GORHAM-- Dean Willis Evans, 86, passed away on July 24, 2018 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. Dean was born on July 7, 1932 to Clyde Willis Evans and Evelyn Robiero Evans Cotton. He married Jane Smearer and they made their home and raised their son in Gorham, Maine. Dean was a high school teacher for more than 30 years at Gorham High School where he was also the Athletic Director for 17 years. He served on the Gorham Town Council and Planning Board. He found his passion in coaching and mentoring the many children that passed through the school halls. He had a gift to know when a child needed to be involved in a team, have a home cooked meal at his home, or just words of encouragement. He opened doors for kids of all abilities enabling them to participate in sports where no one "rode the bench". And beneath it all was a sense that Dean's greater mission was to help build individual discipline and character. Dean coached numerous basketball and cross country teams to State Championships, was named Coach of the Year three times, named Athletic Director of the Year in 1985, and he was inducted into the Maine Running Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2001 he was also bestowed the honor of having the Gorham High School gymnasium renamed the Dean Evans Gymnasium. The family camp on Sebago Lake was Dean's slice of heaven and many summers were spent there creating family memories. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandsons. An avid fisherman as well, he started the Kiwanis Club Kids Annual Fishing Derby. Later in life as golf became his passion, in true Dean Evans style, he became a past president as well as board member of the Maine State Golf Association. Dean and Jane enjoyed many winter months in Myrtle Beach with other golf enthusiasts. Dean was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife. He is survived by his son Kyle George Evans and his wife Marjorie from Belgrade Lakes, grandson Tyler Dean Evans and his wife Kristen from Belgrade Lakes, grandson Rees Clifford Evans and his partner Jennifer Rees of Coplin Plantation, great grandson Kyle Owen Evans of Belgrade Lakes and sister-in-law Sarah Rioux of Gorham as well as several nieces and nephews. Dean was a quiet man, unassuming, gentle, practical, and always a steadfast friend. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 10am August 20, 2018 at Gorham High School in the Dean Evans Gymnasium. A private burial for family members will follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.