Nanaimo’s Archdeacon Brian Evans given federal honour for veteran work

Evans, 75, has since retired from the Diocese of British Columbia for the Anglican Church of Canada, after spending his last few years presiding at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Duncan.

He still attends local legions and continues his work with local Mounties, as well as assisting in the Nanaimo Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Evans (Right in white) has helped lead Nanaimo’s Remembrance Day ceremonies at Dallas Square Park since 2006. Photo from 2025. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He said the most important part of his work is being a comforting and confidential listener.

“They have stories, traumatic stories, they don’t feel free to share in public, or that lots of people in the public may not understand, but my job is not to judge those stories but take care of them and give them the opportunity, a place to share the issues that have affected their lives through their service.”

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Evans began volunteering at the Tisdale legion before moving to Yorkton, where he first served as chaplain.

He credits his community-minded parents for encouraging him to volunteer early in his life, a path he’s followed ever since.

“In many ways it’s quite humbling, but in other ways, it really was a big honour. It’s a real honour to be recognized, because it’s not something that you do to receive recognition, it’s something that is my contribution to my community, then to receive that accommodation, that recognition, is really a high honour.”

He said he plans to be at Dallas Square Park in downtown Nanaimo for this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony, a highlight of his duties.

“I’m always impressed by the large crowd that comes out to support our veterans, and how that has increased over the years. One of the parts of that ceremony that I always appreciate is watching our youth organizations join the veterans and offer their thanks and their appreciation.”

Evans was one of 18 Canadians given the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation this year, awarded to those “who have contributed to the well-being of Veterans and who keep the memory of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements alive,” according to the nomination page.

More information on the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation can be found here.

The commendation includes a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian clothes, and a bar to wear with decorations on formal clothing during appropriate events. (Image Credit: The Government of Canada)

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by Jordan Davidson

Nanaimo’s Archdeacon Brian Evans given federal honour for veteran work

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