It is with deep regret, that we report the passing of members of our Rotary family. Our Rotary Clubs and club members in District 7070 know that they will be sorely missed, but their lives and memories will last forever.......
ELGIN EVANS COUTTS - Rotary Club of Toronto
In his 102nd year, Elgin Evans Coutts passed away at The Briton House Retirement Centre on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. He is survived by his cherished wife and best friend of 74 years, Helen (née Muttart) and his loving children Don (Nora), and Peter (Kathie). Also left to grieve is Kathie’s daughter, Kerry (Eric) and their children Christian and Ava. Elgin was predeceased by his parents, Richard Alexander and Mary Alberta (née Hetherington), his brothers Robert and Carmen, his sister Norma and his infant son Alan. After receiving his elementary and secondary education in Wingham, Ontario, Elgin joined the RCAF in 1940 and served as a pilot in the 162 Squadron. Upon his discharge in 1945 as Flight Lieutenant, Elgin enrolled in law school at Osgoode Hall, graduating in 1949. He practiced law with Donald Carrick and later with the firm Coutts, Crane. Elgin was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1962 and retired in June, 2009, after a distinguished career of 60 years. Elgin was actively involved in the Rotary Club of Toronto and was a Past President as well as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Just weeks before his 59th birthday, he bicycled from Toronto to Prince Edward Island. He travelled 1,800 kilometres in just 11 days, and he was pleased to raise funds for Rotary.
Elgin was a charter member and Trustee of Northlea United Church and served on the Board and on several committees. He was a member of many other organizations, including The Royal Canadian Military Institute, Fort York Branch 165 of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Granite Club. We will miss Elgin’s quick wit, his thoughtful insights and his remarkable memory. He possessed a quiet faith, an unwavering devotion to his family and a genuine interest in the people around him. In his senior years, Elgin lost his sight. Undaunted, he continued to work in his law practice and, characteristically, never complained about this handicap. His life represented a wonderful example of integrity, humility and service to the community.
The family is grateful to the nursing staff at The Briton House and to all of Elgin’s caregivers, each of whom added to his health and happiness over the years.
The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13th. A memorial service will be held at Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd., Toronto on Saturday, September 14th at 11:00 a.m.
Elgin’s family graciously declines flowers, but would appreciate memorial donations to The Rotary Club of Toronto (Philanthropic Fund), 100 Front St. W., H - Level, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3 or to Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd., Toronto, ON M4G 3Y7. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. Arrangements under the direction of the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, Toronto, 1-800-616-3311.
From the Rotary Club of Toronto:
We regret to announce the passing of Past President, Elgin Evans Coutts Q.C. on Wednesday August 7, 2019. He was a member of The Rotary Club of Toronto for a remarkable 53 years, first joining in 1966 and serving as President of the Club in the 1974/1975 year. He was a Paul Harris/William Peace Award recipient and eloquently spoke to our Club on many occasions in the past. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Club in 2009. Among his many accomplishments he is remembered for bicycling from Toronto to Prince Edward Island to raise money for The Rotary Laughlen Centre and for many years was one of the famous Blue Mountain Chefs. His wife Helen was a President and active member of the Inner Wheel.
Elgin Coutts founded the law firm Coutts Crane seventy years ago and he promoted, encouraged and mentored four additional Rotary Presidents from his firm, Ronald A Crane, Robert O'Brien, Michele Guy and our current President Kevin Power.
He passed away peacefully at home 24 days short of his 102nd birthday with his beloved wife of 74 1/2 years by his side. The family is making arrangements for a memorial service with details to follow and to be announced. An in memoriam will be held in the near future at a Friday Rotary lunch and we will keep you informed as to the date.
The Club's condolences are extended to Helen, sons Don and Peter and his legal partners and staff at Coutts Crane.
Arch Evans - Rotary Clubs of Port Perry and Markham
Archibald F. "Arch" Evans - Age 80, of Port Perry, Ont. and formerly of Chester, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 5, 2019 in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan. Born in Chester, he was a son of the late Arthur and Eva (McCully) Evans. Arch was very active within the Rotary Club in Port Perry and Markham, and was the recipient of two Paul Harris Awards. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Durant) Evans; his children, Todd Evans (Heather), Wakefield, Que.; Lori Hagglund (Curt), Markham, Ont.; Lisa Evans (Rob Beaudoin), Pickering, Ont.; sister, Caroline Caseley (Bill), Bridgewater; grandchildren, Anna, Katie, Emily, Ellen, Erica, Luke, Rochelle, Evan, Amy; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Milton Colpitts and Gordon Colpitts. Funeral service was be held Saturday, August 10th at in St. Marks Anglican Church, Moose River, Rev. Tory Byrne officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Arrangements entrusted to Smith's Funeral Home, Parrsboro. Online condolences at: www.smithsfuneralhome.com
From the Rotary Club of Port Perry:
A great man was lost on Monday evening. Arch Evans was a huge supporter of our community and beyond. He dedicated his life to helping others, and was the most sincere and caring person you could ever meet. Arch was a Rotarian for many years, first in the Markham club, and an integral part of the Port Perry club since 2009. He was loved by everyone he met. At every Rotary meeting, he would go around the room and would make sure to greet every single person with a handshake or a hug, welcoming them to Rotary. If a member hadn't been to a meeting for awhile, Arch would either call them or go see them in person - just to see how they were doing. Arch never had a negative thing to say about anyone, quite the opposite, he always had a smile and a gleam in his eye. The loss felt by the members in our club is huge. This loss reverberates among all the people that have been lucky enough to have this man in their lives. Our Club is a family. And Arch was a huge part of our family that will be so sadly missed. His legacy will live on for all of us. We will make sure that it does.