Remarks from Save Barnegat Newsletter, Summer 2000

Save Barnegat Bay mourns the passing of a leader and a true friend, Evan R. Spalt, who was an integral part of our creation and functioning over the course of fifteen years.

Starting in 1985, Evan spearheaded our successful fight against the proposed “Pelican Cove” condominium and marina complex at the northwest foot of the Mantoloking Bridge. [Note: Today this land has been purchased by Brick Township and Ocean County and is in the process of becoming one of our region’s most outstanding public parks.]

I well remember our first meeting, leaning over a table inspecting the plans for that unwarranted development. In leading the Pelican Cove battle, Evan built upon the earlier efforts of George Hetfield, Nancy Heidt, and many others. He also helped shape the future of the Save Barnegat Bay movement by bringing together many persons who went on to carry the flag of conservation to sites far beyond.

I learned much of my present profession by literally following Evan around as he dealt with the consultants and public officials involved in the Pelican Cove dispute. When I took over as president, Evan was a steady counselor. He conscientiously reviewed every policy that Save Barnegat Bay adopted, as well as every word in our newsletters.

Evan personified civility and good will. Even in the most serious controversy or difficulty, he arrived with a smile. His preference in argument was for subtlety over verbal excess. A devoted alumnus of Antioch College, he was imbued with the spirit of its founder, Horace Mann, who wrote, “A man should be ashamed to die before he has won some victory for humanity.” In his distinguished carreer at Johnson & Johnson and in his many community involvements, Evan won many such victories. Having known him makes it easier to strive to do likewise.

William deCamp Jr.
President, Save Barnegat Bay