Friday, October 23, 2015

My Cousin Elaine


Elaine Bard
June 12, 1943 - October 18, 2015

Elaine Elma Evensen Bard, age 72, of Vernal, passed away October 18, 2015 at the Uintah Basin Senior Villa. Elaine was born on June 12, 1943 to Clifford Hermand and Elma Elevena Peine Evensen in Durango, Colorado.

Since third grade, Elaine wanted to be a teacher, which she fulfilled for 37 years. Twelve of those years she spent at Kirtland Central High School where she taught English and Journalism. Those were very special years with very special students who year after year brought State and National Honors to the school in English writing contests, photography, and yearbook layout designs. She loved teaching and getting to know her students. Elaine enjoyed working with her students and seeing the lights click on when they grasped an idea.

She taught on the secondary level and finished her career at Utah State University Uintah Basin Campus. Her health kept her from teaching past 2005. She taught in Missouri, Utah, and New Mexico. Music, serving others, family and genealogy brought great joy into her life as well.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in various ward and stake callings. She also served a mission in the Davao Philippines Mission. Elaine loved her nieces and nephews and their children. She especially spent time with Karen's children. Her “ya a te en” niece, Tessa, was dear to her.

Oh, how she loved and adored her grandson, Andrew, who took many trips and enjoyed experiences with her. She is survived by her grandson, Andrew Clifford Bard, who is the love of her life, serving in the US military; brother, Ronald (Shirley) Evensen, of Provo; her favorite sister and long-time friend, Karen Christensen, Farmington, NM; and special friend Alice Heater, Avalon.

She was preceded in death by her son, Darren Bard; a brother, Val Evensen, and a brother-in-law, Brent Christensen.

Elaine's family is grateful to her friends and neighbors who so willingly gave their time, love, and other help during her years of health struggles. She thanks her Aunt Louann Evensen for being there at the various Wasatch Hospitals.

Elaine (in the blue dress) at 22
I will miss my cousin.

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