"It's been an interesting study in human nature to work under those different people," says Evans. "I think when a person runs for A.G. and wins, by definition they're substantive people, with drive and initiative."

Evans represented the state, and the state's interests and causes, in many areas of the law — including the Gary Gilmore death row appeals back in 1977 — but his specialty was education. He served as education division chief until his retirement.

During his 40 years, he saw the attorney general's office grow from "about 15 attorneys and 15 secretaries" when he started to some 200 attorneys and support staff when he left.

As with many of the significant days in life, he recalled that the day he started hardly seemed monumental.

"My brother John was working for Vern Romney, and he called one day and said they were hiring law clerks, and if I came down there right then I might get hired," said Evans. "I was just finishing my first year of law school (at the University of Utah). I was managing a laundromat. I drove straight down. Bob Hansen was deputy attorney general. He looked at me and said, 'Oh good, we need you.' I didn't sign anything. I just started working. I think I was the first clerk they hired. After that I just stayed."

Some things just work out for a good, long time.

Lee Benson's column runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com.