity of your choice.