Mercury Marine honours one of its own

by Bob Wonders on 5 Feb 2010
I flew down to Sydney last week and joined a score (144? Certainly seemed like it!) of boating industry identities as Mercury Marine hosted a gala dinner to mark the pending retirement of 25-year veteran Ken Evans.

Former electrician, sergeant major, marine dealer, powerboat racer and, finally, Director of Outboard Sales and Government Liaison, Ken Evans rates as one of those fellows who really can say, ‘been there, done that.'

Numerous Mercury Marine employees, headed by John Pfeifer. President, International Mercury Marine and John Temple, general manager, Mercury Marine, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, turned out to pay tribute at the St.George Motor Boat Club in Sydney's south.

Ken said he was both excited and 'totally humbled' by the support and well wishes of so many.

'The fact that so many travelled long distances, even from Europe, Japan and most Australian states to join my family and I to help celebrate my career was wonderful, a unique ad lasting memory for me.

'I simply cannot thank Mercury Marine, specifically John Temple and Donna Sturt, for what has transpired here tonight.'

The distinguished guest list read like a ‘who's who' of the boating industry, with prominent identities such as Roy Privett, general manager of the Boating Industry Association of NSW, Paul Phelan, CEO of Telwater, manufacturer of the Quintrex/Stacer/Savage ranges, Steve Parker, of Lewis Ski Boats, David Hazlett, of Avante Marine and Colin Cain and Tim Harrison and Harrison Cain Advertising.

Others in the ‘cast' included Barry Moore (Patriot Marine), Shannon Stocks, Steve McDermott, Mark Chapman and ace powerboat racers Bobby Halliday and Craig Bailey.

Those who really put in an effort to pay their tribute included Brian and Sue Andrews (Bay Marine, Melbourne) and Karen and Peter Jackman (Mandurah Outboards, WA).

The respected Troy family was well represented with John, Brian and Steve (Steve is Mercury Services Manager, NSW).

Mercury personnel included Karl Roberts, David Meehan, Jim Hergert, Stuart Buckingham, Will Sangster and Guy Williamson.

Many were accompanied by their wives and the ladies did the function proud, none for so than Olga (Mrs Ken) and daughters Shayne and Kelly.

I guess you could say that long-time colleague David Toyer and I represented the media, but another friendly face from media days was former Modern Boating magazine advertising manager Peter Ryan.

It was, I'm sure, a great catch up for all concerned.

It was particularly pleasing to see a quite radiant Kylie Short, making the absolute best of life after tragically losing husband and long-term Mercury dealer, Andrew.

Fortunately, Ken Evans will not be totally lost to the industry; he has been engaged by Mercury Marine to do some consulting work and will also be involved on a similar basis with the Boating Industry Association of NSW, among others.

'They haven't got rid of me yet, not entirely,' Ken joked.

'I plan on annoying people for some time to come.'