Hugh Lusty Evans

Hugh Lusty Evans

1937 ~ 2023

Hugh L. Evans, 86, passed away on November 9, 2023 after a long and healthy life. He was lovingly known by others as Dad, Pops, Gramps, Grandpa Hugh, Grandpa Great, Uncle Hugh, Coach Evans, and sometimes even “Mister Evans”. Hugh is the oldest child of 11 to Ardon Baird and Ruth (Lusty) Evans born June 3, 1937 in Roosevelt, Utah.

Hugh graduated from Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah in 1955. He was looking forward to his 70th HS Reunion of which he planned to help organize. Following high school, Hugh attended Brigham Young University. Before graduating, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Central Atlantic States mission, with a large portion of his service in Virginia.  After his mission, he resumed his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in manufacturing engineering from Brigham Young University in 1963. While attending BYU he met Sandra Joan Hayes. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on May 24, 1962.

The young couple began their family just prior to graduation, and soon after followed his professional career in sales engineering. Hugh worked in California and Utah in machinery sales before becoming the owner of Todd Machinery in Salt Lake City until retirement in 1995. When Hugh retired, he shifted his focus to coaching runners in cross country and track & field at numerous schools including BYU, Brighton HS, Lone Peak HS, Riverton HS, and Utah Valley University. 

In addition to his professional and coaching careers, Hugh served faithfully in several positions during his life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, including Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, and Ward Mission leader.  In the latter years of his life, he found much joy in serving as a temple worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

Outdoor activities were a favorite of Hugh’s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing in the High Uintas, backpacking, gardening and working on the farm in Bridgeland. He also loved to run, bicycle, play racquetball, and watch athletic events, most notably BYU football and basketball.

Most of all, Hugh faithfully loved his wife, Joan, of 61 years of marriage, and their 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Hugh is preceded in death by his parents Ardon and Ruth, siblings Clara, Edwin, Baird (Alison), Ann, Fred (Angie), Laird (Karen) and grandson Lucas Hugh Evans. He is survived by his wife, Joan and his 7 children: David (Alicia), Amy (Bart), Carlie, Sandra (Mike Z), Mike (Emily), Deborah (Scott), and Dan (Stephanie).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in the Moyle Park Ward Chapel at 1125 East Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, Utah 84004. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the church on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. prior to the funeral service.

We love you, Dad!