According to James Pendry, Evan was the funniest kid at Camp Moosilauke in New Hampshire. Here are his comments:
I only just read the article in the NCAdvertiser and I couldn’t help but reach out and express my condolences and love! Evan and I went to Camp Moosilauke together and i cannot even begin to tell you about all the good times we had. We shared so many deep laughs, I can still remember some of our inside jokes to this day. I’m sure even you two recall receiving calls about our jokes, probably when they went a little too far :)
My heart and soul goes out to you both and I applaud you for speaking out about the epidemic and drug abuse that is sweeping the nation, especially with opioids. I’m the same age as Evan, grew up in Fairfield County (Westport),and even attending a Miami college (Florida not Ohio) and I urge you to continue voicing how proud you are of Evan and how this is a national problem and not a reflection on you or your son. I will forever remember Evan as the funniest kid at Camp Moosilauke, he could put a smile on any and everyone's face.
I have had this photo saved of our cabin from almost a decade ago but it truly seems like just yesterday we we’re all together having the the best of times. His "sad" face evident in this photo, was always able to get a smile out of me and I hope this message does the same for you two.
Best wishes,
James Pendry
I caught up with Jon Harris after Evan's passing. Jon was one of E's roommates during Phase 1 & 2, and upon graduation from the Turning Point program. They lived at 180 Willow Street (in the "East Rock" neighborhood of New Haven). He has funny memories of Evan--the witty guy who liked to read as did Jon. When they shared a room during Phase 1, Jon remembers Evan reading for a while, then getting bored and making up a story about one of the house or assistant managers. On several occasions, Evan's wild story became a rumor that would spread like wildfire--and persist for months and months throughout the Turning Point organization. All because Evan got creative while reading a book in bed. In the early summer, when it was Jon's birthday (6/21/14), Evan was the first to remember. Evan convinced Jon to get in the TP van that was heading to Lighthouse Point. Like most people, Evan had a nickname for Jon--either his complete name (Jonathan Harris) or J. Hair for short. Evan left a lasting impression during his last 4 months at Turning Point (early 2015)--of welcoming everyone in the kitchen while he worked there at the Phase 1 house in Hamden. During kitchen duty, Evan made sure to get to know the new "recruits" who were just getting oriented. Jon, who worked with him on many occasions, said he will be remembered for his wit and his friendliness towards others.
Jon is third from the left, next to Evan, in back row of the attached picture.
Evan and Abby became a pair during May of 2015. Evan and Abby found each other online, and they both shared an interest in getting into social work as a career. Evan was studying for this bachelor's while Abby was working on a Master's at Southern. Abby remembers a number of good times together, including one highlight of karaoke night at the Groggy Frog n Southington (where Abby lived). They sang "All Star" by Smashmouth together, but Evan the showman wanted more. He sang "The Distance" by Cake, which he told Abby was one of his favorite bands.
This is Abby's Facebook post about Evan:
July 17 at 10:54pm ·
Evan, you always lived life to the fullest. I truly admired that about the time I spent with you. You brought me a happiness that I will never forget. It was an honor to have you in my life. I hate that I'll never get to see you again but you will always be in my thoughts and actions. Rest easy Evan ❤
Evan and Natalie became a pair during Evan's senior year at NCHS (2009). They attended Senior Prom together. This is Natalie's post on Facebook:
Natalie Kristoff July 17 at 5:54pm ·Well this is the one I've been dreading the most. My first everything. My prom date, my highschool sweetheart and my closest friend. Wouldn't trade what we had for the world. Rip.
Evan and Connor McNelis went through Turning Point together, graduating within a few weeks of each other. Starting with Phase 1, they either roomed or were in the same house with each other. During part of Phase 2/3, Evan was at 1 Grand Avenue, while Connor was at 1212 Quinnipiac. They spent a lot of time together--and both attended classes at Gateway Community College.. Connor and Evan enjoyed their Saturday night smokes at the Owl Shop in New Haven. Below is Evan's Instagram post:
Evan and James Delano roomed together at 1 Grand Avenue, during Phase 3 at Turning Point. James was a musician who I met as he belted out his saxophone on the grass outside 1 Grand. When James graduated, Evan helped move him in to his room at/near NYU. Hopefully James continues to thrive as he pursues a music career.
James Delano
July 17 at 11:09am ·
Evan Reinhardt I love you man. You were taken before your time. God bless you. Rest in peace.
Today might be the hardest day in my life. I'm beyond grateful for my family and friends for their support these past two days. There has been so much love from everyone.
It is so sad that a young life was taken from us but at the same time you are in better place and don't have to suffer anymore. We lived with each other for just over a year, but I have a lifetime of memories with you that will keep me smiling for years to come, and for that I'm grateful. It's gonna be lonely in the apartment from now on, but I know you will always be there in spirit. Rest easy buddy I know you got a smile on your face up there and I can't wait until we meet again. Love you brother!
NOTE: Here is Connor's story as to why Evan called him Cojack and Connor called him "E" (8/16/15):
"So Cojack is a nickname I got in college. When Evan and I would talk and get to know one another, we talked about our college life and so on. We made a deal at one point to call each other by our hometown nicknames. So I called him "E" and he called me Cojack. I guess it made us more comfortable with being in a long term treatment program with people we didn't know. Evan was the only one who called me Cojack out of people I met in Connecticut. And I was the only one to call him E out of the people he met in New Haven. I guess it was our own little thing and another reason we became so close."
