Tributes paid to a singing postman (From The Northern Echo)

Tributes paid to a singing postman

10:51am Thursday 25th September 2008

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a tenor known as the “Singing Postman” who delighted hundreds of people on his rounds by bursting into song.

Stan Evans, who has died aged 83, was well-known for bursting into song to suit the weather or special occasions as he delivered mail in the Barnard Castle area.

On sunny days he would sing Oh What a Beautiful Morning – but if there was a downpour, it would be Singing in the Rain.

He had a wide repertoire to celebrate birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.

The former manager of the Royal Mail office in Teesdale, Keith Watson, said: “Stan was loved by everyone on his rounds because he was always singing cheerfully. As soon as he got out of his van, his lovely tenor voice would be heard.

“He was known so well that he would go into many houses instead of just putting mail through the letterboxes. The customers enjoyed seeing him and hearing him sing.”

Mr Watson, now retired, added: “Stan loved singing so much that he was in a church choir from a young age. He later became popular in clubs all over the area, but was just as happy singing in the church choir in later life.”

Mr Evans’ widow, Ivy, said yesterday: “Stan was regularly given cups of tea and breakfast on his round because he got on so well with everyone. People said he cheered them up no end with his jolly songs.

“He sang all the time at home as well. His two favourites were Love Me Tender and Devil Woman, which he performed over and over just for me.”

A recording of Mr Evans singing the Elvis Presley song Love Me Tender was played at his funeral service this week in Holy Trinity Church, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, close to where he lived.

The mourners included many former customers from his rounds in Bowes, Marwood and Langleydale, as well as many past and present postmen.

Mr Evans worked for two weeks in a local garage after leaving school at 14, but then joined the Post Office, starting as a telegram boy on a bicycle.

He leaves his wife and two daughters, Allison and Wendy, and their families.

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