Bruce Wayne Evenson, 73, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
Bruce was born on January 3, 1953, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of the late Winton Oscar Evenson and Julia Davis Sowers Evenson.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 27 years, Betsy Evenson; his beloved four-legged companion, Bentley Oscar Evenson; two daughters, Stephanie (Eric) Chancy of Apex, North Carolina, and Julie Hein of Bartlett of Tennessee; two sisters, Paige Evenson Doyle of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and Lynn Evenson Urban of Front Royal, Virginia; and four grandsons, Andrew Chancy, Jacob Chancy, J.D. Hein, and Gabriel Hein.
Bruce was also dearly loved by his extended family, including his mother-in-law, Brenda Thomas Kincaid; sisters-in-law, Lisa Switzer and Carol Switzer (David) Young; cousins Gary (Tammy) Bunch and Rae Bunch (Bruce) Wines; and many other cherished relatives and friends.
Bruce spent more than 40 years in the industrial construction industry, dedicating his career to building and remediating power plants throughout the country.
Together, Bruce and Betsy made homes in Lynchburg, Virginia, Plainfield, Illinois, and Howell, Michigan before returning five years ago to Bruce’s hometown of Front Royal. There, they enjoyed life in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, living on a golf course where he competed in high school and across the street from a golf course built on land that had once been his grandparents’ farm.
Bruce had a lifelong love of golf and was always humble about his remarkable talent. Yet anyone fortunate enough to play a round with him knew he possessed a gift for the game. Many would say he should have gone on tour. He also loved traveling and exploring the beauty of the United States, as well as destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Many would say Bruce’s circle was small, and they would be right. He treasured a close-knit group of friends whom he loved like family, and he loved his family with all his heart. His quiet strength, loyalty, kindness, and sense of humor touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to support research into this rare cancer (https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org.donate), or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where Bruce proudly served as a Partner in Hope for more than 25 years (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
You have my deepest sympathy. Betsy, I am so sorry for your loss . All my prayers and love are with you!
Robert Pendergraft
I’ve got great memories of playing golf with Bruce over the years, and really enjoyed his company. He was a joy to be around and chat with, he will be dearly missed. Sending my sympathies to all family and friends.
Bruce, you were a good friend to me for 32 years since we met in 1992. So much fun when we worked together, (with you and Betsy and the crew) at B&W NESI, and was so glad I got your interest up again in golf competing in the Central Virginia Amateur. You were so humble about it because you said you hadn’t played golf but only a few time in the years leading up to the tournament, and you signed up….then you finished 3rd in the final group the last day, beating my ass all over the golf course. I remember the 1st time we played together as friends at Colonial Downs. You birdied the 1st, eagled the 2nd, 3rd you drove the green and Eagled from the fringe, and you looked at me and said. “I can’t remember the last time I was -5 after 3 holes and then you almost aced the 5th….LOL You were so humble about your game. So many stories and memories of Work, Golf or just having a drink after both or having you guys over to the house in Lynchburg. You also inspired me to pursue tournament golf more so in my early 30s and I enjoyed 25 years of tournament golf because of you. But also enjoyed your presence when we would just meet up for a round, go on a golf trip or just meet for dinner like we did with you and Betsy in Chicago when I was there for the US Mid Am. I know the last 10 years or so we only periodically talked on the phone and only saw each other about once a year before COVID hit on Golf Trips with my brother in law Bob, but all those times were precious to me, because I saw you as a big brother. You always had good advice, we always had great deep conversations and even a few yucks and laughs….but most of all these last 6 months it was great talking to you on a weekly basis or so when you were diagnosed. I am so deeply gonna miss you my friend and I will look after Betsy with a phone call to check up on her to see how she is doing. It’s the least Ana and I can do since you have been such a good friend to me and my family. I miss you big brother and love and hugs to you in heaven and to you and your family. Love you brother. Always your friend, Eric
Betsy, even though I’ve not had the privilege of knowing Bruce, he sounds like a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. You loved him well in sickness and in health. God bless you and the rest of his family and give you the comfort that only He can.
I’m so sorry for your loss Betsy. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
Betsy, I am so truly sorry for the loss of your beloved Bruce. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. After such a long and courageous battle, I hope you can find comfort in the love, memories, and special moments you shared together.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you strength, peace, and support in the days ahead.
Betsy,
Deepest heartfelt prayers, sympathies and condolences to you, your family and friends for the passing of your beloved husband Bruce. Cancer is terrible disease that robs too many people of precious time with their loved ones. God willing, Bruce is teeing it up at the greatest golf course in Heaven.
Betsy,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rich