Evan Shick

All who knew Evan Shick would agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he was. He was vivacious, vibrant, and full of life and the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and there was nothing that he cherished more than becoming a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to the generations who will carry on his timeless legacy. If you knew Evan, you most certainly were known to him as Maynard as this was his affectionate name for everyone he met. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, he created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Despite the challenges around them, Evan and Glennice (Lee) Shick were focused on a time of great anticipation in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Vicksburg, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1932. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Evan Lee drew his first breath. He was delivered by Dr. Gilding, which would prove to be quite fateful later in his life. Evan was the older of two children in his family and was raised alongside his brother, Ronald. His father worked at the paper company while his mother worked at a manufacturer in Schoolcraft. Evan attended local schools and went on to graduate from Vicksburg High School in 1952.

Not to be forgotten during his formative years was Evan’s introduction to a girl named Margot Gilding, who stole his heart. Evan previously had gone to a country schoolhouse for his earlier schooling. Evan and Margot met for the first time as they were both entering the 7th grade, they didn’t start dating until their senior year in high school. Evan and Margot continued dating and over time, they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the sweethearts were married on April 28, 1953, at the rectory of St. Edwards, which is now St. Martin of Tours, in Vicksburg just prior to Evan entering into the Korean Conflict It was just seven days later that he left. While in the military he served as a medic on the front lines.

Throughout his life there was nothing of greater significance to Evan than his family. Together he and his wife welcomed two children, Suellen and Evan Joseph “E.J” into their hearts and home. To support his family, Evan worked at Consumers Power for 34 years before retiring. His retirement years looked a bit different than most since he was asked to return as a contract inspector. Evan did end up doing this for several years before completely retiring.

As his family and friends can attest, Evan was always doing something. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who also enjoyed woodworking. Evan’s favorite place to be was at the casino, and he could often be found at Yogi’s shooting the breeze with his buddies over coffee. In fact, he was a regular member of the Yogi’s Club at the round table every day at 1:45. Evan also met with a group of his buddies from Consumers once a month at the Old County Buffet. Margot always called Evan a social butterfly in the community since she knew that if he was going out for a loaf of bread, she better kiss him and say good bye as she never knew how long he would be gone! Summers where primarily spent at Wilkenson Lake near Delton, and they also spent winters traveling to Florida and Arizona. Evan enjoyed visiting with friends and acquaintances who are shut-ins as often as he could. He loved sports and watching games, especially when he was watching his grandchildren play. Evan loved being a grandfather to his four amazing grandsons, and things only got better when six great-grandchildren came along. A collector of many things, he had quite an impressive collection of steins and old bottles. Evan was an avid gardener, he loved to work in it. He was always proud of his tomatoes. Evan enjoyed nature and found pleasure in watching birds and feeding them.

Funny, strong, and deeply loving, Evan Shick was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a passionate man who was willing to work hard, but he played hard, too. No one ever came to see Evan without seeing him in his barn, and everyone called him his favorite name, Maynard. A dear man to many, he will be forever missed.

Evan Lee Shick, of Vicksburg, died on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Evan’s family includes his wife, Margot; daughter: Suellen (Dave) Lane, of Portage; four grandsons: David (Jennifer) Lane, of Portage; Brendan (Samantha) Lane, of Vicksburg; Christopher (Katie) Lane, of Mattawan; Evan Lane, of Portage; six great grandchildren; brother: Ronald (Gwendolyn) Shick, of Marne and his beloved nieces and nephews. Evan was preceded in death by his son, Evan Joseph “E.J” Shick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 9th at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends on Thursday starting at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Please visit Evan’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697).