Arthur Evans
Arthur Evans, 94, of New Milford, CT and Sanibel, FL passed away on October 28, 2023 after living a long and storied life.
Arthur was born in Barnsley, UK in 1929 the son of Elsie and Henry (Harry) Evans. Arthur attended Lundwood Primary School and upon graduation was apprenticed as a tool and die maker at Barnsley Canister Company, where he learned the metal working skills that would lay the foundation for his successes in his later life. While working full-time he attended night classes at Barnsley Manufacturing and Mining Institute, attaining his degree with a specialization in metallurgy.
Upon graduation Arthur served his country in the Royal Air Force during the Korean War.
Arthur began his career at Hawker Aircraft in England and subsequently emigrated to Canada, and then eventually to the United States. He worked in several industries as a tool designer, including his time at Thompson Electric Welding Corp as a design sales engineer. Arthur was a true renaissance man with a passion for “how things work”. He was fascinated with process improvements and solving unmet needs in the manufacturing industry. His curiosity was instrumental in the concept and initial design of the equipment for the welding of railroad tracks and various other industries. His sales and design experience led him to form his own company in Brookfield, CT called Evans Equipment, which catered to the emerging semiconductor industry. His welding background led to the design of the first effective drybox transistor sealing equipment used by RCA.
In 1967 Arthur founded Wentworth Laboratories in Brookfield, CT to design and manufacture equipment for the testing of semiconductors, hybrid circuits, and integrated circuits. The company became a world leader in the design and manufacture of failure analysis equipment, semi-automatic wafer probers, and a major supplier of probe cards, the interface between integrated circuit wafers and electronic test equipment. The company grew to encompass divisions in California, England, Germany, and a joint venture in Japan. Arthur holds several patents in his field. He was a charter member of ISHM and an early member of SEMI.
In 2003 Arthur was chosen by the SEMI awards committee to receive the North American award in recognition of his contribution and innovations to advance the industry.
In his earlier days he was an avid cyclist and later took up flying for both business and pleasure. He also bought property in Woodstock where for many years he ran a Christmas tree farm. In his retirement Arthur thoroughly enjoyed working in his yard and gardens. Arthur was an avid tennis player, and he enjoyed the game, win or lose. He continued to play into his early 90’s. Arthur was very sociable and loved to tell stories of his life and enjoyed sharing time with friends whether at dinner and cocktail parties, birthday celebrations, or wherever people gathered. Any parties to him were a joy.
Arthur is survived by his beloved wife and companion of over 40 years, Judy Denault-Evans of Sanibel, FL and New Milford, CT. Arthur leaves two children from his previous spouse, Jean (Burton) Evans: son, Stephen Evans of CA and daughter, Anne Marie Miller of VA. Arthur also leaves his stepson, Leo Denault, of New Milford and stepdaughter, Cathryn Denault, of Woodbury; and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life both in CT and FL at the family’s discretion. If you wish to attend please email aevans299@yahoo.com
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to: Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House, P.O. Box 2065, New Milford, CT 06776