Legislature pays tribute to Evans’ memory

Erin Neff

Wednesday, March 28, 2001 | 8:43 a.m.

Jan Evans' memory continues to be an inspiration during this legislative session.

From a memorial on the first page of the Legislature's handbook to frequent mentions on both the Assembly floor and in committee, Evans is sorely missed.

On Tuesday the Legislature memorialized the seven-term assemblywoman who died of cancer April 24. She was 62.

Tuesday's lengthy remarks on her life would have angered the petite yet feisty Democrat from Sparks, Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins said.

But since Evans is the "moral compass" and "conscience" of the Legislature, Perkins said he saw nothing wrong with disobeying her dislike for ceremonial items.

"Few will rise to the level Jan Evans set as a mark," Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, said. "She is the best of us."

Sheila Leslie, R-Reno, said Evans was the best role model she ever had. Leslie turned to Evans' son and said, "Rob, I miss your mother every day I'm here."

A lobbyist turned lawmaker, Evans was vice chairwoman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee in 1991, 1997 and 1999. She served as speaker pro tem during the 1995, 1997 and 1999 sessions.

Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, said that when the sessions would wind down and he would find himself in stalled negotiations over appropriations with Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, he would ask: "Do you really want me to go get Jan."

The Assembly's chief clerk, Jacqueline Sneddon, paused slightly when reading the resolution, apologized and choked back tears to finish the eulogy.

"She touched everyone," Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said.