In Memoriam: Roddy Evans
Roddy Evans, my esteemed friend, passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of surgical prowess and profound humanitarianism that resonated globally.
A devout Christian, Roddy found resonance with the ethos of the Moral Re-Armament movement (now Initiatives of Change), drawn by its pragmatic interpretation of Christianity—prioritizing personal rectitude to better serve others. He lived by the creed of simplicity, trusting in divine providence for his sustenance.
His journey to India in 1952 marked a pivotal moment, spearheading a medical mission of 250 individuals dedicated to aiding the nation’s reconstruction. Armed with just four volumes on tropical medicine, Roddy pioneered innovative treatments that would shape his future endeavors.
For the subsequent 18 years, Roddy traversed the globe with MRA, collaborating with luminaries and addressing societal fissures, notably in his native Ireland.
His analytical acumen, honed through surgical precision, extended beyond the operating theater to dissecting national and international affairs, providing invaluable insights that stimulated thoughtful discourse.
Born in Woodtown, County Meath, Ireland, to Thomas Evans and Constance (née O’Neill), Roddy’s academic journey led him through Dublin’s prestigious institutions—King’s Hospital school and Trinity College—culminating in a medical degree and fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1951. His medical practice spanned Dublin, and London, and eventually embraced a global outreach.
Amidst the turbulence of the Troubles, Roddy felt compelled to act, drawing upon his experiences in strife-torn regions to foster reconciliation. Settling in Belfast in 1970, he convened with like-minded individuals at Clonard Redemptorist Monastery, engaging in profound discussions that laid the groundwork for peace initiatives, notably influencing the Belfast Agreement of 1998.
Roddy’s reflections on these gatherings, chronicling their impact, found a home in the Conflict Archive on the Internet (Cain), housed at the University of Ulster—a testament to his enduring contribution to Anglo-Irish relations.
In his twilight years, despite diminishing faculties, Roddy remained steadfast in his devotion to his faith and community, maintaining global connections through a myriad of radio stations and correspondences with friends worldwide.
He is survived by his sister, Hazel, his brother, Jef, and a host of nieces and nephews, etching his memory into the fabric of time.