Raymond Joseph Evans

Raymond Joseph Evans, passed away at the age 83 on December 16, 2015 after fighting a courageous battle from a stroke and then cancer which was complicated by a heart condition. Raymond was born on April 19, 1932 in Mansfield, England to William and Lillian Evans. Raymond's family included three brothers and one sister. Raymond was married to the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Maria Cove on March 28, 1953 in Mansfield-Woodhouse, England, after first meeting her at 16 years of age. They were dance partners and competed from the age of 16 as amateurs and later became professional dancers. During these years he and Mary were successful dance competitors and coaches representing East Midlands. They were finalists in the Latin American World competition held in Australia. As an adult, Raymond also worked in the mines of England about 15 years before moving to Australia. He was a Fellow Examiner of the ISTD-HC and member of BATD-HC and FATD-HC. Raymond also received a Scholarship with the ISTD and during his professional dancing career he won hundreds of medals and awards. The highlight of their dance career was receiving the Carl Allen Award at the Lyceum Ballroom in London, England. He and Mary represented England dancing on live Television which aired for many years. After living four years in Australia, sunshine brought them to the U.S.A. where he and Mary spent the next 45 years with a successful career in professional dancing and coaching as owners of the British Imperial Dance Centre. Raymond was very athletic and enjoyed golf, Badminton and Snooker as his hobbies. Raymond was a member of the Church of England and was in the choir as a young boy. Though Raymond had a quiet persona, he was quick witted and his humor was priceless. Raymond is survived by his spouse, Mary Evans, his brother Brian Evans, his sister-in-law Anne Roberts and his brother-in-law Ron Cove and many nieces and nephews. The Celebration of Raymond's life will be at the British Imperial Dance Center on Saturday, January 9th at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Cancer Research for Children.