In Honor of William G. Evans

We mourn the loss of our friend Bill Evans, an influential and beloved member of Tacoma Sister Cities.

If Sister Cities hadn't already existed, Bill would have invented it.

Bill Evans was a tremendous friend to Tacoma Sister Cities! After years of living and working in South America, Bill helped create the Cienfuegos Committee in 2000.  As Mayor Pro Tem of Tacoma in 2001, Bill led the delegation to sign the Sister City agreement with the Mayor of Cienfuegos. He continued through the years to attend meetings and events, supporting programs and the humanitarian activities of the Committee.

Bill helped organize and promote the first International Food and Film Festival of Sister Cities at the Blue Mouse Theater over 20 years ago. He loved speaking his second language - Spanish, and equally loved learning about all the countries of Sister Cities. He served as Chair of the Sister Cities Council and was elected to the Sister Cities International Board.  

After the attacks of 9/11 Bill wanted the world to know that Tacoma continued to be a welcoming City. He conceived the idea for the Peace Plaza in Thea's Park on the Foss Waterway. Just three years ago, Bill was instrumental in replacing the Peace Pole there and sprucing up the Globe that highlights the location of Sister Cities on the world map.

As Frances Lorenz, our TSC Vice Chair said, "Bill was a true liberator.  'Peace through People' was a phrase he loved about the mission of Sister Cities."  To all those in Sister Cities and throughout the world, Bill has been a source of wisdom, compassion, and right action.  We plan to work with other international organizations, like APCC and the World Affairs Council, that Bill supported to plant a tree in Tacoma in his honor  — a tree of great beauty, with deep roots and a broad canopy, where we can gather, find peace and depart restored, spreading the love we experienced with Bill.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his many friends and family.

Clare Petrich, TSC Chair, on behalf of Tacoma Sister Cities Council

As per Bill’s wishes you may send donations in lieu of flowers to:

Tacoma Sister Cities

In Memory of Bill Evans

1118 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421