In Memoriam: Roddy Evans
The passing of Roddy Evans, at the venerable age of 97, marks the departure of not just a skilled surgeon, but a truly extraordinary individual whose impact resonated deeply within his global community.
Rooted in his Christian faith, Roddy found resonance in the principles of the Moral Re-Armament movement (now Initiatives of Change), drawn by its ethos of practical Christianity – the idea of first aligning one’s own life before extending a helping hand to others. Living modestly, he held firm to the belief that providence would guide him.
His journey to India in 1952, leading a medical expedition of 250 volunteers for the country’s reconstruction, was a pivotal moment. Equipped with a mere four books on tropical medicine, Roddy forged innovative treatments that would shape his practice for years to come.
For the ensuing 18 years, Roddy traversed the globe under the banner of MRA, collaborating with luminaries and addressing the societal fractures, including those in his native Ireland.
His analytical acumen, honed through surgical precision, extended beyond the operating theater to dissecting national and global issues. Known for his lucid explanations, he empowered others to engage deeply with complex situations.
Born in Woodtown, County Meath, Ireland, Roddy’s academic journey took him through King’s Hospital School and Trinity College, Dublin, culminating in a medical degree and fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, in 1951. His medical practice spanned Dublin, London, and beyond.
Amidst the turmoil of the Troubles, Roddy felt compelled to act. Returning to Belfast in 1970, he convened with like-minded individuals at Clonard Redemptorist Monastery, catalyzing discussions that contributed to Father Alec Reid’s peace efforts and the pivotal Belfast Agreement of 1998.
His reflections on those transformative meetings are archived on the University of Ulster’s Cain website, chronicling a poignant chapter in Anglo-Irish relations.
In his later years, despite diminishing faculties, Roddy remained steadfast in his support for his church and local community. Connected to the world through radios tuned to various stations and heartfelt letters dictated to friends worldwide, his spirit transcended physical limitations.
Roddy is survived by his sister Hazel, brother Jef, and their extended family, a testament to his enduring legacy of service and compassion.