From Evan's Family: Evan Craig O'Donnell, the eldest son of Fred and Janice O'Donnell, was born on Labour Day, 23rd October 1967. He was named Evan after his great Grandparents. Their surname was Evans, and they did not have any sons. Right from a very young age, Evan was always on the go. When he was two years old, he decided that he was going to be a road sweeper, so out he went with the broom. Fortunately the neighbour saw what was about to happen, and returned him safely back inside the gate. As a little boy, Evan loved to sing, right from when he first learned to talk. One of his favorite songs was the Hymn "Oh it must be the breaking of the day". Evan especially loved the chorus, and at times could be heard throughout the church congregation, expressing the "Oh" with a great deal of joyful emphasis. In his younger days, Evan enjoyed being a member of the Pathfinder club. ("Pathfinders" is a Christian-based children's club, similar to Scouts.) As he grew older, Evan served as a Counselor, helping other young children in the club with their activities. Evan attended the Christchurch Seventh-day Adventist School for his Primary education. For his Secondary School years, he attended the Papanui High School. While at High School, Evan engaged in work experience that introduced him to farming, and also, to working in a bakery. His two special teachers were Miss Doble and Mrs Val Mitchell now Ferris. Both of these ladies helped and encouraged Evan in many ways during his younger years. Evan also valued the friendship of Pastors Kyrill Bland, Bob Larsen, and Rob Granger. These men often encouraged Evan with caring and practical advice and friendship during his teenage years and into his youth, and subsequently stayed in touch. Evan held these men in high regard. Over the years, Evan has had a great fascination for Bibles. He has collected many versions. Evan loved his Lord and knew that He was near. Evan's first farming job was located in Hinds with Wayne Keller. Wayne was amazed at Evan's ability to remember each cow's name and number. He always knew when one was missing. Wayne has since been a constant friend to Evan. When Wayne moved up to the North Island, Evan later followed and worked for him up there. After this, Evan worked on Farms in Tokoroa and around the Hamilton and Cambridge districts. Then he felt the need for change and worked a few years for Bakers Delight in Hamilton. After some time, Evan returned to farming again, but unfortunately his health failed and he became rather ill. With his father also unwell, Evan decided to return home in 2001. After regaining his health, Evan obtained work with Bakers Delight in Christchurch. After a time, Evan advertised for relief milking work, and soon began working part-time for Paula and Ian Mayer, while also carrying on as a baker. In June 2003 the Mayer's moved to Barrytown, on the West Coast, to take up farming over there, and Evan was delighted to be invited to join in and work for them over there. Evan felt very much like part of the family. For Evan, this would have been the happiest six months of his life. Evan died on the farm, while walking the cows up the beach, doing just what he loved to do.