Every time I think of Evan, it’s hard not to smile or laugh. He brought laughter and joy into every room he walked into. He told the silliest — sometimes the worst — jokes, but somehow, they were exactly what you needed. Even if you were having the worst day of your life, Evan had a way of making it better just by being himself.

One of my favorite memories of Evan was during one of the hardest days I had. Out of nowhere, he showed up at my house with chocolates, flowers and a handwritten letter. That was Evan: thoughtful, intentional and loving in ways that were quiet but powerful. Evan listened.

Evan had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. He loved with every ounce he had — that’s just who he was. He loved me dearly, and I never truly questioned it. I would joke with him and ask, “Do you even love me?” But deep down, I always knew the answer was yes. His love was steady, genuine and full of warmth.

There are so many more things I could say about our sweet Evan — how incredibly smart he was, how he could pick up any sport with ease, how determined he was and how he made people feel seen and valued. He had a gift for making others feel important.

Even though we are mourning the loss of Evan, he will continue to live on through the memories we hold and the love he gave so freely. So many little things remind me of him — Dunkin’ runs, Liverpool games and sushi nights. Those simple moments now carry such deep meaning.

Evan would want us to live life to the fullest — to laugh loudly, love deeply and never take a single day for granted. He would want us to show up for the people we care about, to bring light into dark days and to keep spreading the same joy he gave so effortlessly. Though he may no longer walk into a room the way he once did, his spirit, his love and his laughter will forever echo in our hearts. Evan will truly live in our hearts forever.