If you are new to our site this is probably the first time you are reading about Evan, our past chairman and dear friend.

Evan was a tireless worker, completely dedicated not only to Susila Dharma and its projects, but also to everything that meant a contribution, no matter how small, towards a world with more opportunities for the most helpless; a more equal, more peaceful and more caring society, always under the guidance and will of God.

He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. You knew you could count on his support.

In addition to being SDIA Chairman and long-time Board member, Evan was deeply committed to supporting individual SD projects. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic he personally sourced and shipped personal protective equipment (masks, gowns and gloves) to the DRC to protect the health workers in SD-run health and hospital centers; he was deeply engaged in helping to provide medical supplies through Subud members in Ukraine; he was committed to helping many SD projects including Mis Corazones Alegres and Fundación Amanecer in Colombia, SD projects in Ecuador and Indonesia, Anisha in India, Enthum House in the UK, and many, many more.

Evan was born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area. In 1976 he moved to the Pacific coast. He lived in both northern and southern California for 12 years. In 1988 he moved to the Seattle, Washington area where he lived until the end. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics, a Masters Degree in Math Education and a Masters degree in Business Administration. He spent the early part of his career in education, teaching secondary math and science, much loved by both his students and his fellow teachers. Since graduating from business school, he owned and operated small businesses dealing in electronics and real estate.

Evan gave new meaning to the word ‘active’ – active in the Subud organisation, dynamic and active as a businessman, a teacher, a husband and father. He was active as SDIA Chair up until the very end.

He was a natural entrepreneur and deeply committed to addressing inequalities and improving lives and livelihoods. He was Chair of Susila Dharma USA for five years and then a Board member of Susila Dharma International Association board for over 7 years, first as Treasurer and then as Chair.

He travelled recently to the SDIA AGM held in July at Amanecer, Colombia, accompanied by his wife Annie. As SDIA Board member, Viktor Böhm, writes: “None of us could have imagined we would lose Evan three weeks later. We planned to travel to DR-Congo to see the SD-projects in October 2022. In German we say: “Der Mensch denkt und Gott lenkt” (Man proposes, God disposes)”

When he returned home, he experienced a fall in the backyard, which led to a brain bleed. He passed away a few days later. According to his wife Annie Padilla (photo on the left) “Evan always hoped that he would leave this world quickly when his time came”. Evan certainly got his wish.

He took a personal interest in each of SDIA’s 55 member organisations, and travelled widely to know them better. He and Annie generously supported the organisation, both with time and donations.