Obituary – Dr Nigel Thomas Evans, ONZM ’53
Dr Nigel Thomas Evans, ONZM ’53 passed away on Wednesday 9 October.
Dr Evans attended Auckland Grammar School from 1955 to 1957. He was in the A-stream throughout his three years at the School, earning the Tibbs Memorial prize for Mathematics and the Eric Astley Prize for Mathematics and Science and the Hayes Prize for Chemistry and Physics in his Upper Sixth year.
Dr Evans earned a national scholarship in each of his final two years, and was first for New Zealand in his Upper Sixth year. He was awarded the Williamson Scholarship in 1957 and named an Auckland Grammar School University Entrance Scholar in 1956 and 1957, topping the Honours Board in both years.
Dr Evans’ commitment to academia and his academic prowess was also reflected in earning a national scholarship in each of his final two years of secondary schooling. In the 1957 scholarship examinations he was first in the country. He was named an Auckland Grammar School University Entrance Scholar in 1956 and 1957, topping the Honours Board in both years and was awarded the Williamson Scholarship in 1957.
In 1956, Dr Evans was a School Prefect and in 1957 was named Head Prefect. That year, he was a member of the 1st XI Cricket team and received the Torch of Tradition for devotion to the School, service and self-sacrifice, conduct, character, bearing and manner; attributes Dr Evans continued to exhibit throughout his life.
Dr Evans’ service to the School was extensive. He was a foundation member of the Headmaster’s Council, serving from 1992 until his recent passing. He was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1987-1994, serving as Deputy Chairman from 1992-1994. He was President of the Old Boys’ Association in 1992, and was recognised with an Honorary Life Membership for his service to the Association and the School. He was an Augusta Award recipient in 2014.
Dr Evans earned a Master of Science from the University of Auckland and a doctorate in Physics from the University of Cambridge. He returned to New Zealand in 1968 and was invited by Woolf Fisher to manage and develop the technology at the newly established company, New Zealand Steel. He also served as a director on several companies including Fisher and Paykel Healthcare and Buckley Systems.
Dr Evans’ service to the community extended to his role as Secretary of the Woolf Fisher Trust that supported the advancement of general education through awarding prestigious fellowships and scholarships. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to education and the steel industry (pictured with then Governor-General Sir Jerry Matapaere GNZM QSO KStJ).
The Auckland Grammar School community extends our sympathies to Mrs Evans and the extended Evans family. The flag on the Main Block will fly at half-mast on Monday 14 October (the first day of Term 4), as a sign of respect for the life of Dr Nigel Thomas Evans, ONZM ’53.
A service to celebrate Dr Evans’ life will be held on Saturday 19 October at 11am in the Great Hall at Auckland Grammar School.