Fredrick "Rick" Evans

Rick Evans, 76, of Glencoe, NM, departed this world on the morning of September 26, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and children, wrapped in the love of those closest to him. Though his passing comes with great sorrow for those he left behind, his spirit remains a guiding light for his entire family, near and far, who carry forth his legacy with love and cherished memories.

Born on November 3, 1947, in Roswell, New Mexico, Rick was a man of boundless curiosity, quick wit and the kind of cowboy spirit that always kept him on the move. Rick never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone - a trait his children lovingly joked about. It was part of his charm, making anyone he met feel like an old friend in no time.

Rick's heart was as vast as the Wyoming sky and was filled with a deep and abiding love for his family, community and nature. He is survived by his wife and partner-in-everything, Felicia Evans, with whom he shared many years of laughter, adventure and the occasional competitive rifle shoot. His children - Amy Lynn Evans, Eric Evans, Thea Evans, Skyler Evans - and his stepson Joseph (Joey) Baldonado, in addition to his nine grandchildren, Bradly, Emily, Joe, Olivia, Colby, Conner, Owen, Otto, and another little blessing on the way, who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Rick also leaves behind many dear friends, neighbors and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him.

Rick moved to Ruidoso, NM, in 1970 after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Texas Tech University. His entrepreneurial spirit was second to none - he had a knack for building businesses, each one a reflection of his desire to give back to his community and the land he loved. Settling in the Lincoln County area, he started a service station and wrecker business, while raising his two eldest children Amy and Eric. Rick later transitioned into the real estate sector, establishing a Century 21 franchise in the area, as well as several timeshare and short-term house and condo rental upstarts.

Most recently, Rick founded and operated a small business focused on watershed conservation and reclamation services. But Rick wasn't just about business. He was about doing things right and leaving things better than he found them.

In 1993, Rick and his family found their own little slice of heaven in Glencoe, NM, when they acquired a historic parcel of land, and established Enchantment Farm - a quiet, serene enclave in the Hondo Valley that quickly became Rick's heart and soul. Over the course of many years, Rick poured his whole heart into the farm. He worked tirelessly designing and building the farm's infrastructure, planting its distinct globe willows and even raising alpacas. It was here where he taught his two youngest children, Thea and Skyler, the value of hard work, personal responsibility and the building blocks of leading honest and successful lives.

Rick was a man of many passions: hunting, agriculture and livestock, firearms, physical fitness, long-range target shooting, and all things outdoors. He had an unquenchable thirst for understanding how things worked, which fueled his ambition to become a novice expert in ballistics and ammunition science. And while he took his interests seriously, Rick had a soft spot for life's simple joys. He was a self-proclaimed "Bubba," proud of his country roots and never shied away from his love for hunting shows, camouflage and sneaking extra cookies when no one was looking.

In his later years, Rick and Felicia lived a life filled with joy and companionship. Whether they were dancing the night away to their favorite country classics or enjoying dinner at El Camino Nuevo (which Rick always called "The New Road"), they always relished in the beauty life has to offer. He loved staying fit, keeping his mind sharp with current events and making sure his Cabela's points were well earned. But above all, his greatest joy in life was his children. He was immensely proud of the incredible people they grew up to be, a testament to his love, guidance and unwavering support.

A celebration of Rick's remarkable life was held at his home, Enchantment Farm, in Glencoe, NM, on Saturday, October 5, 2024. In true Rick fashion, it was a time of sharing in memories, laughter, and a few tales from season's past - just the way he would have wanted.