Jack Evans, father of UNE Physiology, dies aged 84

April 13, 2007

One of the pioneering academics who helped Professor Bill McClymont achieve his vision for the now world-renowned Rural Science program at the University of New England, Emeritus Professor Jack Evans, died on Wednesday 11 April aged 84.

Many Armidale residents of today would recognise Professor Evans as a bearded, quietly sociable man who cut a striking figure despite being confined, in his final years, to an electric scooter. But few would know of the legacy he left UNE.

A New Zealand-born veterinarian, Jack Evans (pictured here) was appointed Associate Professor of Physiology in the Faculty of Rural Science in 1957. He was responsible for setting up the Physiology Department’s facilities and courses after its creation in 1960 and was appointed to the Chair in Physiology in 1964, receiving a Doctor of Science degree from UNE in 1965. Excepting a short break, he remained Head of Department of Physiology until 1982 and was, for a time, Dean of Science.

The creation of the Rural Science program and Department of Physiology established degrees offered at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD levels. The program celebrated its 50th anniversary – and the achievements of its more than 1,500 graduates – when around 150 alumni attended celebrations on the UNE campus in September last year.

Dr Richard Passey, a former Senior Lecturer in Biochemsitry, Sub-Dean of Science, and Master of Wright College, worked alongside Professor Evans during those formative years. "We all agreed we wanted what McClymont wanted for Rural Science," Dr Passey said, "but we disagreed often on what was the best way to achieve it. Jack Evans always expressed his views strongly. Sometimes we agreed and sometimes we didn't, but no one ever pulled rank. He was honest, upright and honourable. He was a very good person."

After his retirement, the University honoured Jack Evans by making him an Emeritus Professor. He went on to pursue his interest in mohair goat breeding, becoming Inaugural President of the Goat Industry Council of Australia in 1988. In 1996 he and his wife Jean moved into a house in Armidale, while maintaining his cherished goat herd on 80 ha of rural property.

He leaves behind his wife Jean and children John and Lynleigh Evans and Christine Hanbury-Brown. The funeral will take place on Saturday 14 April at 10.30 am at Piddington’s Chapel, Uralla Road, Armidale.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at April 13, 2007 03:08 PM