The Reinhardts had a fabulous family vacation in Germany and Austria from June 10-June 20. We so enjoyed our time with Evan, it was a trip that brought our family closer together. Below is Peter Reinhardt's Facebook post about his brother Evan:
Dear Evan, it's way too soon for me to have to say this but goodbye... For now. You will be in my heart forever and I'll miss you till the end of my days. So happy I was able to make it on ur Instagram before you left us. It's funny, you're now up there in heaven in your own #gangstaparadise
Below is a Facebook post by Karl Reinhardt about his brother Evan. The photo is from Karl's graduation from Bowdoin on May 23, 2015.
Karl Reinhardt changed his profile picture. July 27 at 5:42pm
We Reinhardts will always be one of four. Andrea, Evan, Karl, Peter. Alphabetical order because our parents are just like that. Evan, it’s hard to tell what we will do without you. You always brought so much heart and humor to this family. We love you Evan. I know you'll always be with us.
During my junior year at New Canaan High School, we took Food & Nutrition together: Evan with long shaggy hair, hoodie and ugg slippers--late by his usual 15 minutes. Up until then I thought the class was going to be awful, but when he walked in, I knew it was going to be great. His presence could turn any bad situation into a good one, that’s the effect he had on people. Evan knew how to make everything fun with his humor and laid back personality. He knew how to make everyone feel at ease. He was somebody you could say anything too and it was a judgment free zone, it’s no wonder he was nominated social butterfly for our senior superlatives. Evan did not have a mean bone in his body, he was a great hugger. Evan knew how to leave his mark on just about everything, whether he was drawing on a piece of paper or impacting someone’s life for the better. E will be greatly missed by everyone who has ever been blessed with his presence. Until we meet again E, I love you.
July 19 Facebook post from Kera Townsend:
Today I'm 1 year, 4 months, and 18 days sober. Hey beautiful Facebook friends, get ready for some good intentioned TMI! I'm an alcoholic, in long term recovery. I've struggled with depression and anxiety, and I am biologically/psychologically/mentally susceptible to self medicating. Even though I haven't had a drink in over a year, I'm still an alcoholic when I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed at night.
I never got a DUI, I never got arrested, I never ended up in the hospital, I never even racked up a single point at Gettysburg (which is pretty outrageous considering I called DPS on myself twice, once from being under the influence/paranoid that I heard gun shots...when really it was just the front door of Lamppost slamming closed. Really charmed my way out of that one. Pure talent).
I've experienced three young losses of wonderful people. Though not all three of them were my closest friends, I have fond memories of a special relationship with each of them. On Griffin's birthday a few weeks ago I reached out to our friend Evan after hearing that he too had been working on sobriety and recovery. The last time I saw Evan was at Griffin's wake and we had an amazing talk. I'm grateful for the meaningful text conversation I had with Evan a few weeks ago, both of us relating to the struggle of addiction. I wanted to share just a part of what Evan said to me because it is an example of his kindness, good heart, and character:
Evan: "...and thanks again for letting me know I have your prayers backing me up. I think about Griffin often and it's great to know there's support out there. I hope you know you can lean on me if you ever need to as well."
Thursday I found out Evan passed away. (Link to his beautifully written obituary: http://ncadvertiser.com/…/evan-p-reinhardt-24-nchs-class-o…/ )
This is an epidemic. The disease of addiction does not discriminate, not against age, education, being raised in Fairfield County, socioeconomic background, or childhood, anything. My perception of a typical alcoholic/addict almost prevented me from getting sober, and it could've killed me. It doesn't feel fair that some of us are taken away far too soon. It's a progressive disease, and I don't want anyone to feel they are stuck and that there isn't a way out.
I was outgoing, NCHS cheerleading captain, active in my community, a GBURG tour guide, involved in my sorority, won academic awards for writing, a First Impression Manager at an advertising agency, and on the outside/on paper desperately wanted everything about me to appear happy and friendly and be the nicest girl you EVER MET! But behind all of that I was struggling with depression, anxiety, and alcoholism.
So if this lengthy Facebook post is TMI/weird for anyone that's okay because if I can help just one person even in a small way it's worth it. I am not against drinking- we're young- you do YOU! Not everyone has a problem. But I'm going to be frank, in my personal experience and from others- if you think you have a problem...you probably do.
Anyways!!! I have so much gratitude in my life, I'm still COOL and I go out with my friends that party and I have FUN, without harming myself or anyone else. (And not waking up with a massive hangover and spaghetti in my bed is a MAJOR bonus.) My relationships with family and friends are better than ever. And my relationship with myself, who I am as an individual, is authentic and better than I ever could have imagined. I'm not perfect and my life isn't either, it's not always easy. But it's different- good/great/amazingly different. I maintain my sobriety through the support of 12 step meetings/therapy/meditation/(exercise...sometimes lols) and other factors. If you got through reading this, thanks for listenin'. Please reach out, and please keep the friends and family of lost loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Support is available- ask for help.
-Kera
