Evan Roy Witty
June 7, 1986 ~ April 16, 2009
On April 16, 2009 Evan Roy Witty, a May 2008 graduate of the University of Dayton and a Spring 2005 Initiate into Pi Kappa Alpha's Lambda Theta chapter, passed away suddenly. The entire Lambda Theta community is heart-stricken and shocked by this loss. Evan was one of the greatest people to ever pass through our chapter. His selflessness and generosity were unsurpassed and the entire world will truly miss him.
For the 10 months before his passing Evan truly showed the world what selflessness was about by volunteering at the Palm Tree Orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Evan had a great passion for his work there and in a letter written near the holidays Evan wrote "My time here has been filled with struggle and adversity, but more importantly with joy, discovery, and small steps forward. I live with, and am a teacher to, just shy of one hundred children." To view information about the orphanage (click here) and to view a tribute from the orphanage for Evan (click here).
Many people that know Evan was a man of few words, in one of his very few journal entries while in Cambodia Evan wrote the following:
"In the absence of luxury, I fear that one is more susceptible to indifference. Is it perhaps that the occasional splurge or spoiling refreshes the spirit and the individual's sense of hope? That even small luxuries can serve as a reminder to the possibility of our futures? At the Palm Tree Foundation an apple a day does more than keep the doctors at bay; it tells of the world that exists outside of rice and fish and, if only for the briefest moments, it allows us to revel in it. Whether reward for work or study, the slightest of gestures or smallest of gifts allows the orphans of Phnom Penh the realization that persistence is not futile and a brighter future lies on the horizon."
Evan bought an apple for each of the 94 orphans in his first week at Palm Tree and their gratitude never left him. We love you Evan and will truly miss your shenanigans. The Lambda Theta community along with the Witty family thank everyone for their continued support and prayers.
**Some people have asked about donating to the Palm Tree orphanage. There has been a fund set up in Evan's name, which would be the best way to do that if you're interested. Checks should be made out to "The Evan Witty Cambodia's Hope Fund" and mailed to :
The Evan Witty Cambodia's Hope Fund
c/o North Shore Community Bank
Attn: Elizabeth Taylor, President
576 Lincoln Ave
Winnetka, IL 60093
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers for
Evan and his family.
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