News & Events

LARRY EVANS August 4, 1943 - February 18, 2022

The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened to hear of the passing of Larry Evans of Neepawa, MB. Larry was a rural Associate Director for the MBHHF for many years. Our condolences to his family.

Larry Norman Evans

August 4, 1943-February 18, 2022

Left with many memories of Larry is his wife Nancy, the whole Hunter clan, the Kuculyms and many, many friends.

Larry is predeceased by his father Tony and mother Ann (nee Kuculym) .

Larry was born and raised in Neepawa. As an only child , he gathered up friends who are like brothers and sisters to this day.

His love of hockey began on outdoor rinks-the one Tony built in the back yard and countless others .He was a member of the Bantam BB club that won the Provincial championship in 1958, scoring winning goals in the first and third games. 

In 1960 Larry was playing with the Brandon Juveniles. Following this, he was in the Brandon Wheat King organization, the Flin Flon Bombers, and Weyburn Red Wings. He joined the Winnipeg Rangers in 1962.In the fall of 1964; he attended training camps with the New Haven Blades and the Charlotte Checkers of the Eastern Professional League. He ended his time with the New Jersey Devils farm team of the New York Rangers.

When Larry returned home, he joined the Neepawa Natives followed by the commercial league, the 39ers , and finally the NHL !(Neepawa Noonhour Hockey League)

A highlight was travelling to Russia with the Winnipeg Clubs, a once in a lifetime trip. Larry travelled 10 plus times to the World Senior Hockey Tournament in Santa Rosa California, always always the combination of competition and renewed friendships.

Larry joined Tony and Ann in the restaurant business. When the original Evans Drive In burned down, Larry convinced his parents to rebuild in 1971.The north west corner of Highways 5 and 16 always anchored the variety of businesses the Evans family developed over four decades : the bowling lanes (1962),the roller rink, banquet room, the Chalet 66 Restaurant later Mr Ribs as well as a variety of gas stations Pacific 66 and Petro Can.

Offering places for people to gather, to feel at home and welcome was at the heart of Larry's world. 

Of all the businesses, Larry loved the Bowling Alley best with his most special leagues being the Wednesday Night District League and his Touchwood Friday morning gang. 

Many young people started their work life at the Lanes: pin setting, loading drink machines, polishing the pins, working the till and cleaning. They learned how to work, to know they were needed, and after the job was done, there was time for a coke and chips, or a swim. 

The cottage Larry designed and help build at Lake Irwin was home base. Adding a pontoon boat and swimming pool drew family and friends to Larry, confident they were always welcome and there was always room for one more .

Larry was a member of the Neepawa Lions Club and of the St James Anglican church.

Larry's funeral service was held at NUASM church in Neepawa on Feb 24, 2022 with Father Chad McCharles presiding .Internment followed at Minnedosa Cemetery.

Donations in Larry's memory are to charity of your choice, Doctors Without Borders or the Beautiful Plains Foundation.