Jean Melrose Bevan [1921-2001] and Michael Bevan [1920-2011] were residents of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Jean and Michael Bevan Tree Walk began when Mr. Bevan wished to honour his wife of 56 years in the form of a gift of over 50 trees to the Town. It is a loving, living, tribute from the Bevan family that seeks to provide beauty and education about Canada’s trees in an urban environment. 

Jean and Michael met during the Second World War and went to university together following its end. Together, they raised four children in the hamlet of Kleinburg, north of Toronto. Jean managed the household, and untypically for the time, worked full-time. Following the death of her father in 1964, Jean brought her mother and disabled older brother into the house.  She was a dedicated, inspiring, wife and mother and known as a vivacious, gracious host.

Michael was educated in agriculture at universities in Alberta and Wisconsin. At 29, he was Canada’s youngest national horticulturist. He became a director of television and producer of documentaries for television and radio with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and TVOntario, worked with the Canadian International Development Agency in the Caribbean, was elected a municipal councillor and, after acquiring his fourth degree, in education, ended his formal working life as a science teacher.

Having learned from her family the value of establishing connections with nature, Lynn Bevan donated a garden on the grounds of the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is a tribute to her sister, Peggy Bell, and brother-in-law, Ken Bell, for their tireless volunteer work. It is known as the ‘Bevan Bell Secret Garden’.