Evelyn Florence (Ward) Dalton
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Evelyn Florence (Ward) Dalton on June 20th, 2009. Born December 21, 1922 she is predeceased by her husband Robert, Sister Dorothy, Brother Edward. She will be missed by her two children Daughter Carol (Gary); Son Ken (Rosemary), and six wonderful grandchildren Jason, Janice, Kyle, Emma, Wendy, Amanda great grandchildren Kenley and Bailey and many nieces and nephews, loving family and friends.
Evelyn’s career as a dancer and teacher to young people began in the 1940’s and lasted more than 60 years. Her passion for the arts will never be forgotten. Born and raised in Vancouver, she majored in education at UBC and has been a member of the Lions Club since 1959. In May 2003 it was proclaimed to be “Evelyn Ward Day” in the city of Vancouver. A strong and independent woman she never lost her smile, sense of humor or love for children. A special thanks for all who cared for her at the Lions Den ADC.
We wish to remember and celebrate her life at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby, B.C., Saturday, June 27, 2009 @ 1:00 p.m. A reception at Adanac Towers will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You may offer condolences to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
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She was a sweet lady, and so polite and gentle.
It must have been a pleasure to have her as a teacher,
as dancing was her passion
It was a privilege to have known her..
To the Ward Family: My name is Patty Neibel (Sanzalone). From l948 until l963 I took dance lessons at the Evelyn Ward Academy of Dance. I also taught dance on Saturdays for Evelyn in the early l960’s. My Mother, Father, and Grandparents knew the Wards. (Gladys Sanzalone, Nicky Sanzalone, Jimmy and Joanna Sanzalone). Our family lived quite close to the Wards. I was fortunate to have seen Evelyn a few years ago, whan a party was held in her honour.I believe it was held in the party room of the building she resided in. Also Evelyn and Bob attended my 50th birthday party l4 years ago.I will always have fond memories of Evelyn. I believe she taught me self-confidence and gave me the opportunity to involve myself in teaching dance, which eventually led to me becoming a school teacher, and now a Principal for the Vancouver School Board. I do regret that I have not seen Evelyn for the last few years. I wish to send my deepest sympathy to Carol and Ken and the rest of the Family. She was indeed a very special person and will be greatly missed. Unfortunately I am leaving on the morning of June 27th, to atend a conference in Atlanta so I will not be able to attend the memorial. Could I ask a special favour? If a group of Evelyn’s former pupils make plans to get together to celebrate Evelyn’s life and career, could this email address be given to them so that I could be informed? I know there are many former pupils and their parents who hold Evely Ward in very high esteem. Sincerely, Patty Neibel (pneibel@vsb.bc.ca
It is with a very sad heart that we extend our deepest sympathy to Evelyne’s family.
I had the pleasure of first meeting Evelyne almost 30 years ago. I had called her one day to ask about dancing lessons for myself, which was the start of what was to be a very long friendship with Evelyne, Bob and Carol. After a couple years of lessons I asked Evelyne about training me to teach dance classes. She was such a wonderful teacher and was gracious in allowing me to live on-site for almost 2 years at the studio on Hastings Street during that training period. Even after a full day of teaching classes, she was never too tired to spend another hour or so with me.
How incredible it was to open my living room door into the studio where I could practice day and night to my heart’s content, and with many hours of instruction, eventually found myself teaching classes to very young children as well as teens and adults.
What fun those days were. Evelyne in one room teaching, Carol in another and finally I was holding classes or covering for Evelyne when she and Bob went to camp at Birch Bay.
Evelyne was more than just a great dance teacher. She was my confidante, my best friend and second mother. With both of us living on studio property, we became very close and even after I discontinued dancing, I welcomed the chance to attend every recital until the studio officially closed, working behind stage with the students, mothers and sets.
That was such a great experience for me as well as so many others. I could never understand how Evelyne could remember each child’s name, as well as the parents’ names, year after year, with so many eager dancers passing through the studio doors. It seems like only yesterday.
And then there was the reunion of Evelyne’s students on May 25th, 2003, where she received a Proclamation from Mayor Larry Campbell marking that day as ‘Evelyne Ward Day’. What fun all the students and teachers had, all of us getting together to celebrate such a special day. Now here it is June, a time for recitals. A time to reflect on all the exciting June’s we spent together, one large family gathered together to end the year with the ‘joy of dance’.
To all of us who were in some way touched by Evelyne’s warmth, strength and energy, may we remember all the happiness she brought into our lives. May Evelyne’s family hold on to those precious memories, and somehow manage to carry on with her in their hearts.
Now Bob and Evelyne are reunited, and I’m sure that Evelyne will waste no time entering heaven’s gates in order to teach her first dance class in heaven.
Our deepest sympathy to the family and love forever to a very, very special person who will be dearly missed.
