Obituary for Dr Martin Crossley Evans

Dr Martin Crossley Evans M.B.E., J.P., B.A., Ph.D., F.S.A., F.G.S. died in October 2021, aged 64.

All those who knew Martin will know that his 33 years as our Warden meant a great deal to him. Over these years he met many great characters and changed countless lives for the better. Martin worked tirelessly not only for Manor Hall and its annexes, but also for the students of the wider University. To him this was so much more than a job, it was his vocation. Quite simply as Warden, Martin was the weaver of the fabric of community spirit that provided the backdrop to many of our happiest memories.

Spending time with Martin was always a great privilege. His wit, humour, and love of a good anecdote would enrich the lives of all those around him. However, to many of us before anything else he was our friend. Never failing in his wisdom, counsel and support when times got tough and always being there to share in the good times. It is perhaps this for which he will be most missed as we mourn his passing, not the post nominals or honours but simply the man he was and how much better our lives were for having him as part of them.

Martin was unwavering in his support for the Manor Hall Association, helping us come out of abeyance in 2007. Quite simply without Martin’s support and fidelity to our cause we would not be here today. Martin was a great believer in community and this was evident in all that he said and did, and because of this for many of us Manor Hall was so much more than just a place to live, it became a place that we could always call home. It is in this spirit that the Association tries to continue Martin’s good work.

After retiring as Warden in the summer of 2018 Martin continued in the ceremonial role of President Emeritus of the Manor Hall Association. Martin went to live near his brother in the Wirral, but he also enjoyed escaping to the Lake District. He came back to Bristol in July 2019 for the unveiling of his portrait in the Great Hall at Manor Hall. Martin was 64 when he died on October 18th 2021 at the Lancaster Royal Infirmary following a fall. Martin's funeral was held on 15th November 2021 and he is buried in Christ Church Churchyard in Willaston.