Technology and its development evoke images of unfeeling analysis and cold calculation. Though a technical genius and pioneer of computer graphics and modeling, the late David C. Evans was personally the antithesis of any such scientific stereotypes.
Co-founder of Evans & Sutherland and known worldwide for his role in creating pilot-simulation programs, Evans, 74, was equally admired for his kindness, patience, courtesy and humor. He acted with integrity in his business and personal dealings and never forgot the importance of his family and his religious beliefs despite widespread acclamation.A teacher of renown, Evans was not selfish with his ideas and innovations. He studied electrical engineering and earned a doctorate of physics at the U. when the field of computer science was beginning to blossom. He was a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley and later directed the University of Utah's computer-science program. Many of his students created successful businesses of their own.
He teamed with Ivan Sutherland in 1968 to launch Evans & Sutherland, turning computer and mathematical theory into business reality. Among his many professional honors was the 1996 Computer World-Smithsonian Award for lifetime achievement.
Born in Salt Lake City to David W. and Beatrice Cannon Evans, the entrepreneurial educator always made time for serving family and others. He married Joy Frewin March 21, 1947, and the couple were parents of 10 children and a foster son and daughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and three of his children.
He served in the European Theater during World War II for the U.S. Army, and throughout his life in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ever active in local, national and global business and educational communities, David Cannon Evans retained a common touch that let him mingle comfortably across the social spectrum and myriad varied classes of people. He was counted as friend and teacher among them all.