The Old Timer - Posted - 10/23/2017:  07:24:31

Sad announcement this morning on Facebook from banjoist Bill Evans in California.

"I am so sorry to share the news that my wife Kathy McFarland Evans passed away in the embrace of family and friends on Sunday evening, October 22, 2017, after a long, brave, intense and difficult battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia that transpired over the last two and half years. Kathy taught kindergarten for almost twenty years at Cornell Elementary School in Albany, California.

Our two children, Jesse and Corey, and I appreciate the outpouring of love and support that we are already receiving. I know that for many of you, this is going to be sudden and unexpected news. I'm sorry that I can't call each of you to break this news to you in person.

Our family especially wants to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Stanford Cancer Center and Kaiser Permanente as well as those individuals who opened up their homes to our family for extended periods in the months after each transplant. I want to personally thank everyone who was involved with the September 2016 benefit concert for my family at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse. There is a long list of friends who helped us in many other ways these last 29 months. In retrospect, every act of kindness was so very welcomed and appreciated and needed by our family. We cherish every gesture and act of love you have shown us."

Brentk5s - Posted - 10/23/2017:  08:19:11

This is such a shame. We revel in the victory of survivors because, as this loss shows, how much is at stake. Cancer is brutal. 

tjolson81 - Posted - 10/23/2017:  08:25:47

Thanks for sharing. I hope Bill and his family find strength during this time. I've met Bill a few times at camps over the years and he's always been so kind to everyone. I hope his kindness is returned 10-fold in his time of need. My thoughts are with him and his children and loved ones.

chuckv97 - Posted - 10/23/2017:  08:39:32

Condolences to Bill and family

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/23/2017:  08:44:38

Bill,
Please accept our sympathies. She sounds like a wonderful giving person who left us much too young. You and your children will be in our prayers.
ken

kmwaters - Posted - 10/23/2017:  08:51:51

Sympathies to Bill and Family. Thoughts and prayers today.

kwl - Posted - 10/23/2017:  09:08:59

My sympathy and prayers go out to and for Bill's family. My your remembrance of Kathy be a blessing to you.

Mike Rowe - Posted - 10/23/2017:  09:26:48

I'm so sorry Bill.

RevSpyder - Posted - 10/23/2017:  09:33:34

Love & prayers...

jswkingsfield - Posted - 10/23/2017:  10:05:40

Many condolences to Bill, Corey & Jesse. Fair journeys to Kathy, who has had to leave much too soon.

Scout70 - Posted - 10/23/2017:  10:17:27

I am sorry for your loss. My condolences.

bevans - Posted - 10/23/2017:  10:20:34

Thank you all. I've found this thread and I'll be checking in when I can. Our family so greatly appreciates your friendship and support. The banjo community is a good place to be at times like these. All the best, Bill

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/23/2017:  11:00:17

I'm very sorry for your loss Bill. Prayers going up for you and your family.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/23/2017:  11:04:48

Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I can emphatise with you, as I lost my husband in January to cancer.   It's a terrible disease. 

saulsmanb - Posted - 10/23/2017:  11:20:13

Bill
I hope you and your family find and receive what you need.

Thoughts and prayers sent.
Brian Saulsman

DC5 - Posted - 10/23/2017:  11:37:49

Bill, very saddened for your loss. My deepest sympathy and wishes that you and your family find support and comfort in these times.

lyndabee - Posted - 10/23/2017:  13:55:37

Oh, Bill, sincerest condolences... I will "sing for her" this eve and wish you and your children as much comfort from your family and friends as the universe could possibly hold.

bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/23/2017:  14:27:03

So very sorry. Prayers sent.

Paulf - Posted - 10/23/2017:  14:40:58

Very sorry for you loss Bill and condolences to you and your family.

BTuno - Posted - 10/23/2017:  15:34:49

Sincere condolences, Bill and family. Peace and blessings to you.

Tim Purcell - Posted - 10/23/2017:  16:07:56

Condolences and prayers go out to Bill and his family.

Tim

Bob Murphy - Posted - 10/23/2017:  18:44:25

Prayers to you and your family in this most difficult time.

Bob

mdthib - Posted - 10/24/2017:  01:07:51

I'm truly sorry for your loss and glad you have been in such good hands in terms of care. Sharing the grief does help, I believe, and you're right that this is a community with true sympathy. We're glad you're here.

country frank - Posted - 10/24/2017:  03:22:04

Our deepest Condolences Bill, Corey and Jesse, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.

I have come to know Bill personally and regard him as a family friend.

He stayed with us on his frequent trips to London and was always the most wonderful company.

I am truly sorry Bill.

RB3WREATH - Posted - 10/24/2017:  05:30:02

Bill,

My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.


Joe Deetz

pickn5 - Posted - 10/24/2017:  05:32:39

Prayers and condolences for you and your family.

kevin chilton - Posted - 10/24/2017:  06:42:02

Prayers going up for you and your family.

rbfour5 - Posted - 10/24/2017:  07:11:41

Our sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family Bill. May peace and comfort find their way to you all.
Dean

Paul R - Posted - 10/24/2017:  07:21:58

Condolences on your and your family's loss, Bill. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Buddur - Posted - 10/24/2017:  18:14:00

Sorry to hear of this tragic loss to Bill and his family. My sincere condolences.

Timeless1952 - Posted - 10/24/2017:  18:43:51

Bill I'm so sorry to hear this. Just found out just a little while ago.

Take care of yourself Brother.

Kenny   

arnie fleischer - Posted - 10/24/2017:  18:56:21

Condolences on your loss, Bill.

banjoboyone - Posted - 10/24/2017:  20:24:21

Bill,

My heart goes out with deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family in your time of loss and mourning. Best wishes for continued health and prosperity of you, your children and the rest of your family.

kevin chilton - Posted - 10/25/2017:  06:37:17

I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers going up for you and your family.

steve davis - Posted - 10/25/2017:  08:25:59

Sincere condolences,Bill.

HickoryMike - Posted - 10/25/2017:  09:03:19

Sincerest condolences, Bill. You and your family remain in my thoughts.

Don Borchelt - Posted - 10/25/2017:  10:45:02

Been there, it's a hard thing. My deepest condolances.

- Don Borchelt

bellf - Posted - 10/25/2017:  14:36:24

I'm so sorry to hear of this terrible news, Bill. My condolences to you and your family.

mjmckeon - Posted - 10/25/2017:  21:41:51

Bill,
I'm so sorry for your loss.

RB00 - Posted - 10/28/2017:  11:44:24

I'm so very sorry to learn of this. Prayers to you and your family.

tacotommy - Posted - 10/28/2017:  12:48:28

Condolences and prayers. I met Mr Evans at a class he taught a few years back. Super nice guy.

jfb - Posted - 10/28/2017:  16:49:04

My empathy Bill
John Bowles

jimmypick - Posted - 10/28/2017:  18:01:58

Bill, So very for your loss.

Flameco - Posted - 10/28/2017:  22:54:30

Bill ,sorry to hear of your loss

Ebanjo - Posted - 10/29/2017:  14:04:54

Bill, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Eric Ellis

birdmanUK - Posted - 10/29/2017:  14:40:32

Bill, very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. It is so very hard to lose your life partner and the mother of your children. She will always be with you. Sending love and strength to you and your family from the UK,
Ian

Ag_econ_man - Posted - 10/30/2017:  12:53:08

Bill,

Condolences to you and your family.

Joe

Oldfingers - Posted - 10/31/2017:  11:25:53

My condolences to your family.

Wilmar - Posted - 10/31/2017:  12:43:33

I am saddened to hear this news. Best wishes for The Evans family.