Family of Percival Henry and Margaret Mary Evans

Geoffrey Maxwell Evans

Geoffrey's birth was registered on 20th April, 1902 at Redfern, South Australia - the sixth child born to Percival and Margaret. The story goes that his father took a while to register the birth and he always celebrated his birthday on 13th April.

His childhood and schooling was at Brighton, Unley, and Magill, all Adelaide suburbs. Geoff often recalled tales of his younger days, such as the time he 'pruned' his father's the newly shooting grape vines, incurring parental wrath, and was ordered to join them back before going to bed. Another story he loved to tell centred around a girl in the class who had been left in charge and had been picking on young Geoffrey (whose conduct had really been exemplary). On her return, and after hearing the monitor's report, the teacher asked the class to display their work and singled out Geoffrey Evans for special mention and an early mark.  "But, Miss, Geoffrey Evans has misbehaved", the monitor complained. The teacher held to her ruling and became a saint in Geoff's young mind.

Geoffrey was very keen on boxing and cricket, and in his younger days, he would regularly run up and down the many steps at Morialta Falls to keep fit.

Leaving school he trained as a bookkeeper and worked at the Globe Timber Mills. However, he was put off during the depression and left for the country on his motorbike. The firm gave him a reasonable reference:

Globe Timber Mills Ltd. Geoffrey started as a boy just left school, and in turn held most of the positions in our office, all of which he filled with credit. We always found him conscientious, honest, and reliable, and it was with much regret we were compelled on account of the present depression in business to dispense with his services.

He first worked as book keeper at Murnpeowie Station (managed by his uncle, Bill Newland) in the Northern Flinders Ranges area, where he had previously spent several Christmas holidays. From there he moved to Tibooburra, in the far north western corner of New South Wales, and worked in the General Store there. Here he met Mavis, who lived at Horton Park Station, near the Queensland Border, but was working at ? Station as housekeeper for her Uncle Peter Halfpenny. Tibooburra was the local town.

They married in the Methodist Manse at Broken Hill, N.S.W. on the 28th Sept 1936. Mavis was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Halfpenny (nee Linklater) and was born at Nailsworth, South Australia. They returned to Adelaide and lived at the Halfpenny home in Nailsworth. Geoff obtained a position with Freeman Wauchope, another timber merchant. When the war broke out, the Company would not allow him to enlist. He stayed with them until he retired at over 70 as their Accountant, a very loyal and dedicated employee.

It was something of a disappoinment to Geoff that he was never able to join the Police Force. His uncle and his younger brother and various friends had been members of the Force and he had a lifelong respect for the Police. Many of his stories centred on his being mistaken for a detective, and he long had dreams of gallantly saving some young damsel in distress.

In his teens he played cricket for the Magill team and football?? In later life he was a dedicated supporter of Sturt Football team and would not miss a match if they were playing. As a youngster he had dabbled in boxing and from his stories, was at least capable of confidently defending himself.

He had a great interest in steam locomotives and enthusiastically watched the development of rail services in SA. A favourite memory was of once being invited to ride on the footplate of a 520 with a driver friend from Mount Lofty to Mount Barker.

He was a practical person and did woodwork, painted and repaired the house, and tinkered with the car with help and advice from his friend TommyJorgenson. He had played the violin when younger, artistically he was quite talented, producing a number of high quality pieces that were never properly displayed. He read Westerns for relaxation.

His friends were well acquainted with his lively humour and his alter-ego, Senor Geofferino da Evansio.

At most opportunities he would venture to his in-laws property outside of Broken Hill, but because of his fair skin he was unable to work for very long stretches in the sun.

Geoff died in 1989.

Geoff and Mavis had one daughter.

Parents