We are saddened to announce that Gregory Thomas Evans, born on October 8th, 1945, passed away peacefully on April 12th, 2026. He will always be held dear by his family and friends, especially his children Jason (Lina), Tiffany, Melissa (Ralph O’Callaghan), Ryan and known as “Papa” to his grandchildren Elise, Lauren, Natasha, Cian and Ciara.
Gregory was the son of The Honourable Gregory T. Evans and Zita Evans (both have passed). He was born in Timmins, Ontario. He is survived by his siblings The Honourable John Evans (Sue), Dr. Rory Evans, Mary Edwards (The Honourable Mark Edwards), Kerry Evans (Julie), Brendan Evans (Sharon), Cathy Rae (David) and Erin Evans (Darlene). Sadly, he was preceded in death by his brother Thomas (Esther). He also appreciated the friendship of his late in-laws Ross and Marjory Faulkner and will be warmly remembered by Ron and Anne-Marie Faulkner, Audrey and Tom Henderson along with many nieces, nephews and cousins spread far and wide.
After finishing at O’Gorman High School, Gregory went on to get both an undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of Windsor. He joined the Ontario Bar in 1975 then made Orillia home with Colleen-the love of his life-who sadly passed on April 13th, 2016. Gregory loved practicing law deeply; over a long career spanning 45 years he advocated for many people across Simcoe County and Muskoka. He was first partner at Clarke, Zwicker, Sparks & Evans then at Zwicker, Evans & Lewis before finally joining HGR Graham. Up until the end he truly valued the professional relationships he built along the way. People will remember him for being kindhearted yet strong with generosity and compassion as well as how much he helped clients through tough times.
As a caring dad together with Colleen they built a home full of love, faith respect-and community spirit too. Their house or lakeside spot saw many joyful get-togethers filled with laughter showing their deep commitment to family ties that have lasted years now-and will keep going strong into what’s next. In his own words it was “a very fulfilling journey with greater blessings than I ever imagined”.
Gregory threw himself into giving back whenever possible-he believed in service above all else. He served on Guardian Angels Parish Council helped start Patrick Fogarty Secondary School taught part-time at Georgian College created a Trial Advocacy Program plus organized CBAO law days for high schoolers around Simcoe County too! A member of Knights of Columbus along with various local Canadian international legal groups – after seeing firsthand how well Hospice Simcoe cared for Colleen he played an important role helping create Mariposa House Hospice in Orillia sitting on its first Board of Directors as well. His commitment to community work really made a difference.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Guardian Angels Catholic Church located at 115 West Street N., Orillia starting at 1:30 pm on Wednesday April 22nd, 2026.
If you want to honor Gregory please consider donating instead of flowers to Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie Mariposa House Hospice or Hospice Simcoe also based in Barrie-all places that showed outstanding care compassion expertise during Greg’s health struggles these last few years especially during those final moments surrounded by family.
