Ignatius Aloysius Joseph Evers

 

Born the second child of Albert and Mary (Hermens) Evers, June 21 1918, Ignatius grew up as the eldest of 14 children as his older sister Anna only lived a few weeks. Their Catholic faith, and Visitation parish was as much an integral part of the family events as the dairy farm. He was an altar server, a Catholic Order of Foresters member and 4-H from an early age.

 

He joined the National Guard, along with this cousin, Ernie Kreiger, just before graduating from Verboort High School in 1936. He was activated with the 41st division prior to Pearl Harbor and trained at Fort Lewis, being sent to the Pacific in early 1942 on the Queen Elizabeth. He returned to US soil as the Japanese accepted the Potsdam Declaration and was discharged at Fort Lewis on 17 Aug 1945. After recovering malaria and starting his family he rejoined the National Guard serving for a total of 28 years.

 

Shortly after returning home from the war, he was smitten by Marcella DeClerck. Deciding to get married and knowing the importance of family they headed to Minnesota. Nash's mom, Mary Evers was prompted by his aunt, Rose Hermens to join them for the ceremony. With many family attending they were married on Tuesday August 24, 1948. They then loaded up the new Buick, just purchased from the factory, and returned on their honeymoon. In addition to Mary and Rose, Marcella's mother, Mary, joined them in the Buick making for many exciting times as they traveled west through the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Parks back to Oregon.

 

Family and church continued an important part of Marcella and Ignatius's life. Working on his father's EVERMAY dairy farm, they rebuilt the "honeymoon shack" located on Hwy 47 for their first home and started a family. Their first child, Linda died during birth but was followed by Sandra, Kellen and Cary. In 1959 they moved to a 20 acre farm on Martin Rd and were subsequently blessed with Kevin and Shirley.

 

Nash worked maintenance for Tektronix Inc for over 30 years while continuing as a National Guardsman until 1978 when he retired as a MSGT. Along with many relatives and church members, Marcie and Nash used the ideals of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) as their community cornerstone. They set up a National Rifle Association Youth Marksmanship program giving untold hours so safety would be the priority while fun could be had at the same time. Both young and old smile as they recall COF summer picnics, Christmas parties with Santa and movie nights at "the hall".

 

In 1984, when many were thinking of retirement Nash, Marcie and their son, Cary met daily with others to pray and attend Mass for the children whose lives were ended by abortion. They continued the daily vigil no matter where they were, or what else had to be done, even when traveling. An avid reader, Nash would always find interesting facts about any area, and then put them to use, saving a bell dedicated to the Americans in Germany and sharing ideas about using round-abouts.

 

Their home was always open to others with the farm providing adventure and learning experiences galore. There was always a baby animal around, and plenty of county and state fair prize winning apples, pears, garlic, and rhubarb to share. Many called him Pa and Grandpa.

 

Nash has left behind eight grandchildren and, seven (almost eight) great-grandchildren: Sandy and Dave Scott's daughter, Teresa who is stationed in Germany with her husband Zachary Crampton and son Russell from Redmond WA; Kelly and Cheryl's son, Jeremy and Mary Jo Evers with their sons Evan and Aiden from Ontario, OR and daughter Krista with her husband Sean Rusaw and Adara and Cole with one on the way from West Hartford CT; Kevin's son, Albert and Christina with Gunner, Isabella and Milania from Woodburn OR, daughter Amanda and her husband Quentin Biller from Castle Rock, WA, son Augustus and his wife Andrea from Hillsboro, OR and daughter Abigail from Gaston, plus many, many nieces and nephews, cousins and others Nash considered family.

 

The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to Oregon Right to Life, 4335 River Road North, Keizer, OR 97303; or Our Lady of Peace Retreat, 3600 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, in his memory.