Donald (Donnie) Lee Evans, 69, was born on June 20, 1954, and passed on October 29, 2023, surrounded by family. His mother, Elizabeth Newman welcomed him home to heaven on the same day she went 13 years prior. Donnie was born to Thomas Evans and Elizabeth Newman of Rampart. He was born and raised in Rampart but was taken in and loved in so many different communities along the Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers, from Hughes to Beaver to Tanana to Minto and on.
Growing up Donnie lived a subsistence lifestyle of hunting and fishing. He was an avid hunter and even in his last days as he was hospitalized, he talked about going out in the woods to hunt as soon as he got out. Even in his older age, he would climb to the tippy top of a tree to scout for moose. His heart problems were discovered while he was busy putting away moose, but it didn’t phase him. Every village welcomed him with open arms, especially the children. He had a huge heart and love for babies and babies loved him. He was everyone’s Papa Donnie.
Everyone who knew Donnie knew him for his lovable but extremely mischief spirit. When he had his first grandbaby Makellis he said, “Welp, I guess I better grow up now.” He was described as Rampart’s traditional man and was happy to pass along the traditions he learned from Hughes to his Rampart fam.
He was an operator in the Teamsters’ Union for 40 years. After he retired, he still couldn’t sit still, constantly working on something. He made use of his time by getting his grandson Makellis from school every day for an entire school year. He got him his McDonald’s and brought him to his house every day instead of daycare. He spoiled all his babies rotten.
Donnie was survived by his daughter, Marina (Francis) Sweetsir; grandchildren Mason, Makellis, Malachi, and Marrik Sweetsir, Leela, Freya, Carter and Eve; significant other Nancy Ambrose; mother-in-law Rita Koyukuk; siblings Ada Jordan, Ronnie Evans (Jennifer), Elaine Evans (Jim), David Evans (Gina), Boots (Denise) Newman, Doll (Milton) Moses, Sheila (Bill) Justice, Eileen (Dave) Whitmer, John (Kelly) Newman; special niece Cookie Monster Til Beetus; good friends Eddie Wiehl, Eddie Vent, and Ron Walker; favorite uncle Pete Evans; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends near and far.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Evans; sons Greg and Todd Evans; parents Elizabeth Newman and Thomas Evans; father-in-law William Koyukuk; siblings Florence and Tommy Evans; and numerous family members and friends before him.
The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers received during this difficult time. A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 4th in Fairbanks with funeral, burial, and traditional potlatch on November 7th in Hughes.
