Evelyn Gilmar was born In Edmonton on a Leap Year in 1936. Her family moved to Red Deer to operate a market garden when she was about 4 years old. Ev enjoyed visits to the mountains with her family where they would spend their summer holidays. From an early age Ev was a very independent person. In 1952, when she was 16 years old, Ev and a couple of her school chums rode their horses, cross-country, from Red Deer to Banff. They were seeking employment, independence, and adventure.
Ev married Clarence Burton “Mickey” Gilmar. He worked for the Warden Service, although he was not a park warden. They lived in Banff for two years (1955–1956) and had two girls during this time – Jayne and Judy. They then moved to Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, where Mickey was the ranch foreman from 1958 to 1964. Joanne, was born while the family was living at the ranch. With the children growing older and needing schooling, the family made a move to Blackfalds where Ev’s mother had bought some land. In 1964 they built a small home there so that the girls could attend school. Eventually, Mickey was able to get a job at the Federal Government’s Lacombe Research Station as a cattle technician. Ev found employment at a veterinary clinic in Red Deer where she was involved in veterinary and animal genetics. Her experience at the veterinary clinic resulted in getting a job at the Lacombe Research Station where she worked in the laboratory as a technician. After suffering a heart attack, Mickey decided to retire. Eventually they separated. Mickey died at the age of 54 in 1976.
In the early 1970s Ev made the decision to live independently with her three daughters. They moved to Banff where Ev transferred to a job with the National Parks at the Administration Building as a clerk in Central Registry. After a period of time, she noticed that the SPCA was ceasing operations in Banff and the park would require a dog catcher would be required. This appeared to be a good opportunity so Ev offered her services. Her proposal was accepted and the position suited Ev just fine. She liked working in the outdoors and was passionate about educating the town residents about the implications of allowing their dogs to run at large. The old abattoir was converted to include facilities for pets, a veterinarian was secured for appointments, and the Domestic Animal Control building became Ev’s headquarters. She set up the appointments and assisted the veterinarian when needed. In doing so Ev acquired sufficient knowledge to provide minor veterinary care during the periods when the Veterinarian was not in Banff. Ev possessed endless compassion for animals especially dogs. But not just dogs. One Monday morning in 1981 a black bear cub was found rummaging around in the basement of the storage room of the Banff Administration building. It had fallen through an open basement window and spent at least one full day “rearranging” (and anointing) piles of old files. Efforts to locate the cub’s mother failed, so Ev modified one of the dog kennels as a temporary home for “Little Albert” until other arrangements could be made. Eventually, Albert found a home at the Calgary Zoo where he lived and entertained children for many years.
Ev’s job as a Domestic Animal Control Officer resulted in a number of charges being laid. She successfully prosecuted many of these cases, a proud achievement for her. At this time the standard fine was $20 for a dog found running free. With encouragement from Ev Judge Aunger made the decision to raise the fine from $20 to $200. This got the attention of both the town’s residents and transient temporary residents. Ev took the time to counsel many transient residents about the responsibilities of owning a dog and the consequences of not being able to offer the time and care required by a pet. She found the job very stressful but very rewarding at the same time. She found the people to be very responsive to her endeavors when it came to domestic animal incidences.
In order to support her family Ev took on a second job as a driver with Brewster Transportation and Tours driving Bus #71 on the Calgary Airport run. Ev quit the job as Domestic Animal Control officer for about three years and focused on driving Brewster busses but eventually returned to the job as the Domestic Animal Control officer. Ev drove for Brewster Transportation for about seven years, five of which involved transporting skiers to Sunshine Village. During the 1988 Olympics Ev was assigned the task of driving a limousine for Brewster Transportation, driving the photographers from Time Life, a multi-media conglomerate. Ev also augmented her income when she was hired by the local R.C.M.P. as an Auxiliary Constable on night shifts (after her day job ended at 4:30 pm). During their years in Banff Ev and her daughter Jayne had bought a farm together just east of Calgary. By this time her daughters have all grown up, so Ev decided to retire and moved to the farm where she lived for about ten years.
A while later Ev moved to Vancouver Island where she lived with her family. While on the island she volunteered with the Arrowsmith Search and Rescue organization for 23 years. After twenty-four years on Vancouver Island, Ev, age 79, and two of her daughters moved to Salmon Arm. Sadly, Ev’s daughter Joanne passed away in August of 2021. Ev and Jayne continued to make a living on their Salmon Arm acreage where Jayne raised Boer goats, a South African breed of meat goat while Ev raised Barred Rock chickens. Ev generously donated dozens of her farm fresh eggs for the Park Warden Service Alumni Society reunions when they were held in Salmon Arm. Ev attended the 2026 reunion where she enjoyed the gathering of friends – some old and some new – Ev passed away four short months later on August 4th, 2026.
Through all the seasons of her life, Ev remained a woman of strength, determination and devotion. A true country woman. She worked hard, raised three daughters, and faced life’s challenges with perseverance. Her 90 years were filled with the joys and struggles of family, work and everyday life.
