Evan Starr Hillman, 66, passed away March 23, 2026 after a long battle with many chronic health conditions.

He was born July 26, 1959, in Arlington, Massachusetts. Known in his childhood as “Question Box,” young Evan sought to satisfy his endless curiosity by asking thousands of questions and dismantling household objects. His daring spirit led him to bicycle all the way across the United States in the late 1980s, which was the source of many adventures and discoveries.

He was educated at the University of Maine, MIT, and Utah State University. He valued the time he spent working at the Smithsonian among many interesting colleagues and friends.

Having vowed to never again live in a state he couldn’t spell, he moved to Utah in the early 1990s for graduate school at USU and forgot to leave.

For Evan, life was a blood sport, and he never gave up. In November 1997, he became one of few people to survive a Jefferson fracture when he fell from a ladder and broke his neck. He liked to say that he actually died that day, but was too stubborn to admit it and went on living for decades afterward.

Though he spent every moment of the past 28 years in debilitating pain, Evan was invariably busy, thoughtful, and productive. He always had plenty of projects going, many of which led to more broken bones, blood loss, and stitches. He built many things, including his house, several trailers, and elaborate props for local drama productions. There was nothing he couldn’t repair.

To the dismay of many, he was a master of puns and dad jokes, always quick to provide a knee-slapper or a groaner. Evan was unfailingly honest and refused to back down when his principles were at stake. He was an excellent teacher who loved to answer questions and inspire critical thinking. He was impossible to faze and dependable in an emergency.

Evan couldn’t see someone in trouble without helping out, which led him to foster and socialize hundreds of shelter pets over the years. Countless dogs and cats bore their litters in his home. While many cats inveigled their way into permanent residency with him, most puppies and kittens returned to the shelter blessed with trust, good manners, and social skills. Evan’s kindness touched, improved, and saved innumerable lives.

He loved all animals and had a special bond with horses. He loved trees. He loved orchids and the night sky. He loved travel. He loved good seafood. He loved squirrels. He loved classic cars. He loved miniatures, especially model trains and airplanes. He loved the music of his youth.

Evan is survived by his children, stepchildren, fiancee Laurel Walker, and several cats.

Per Evan’s request, no services will be held.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.