A strong handshake; a broad smile; a good man. If you had the privilege to know Evan, you appreciated how he brought lightness and laughter as soon as he was in your presence.  Evan had a knack for getting the most out of everything; and, he was not shy to tell you what he thought.

Evan was taken from us way too soon at the young age of 34.  He was raised in Springfield, MO, until he moved to Colorado for college.  Evan grew up loving the outdoors; camping, hiking, and canoeing in the Ozarks.  Evan was a Boy Scout and started with traditional sports, but quickly educated us he was far more talented; mountain bikes, motorcycles, rock climbing, snowboarding, white water rafting, better suited his life. To follow those passions, he made the move to Colorado.

Evan earned his bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource Management, and a minor in Forestry. While earning his degree he drilled oil in California, was a white water rafting guide, a ski instructor and worked at the Jacob Center. It was at the Jacob Center, Evan worked with at-risk youth and mentored young children. Through Evan, many children received personal attention and love, that they otherwise may not have received. After graduation, he began his work with forestry in 2014, as a Forestry Technician. His current rank is Squad Leader, as a member of the San Juan National Forest’s Columbine Fire Module. Evan was on assignment in Mississippi at the time of his death.

Evan was the ultimate big brother and was proud to hold that title. If there was a dispute, he tackled it head on, with logic and reason. He was known as the goofiest member in our family. He could quote any Jim Carey movie line by line, in impersonation. He loved to watch the movie Elf with his sisters, and never missed a chance of reenacting the escalator split scene. He and his brother Ryan could banter and quote any scene from Slingblade; enacting the parts of Maxi and Sunny D. If we needed obsessive research on any topic, he was our man. He enjoyed Bluegrass music with every chore he tackled.  Oh, did you ever ask him about his Landcruiser? If you did, you would know what we mean. In summary, the moments he left us are timeless.

Evan is survived by his mother, Paige Tuck, (husband Brad), and father, Ken Batson. The love of his life, Katie Lundvall, who lives in Durango, Colorado. Brothers, Ryan Batson (fiancé Mozelle DeLong), Chace Tuck, (wife Brittany) and Wes Batson. Sisters, Claire Tuck, Aubrey Tuck and Katie Batson. Grandmothers, Louise Pumphrey, Jean Ann Needham, (husband Randy), Fran Tuck and Grandfather Gerald Batson. Uncle, Terry Pumphrey, (wife Lori), cousins Cooper and Anna, Jeff Batson (wife Kim) and their children. He was pre-deceased by his Grandfathers, David Pumphrey and Charles Tuck Jr.  He had many friends who have reached out to share their times and adventures with Evan.  We know their numbers are countless.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 1 at Greenlawn East from 5:00-7:00pm. Service will be on Thursday, June 3, at Green Lawn East at 11:00am. A celebration of life will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, Saturday, June 5, at a time and place to be determined.

Contributions may be made to Burke WFF (Wildland Firefighter Foundation).