In Memory of Leonard "Len" Evenden, Professor Emeritus

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Len Evenden on May 22^nd 2025.

Len was the first urbanist appointed at Simon Fraser University and taught in the Department of Geography from 1966 until his retirement in 2002. He was a specialist in the study of housing and suburban development and a strong advocate for Canadian Studies.

Matthew, his son, shared the news, and these reflections on behalf of Len’s family:

"Len Evenden was one of the original members of the department of geography, joining SFU in 1966 when the university and department were very much “in formation” and spending his entire career at the institution. He completed a BA in geography at McMaster University in 1960, an MA at the University of Georgia two years later and his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 1970.

He was a deeply committed teacher, pursued a research program related to housing and suburban development and made a number of service contributions to the department, university and discipline, including as Director of the Centre for Canadian Studies (1991-96), a member of the university senate, president of the retirees’ association (2009-11) and in various capacities with the western division of the CAG.

He retired in 2002 but continued to teach in the urban program at the downtown campus for several years.  Len is survived by his soul-mate and wife of sixty-two years, Polly, as well as his children, Kirstin, Maya and Matthew, their spouses and four grandchildren."

Len was a supportive and thoughtful colleague whose dedication to Geography left a lasting impact. Comments from colleagues at SFU Geography describe him as a kind and gentle soul – full of insight, wisdom and generosity; caring about the department as a community, and Geography as a field.

Throughout his tenure and retirement, Len continued to offer thoughtful advice and guidance to both faculty and the department as a whole. As urban geographer Eugene McCann shares, “One piece of advice he shared was that a department should never neglect its undergrads. That’s a path we’ve certainly followed over the years.” 

He was not only a wonderful friend and mentor but also became one of the department’s unofficial historians upon his retirement. We appreciated his ability and willingness to refresh our memories about events and people from the department’s past. Len still had some work he wanted to finish, and we are grateful to know that his family will see it through in his place.

Our hearts go out to his beloved wife Polly, his children and their families, and all who knew and loved him. Len will be remembered not only for his scholarly contributions but for the warmth, care, and integrity he brought to everything he did.

Rest in peace, Len.