Roger Russell Evans "Grandpa Shark"

Birth date: Dec 4, 1948 Death date: Dec 17, 2025

Roger Russell Evans “Grandpa Shark”, 77, passed away December 17, 2025. Born in Salt Lake City on December 4th to Russell and Marian Evans. He graduated from Olympus High and the University of Utah. He found his passion helping o Read Obituary

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Melodie Hayes

2w ago

I recently learned of Roger's passing and am very saddened. He was inspirational and when I worked for him all those years ago (1992-2001), he led a then 22-year-old to believe she was smart enough to advance to code enforcement, building inspections and now in the latter part of my career, I have advanced to a city planner and deputy community development director). He told me I was good enough and because of his words of wisdom, I believed him.
I always appreciated his thought to bring tomatoes and share, telling me I was the right choice for things and making me believe in myself.
I remember the time after I moved to code enforcement and his permits techs and secretaries were not available and he tried to handle all the calls and inspections requests in the morning. I calmly had him leave the front desk while I did it and I hope I continue to make him proud as I advance in life. Rest in peace

Melissa Stynes

9w ago

My memory of uncle Roger is his distinctive voice, his large personality, his absolute love and devotion to his family. Even as a youngster, I loved to witness the fun bantering he had with his children, with always a sparkle in his eye and a playful smile on his face.

Janice Belt

9w ago

I am thankful to have an amazing brother-in-law, Roger Evans. When he married JoLynn, he immediately became an involved Burton Clan member!
Roger would cut Grandma Burton's lawn there on Wilmington Ave, he along with JoLynn took care of our mom Melba after dad died, he spent many hours with Aunt Leone either watching games on TV or playing cards, and was a friend to our brother Jim in his last years!
Roger loves his family. They mean everything to him!!!He and JoLynn share a special Love Story! They always sought ways to show that love to each other even in sickness and health. As I read the obituary, I can attest to hearing Roger sing " I just called to say I love you" to his Sweetheart JoLynn.
Thank you Roger for also giving my family special memories! We love you!

Jason Taylor

9w ago

“Who’s a got the bestest team-a in the state? Utah’s got the bestest team-a in the state. Tisk, task, how bout that!” I’ll have to rely on siblings and cousins to fill in any missing lyrics to Roger’s Utah Utes jingle.

Roger was an awesome uncle and will be missed!

Anne Vonweller

9w ago

I knew Roger professionally as a colleague, fellow public servant and eventually as a friend. It is hard to overstate his contributions to building safety in Utah and our country. He spent seemingly endless hours in model code change sessions priding himself on being the first one in the room and the last one to leave frequently making a positive difference. He’d bring his passion, intelligence, humor and dried apples to share with the Utah delegations. A single example of his code work was when he led the effort to include requirements for carbon monoxide detectors in residential construction, first in Utah then in national codes. He rose to the leadership of the International Conference of Building officials and was instrumental in bringing together the three disparate U.S. regional codes into a single group of regulations for the country. As Chairman of the Utah Seismic Safety Commission, he was relentless in his advocacy to improve earthquake safety for older, vulnerable public schools finally convincing the state legislature to implement requirements. There is no doubt he leaves a legacy of lives saved and suffering avoided for those who will never know him. I will plant a tomato next spring in his memory.

Sharon Woody

9w ago

Doug and I are just so sad to hear of the passing of Roger. What a wonderful, kind and caring man. To have him and JoLynn as our neighbors was just the best. Roger had that wonderful dry/sarcastic humor, which we got such a kick out of. He was always, always, always willing to help, no matter what we asked. We watched him raise you guys and saw what a wonderful father he was and we saw how much he loved JoLynn. And, JoLynn, we just always loved you and we're sad you lost the manvwho filled your heart.

We know losing Roger leaves a hole in your familiy's heart, but having him as a husband and father was an amazing blessing for all of you. We hope those cherished memories give you comfort and peace.

Sharon Woody

9w ago

We know losing Roger leaves a hole in your familiy's heart, but having him as a husband and father was an amazing blessing for all of you. We hope those cherished memories give you comfort and peace.

Judith Dillman

9w ago

I will miss Roger. For the past 50 years, he always had a joke to tell, produce from his garden that he wanted to share, interesting news to relay. He was always fun to be around. I was so blessed to have him as a brother-in-law.

Sharon Woody

9w ago

Doug and I are just so sad to hear of the passing of Roger. What a wonderful, kind and caring man. To have him and JoLynn as our neighbors was just the best. Roger had that wonderful dry/sarcastic humor, which we got such a kick out of. He was always, always, always willing to help, no matter what we asked. We watched him raise you guys and saw what a wonderful father he was and we saw how much he loved JoLynn. We know losing him leaves a hole in your heart, but having him as a husband and father was an amazing blessing for all of you. We hope those cherished memories give you comfort and peace.

John Smith

9w ago

Roger was a great guy; he always had a story or an antidote ready to tell you. 😊 He always made me feel like one of the family and was a terrific grandpa.

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