Richmond couple to be honoured at annual Alzheimer's walk

Next month, two Richmondites will be honoured at the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Richmond.

Kim Evans and her late husband, Jack Evans, will be the honourees at the fundraising event at Hugh McRoberts secondary on Sunday, May 5.

Described as “two peas in a pod,” the Evans were known as “outgoing and social, gregarious hand-shakers,” active in their community.

As a couple, they loved meeting new people, and when they were alone, never had a fight.

When asked about her favourite memories of her husband, Evans could only narrow it down to “every day” of their 26-year marriage.

“I think soul mate is an over-used term, but we really were in sync,” she said.

When Jack - a fit man who spent his life playing sports, including slow pitch for Canada for several years - was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Evans went through a period of denial and frustration, before reaching out for help.

She eventually contacted Krista Frazee, Alzheimer Society of B.C. regional manager for Vancouver-Richmond.

“Krista was graceful and incredibly empathetic,” added Evans, who doesn’t have family in Vancouver for support.

“She said, ‘This is what’s going to happen, here’s what you can do and you’re not alone’.”

If you are living with dementia or know someone else who is, you can show your support for them by registering for one of the 21 IG Wealth Management Walks for Alzheimer’s, which takes places in Richmond at McRoberts at 9 a.m. on May 5.

The event provides an opportunity to remember or honour people in our lives who have been touched by dementia, while fundraising to support those living with the disease today.

For a limited time, people who fundraise in support of this event can make twice the difference.

For every gift made online at WalkForAlzheimers.ca before April 14, an extremely generous donor has pledged to match donations up to a total of $100,000.

For more information, email [email protected].