Barbara (Fox) and Trevor Smallwood
Naramata, BC
My dance costumes still hang in my closet: a homemade pink cowgirl costume, an Irish vest, an yellow Evelyn Ward jacket, a vintage sequin body suit, feathers, spandex, fringe and sparkle. These are keepsakes from my childhood that I’ve always treasured. Memories of blinding stage lights, bright make-up, butterflies in my tummy, and the bond only dancers can have with one another.
I was a dance student and instructor at the Evelyn Ward Academy of Dance from 1990 to 1997. Always running a tight ship in the studio, Evelyn showed us with loving care and sometimes a little tough love, how to not only become dancers but true performers. A true redhead, Evelyn had a firey temper and wasn’t afraid to let us have it if we weren’t behaving.
She gave me my first job ever as one of her flock of dance teachers. Every Saturday I’d start early in the morning and end in the late afternoon, spending the entire day in black leotards and dance shoes with tiny dancers. All for the love of this art form!
From ballet to acro to tap to jazz to lyrical, the studio was always swarming with dancers, aged tot to teen. Countless generations of dancers developed their skills and passion for dance through Evelyn. She was a mentor to many people both in the performance world and the community.
I’m saddened by her passing and I send heartfelt condolences to her family, especially to Carol and Janice who I knew so well during my time at the studio.
Thank you Evelyn for dedicating your life to your passion and for inspiring me to dance like no one was watching. I’ll always remember you fondly and I know that you’re up in Heaven singing a show tune or two.
On behalf of all the members of the Vancouver East Lions Club- we grieve the loss of Lion Evelyn. She was always dedicated, cheerful and helpful to our club and our endeavours.
Our President Jacky and all members of the club offers our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family
Josephine Lee
Secretary
Vancouver East Lions Club.
I had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful lady at the Lion’s Den Adult Day Centre. Evelyn was a positive and inspirational role model for healthy aging. She continued teaching Tap Dancing to seniors at the centre long after her official retirement. This was fun and a priviledge for those who participated – she never lost her sense of humour,love of social activity and her love of teaching others. Always engaging, Evelyn had a sparkle in her eye and an enthusiasm which was infectious. Her friends,students and the staff at the centre will miss her so much,as will the Vancouver East Lion’s Club; Evelyn was a member for many years. Our loving thoughts and sincere condolences to the family – we treasure all the great times we spent with your mother.
It was 1946, I was six and had broken my elbow. After several months and casts and still no mending of bones, the doctor advised my mother to search out some form of excercise. Not much to choose from in those days! But she heard about a new thing called baton twirling and that was my introduction to the Evelyn Ward Academy of Dance originally located just west of Nanaimo on Hastings Street. Success! Along with Bev, Karen, Joanne, Deanna, Pamela, Lani and myself, we won many awards for Evelyn’s studio.
Through my many years involved with BC’s and Canadians, I will always remember the friendly rivalry between Evelyn and her former students who went on to form competitive corps. She will always remain in my heart – my first baton, tap and ballet teacher .
A special lady who touched so many lives – my sympathies to her family.
Evelyn was a big part of my life. She guided me and gave me strength and the passion to dance for 21 years. She will be missed but never forgotten.
She always taught me to never give up and keep going until I reached my goal. Even if it meant sprained ankles.
I will miss her dearly.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Carol, Janice and the entire family.
To the family of Evelyn (Ward) Dalton
My condolences on your loss. My congratulations for having such
a notable citizen of Vancouver as a relative.
I am one of hundreds (maybe thousands!) of girls who passed
through the Evelyn Ward School of Dance. From the age of six in 1947 to twelve, when we moved away, the highlight of every week was taking the Renfrew bus down to dance class, and the highlight of every year was the recital, the costumes and music, and the follow up shows at the Kitsilano Showboat.
I am grateful to Evelyn for those stored-up happy memories and
experiences. Saddened I never thought to express gratitude as
an adult for what she created in my young life.
Best wishes from Marilyn Chrystal
Dear Carol: So sorry on the death of Aunte MAME Your dad and your wonderful mom. You gave us such joy those many years ago.Thank you so much. I still remember your wonderful red hair.
I danced with Evelyn for all of my childhood. My fondest memories are spending every Saturday watching cartoons as I got ready for 4 hours of dance class and spending most of my day at the studio with my classmates.
She recognized my potential and gave me the freedom to reach my full potential even when my family could no longer afford dance lessons. She let us take lessons for free for both me and my sister for a whole year. She was very generous.
I remember Bob too; i can still remember his voice. He was so sweet.
She brought so much joy to her dancers, the parents, and the people watching; whether is was at Kits show boat, PNE, a parade, or at the several nursing homes we performed at.
Thank you Evelyn for all that you’ve done for all of us. Your dedication and love for dance will always be remembered.