“I love you more than all the leaves on all the trees in all the world.”
Full of life, inquisitive, and highly intelligent, Evan was a gorgeous human being. Graduating from high school with a 4.1 GPA, “Evan could have ruled the world and flourished in whatever career path he chose,” his mother, Janeen, and brother, Brent stated.
Outgoing and adventurous, Evan was always looking to make new friends and deepen connections with the friends he had. A daredevil, Evan liked motocross, longboarding, skiing, camping, and other physical activities. “You could almost always find him outside,” Brent said.
Evan was gifted. Though he favored EDM, his taste in music was eclectic. A self-taught guitar and ukulele player, he played freely and sang along, making up words as he went. Evan liked watching The Simpsons, South Park, and American Dad, as they spoke to his type of humor. “His taste in comedy and humor was top-tier,” Brent said.
Evan’s mom was an amazing chef, and he was a voracious eater, often eating two full plates of food at dinner. He enjoyed showing off her food to his friends and even his teachers. “Cooking for Evan was among one of the greatest joys of being his mom,” Janeen said, “he would eat every morsel on the plate.”
Evan and his mother had a strong relationship full of laughter, playfulness, and unconditional love. “He had a light about him that took your breath away when he walked into a room,” Janeen stated. “There were definitely struggles, but the love Evan and I shared shined through it all. He was brilliant and beautiful, inside and out. I miss him enormously and will love him with all my heart for the rest of my life.”
Evan also had shared a solid bond and love with his grandmother, Nana. She watched him and Brent most days after school and took joy in seeing Evan’s gorgeous smile and listening to the brothers laughing together. Evan admired his father, Eric. “Evan wanted to be like him,” Brent stated. Though their relationship suffered as addiction took hold, the love Evan had for his father and the rest of the family never faltered or vanished.
Evan faced many challenges growing up, from a lazy eye to anger management issues, but continued to be a kind person. He fought his addiction long and hard for many years. He got a job, went through treatment, and was accepted by Colorado State University in Fort Collins. “It was a testament to his genius and charisma,” his brother and mother commented.
Evan’s physical absence in the family is profound. The family has lost a deep happiness they will never regain. “He will never be forgotten,” Janeen and Brent said. The warmth of his smile and presence will always remain in the hearts of his family.
“I love you more than all the leaves on all the trees in all the world!”-Mother
“Your beautiful smile is lighting up Heaven, I love you.”-Nana
“I love and miss you, my son.”-Father
“I love you, my only brother, I hope you are watching me.”-Brother
Evan’s mother, Janeen Butler, and his brother, Brent Pfosi, provided the information for this narrative.
February 25, 1998-December 21, 2020-Age 22
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
