Richard Adams

Obituary Information Richard "Dick" Alvin Adams, 62, a resident of Williams, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Three Rivers Community Hospital, Dick died due to complications suffered from an asthma attack. Pastor Rob Culton will officiate at a memorial service to be held on Saturday, July 28, 2007, 11 a.m., at Williams Community Church. Interment will follow at the Sparlin Cemetery in Williams. Contributions may be made to Williams Elementary School where Dick had been involved in the Special Friend Program. He was born October 27, 1944 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to Robert L. and Mary R. Adams. In January 1945, Dick came to the United States as an infant on the Queen Mary, which had been converted to a military hospital ship. As the only children aboard, he and his older sister were the center of attention by several hundred wounded plus the troop entertainers. Dick started school at Eagle Point while living at Camp White Domiciliary where his father worked. His family moved to Puget Sound area (Seattle) in 1950. In 1955 they moved to Bremerton, WA where his mother died when he was 12 years old. His father married June Lott, when he was 15 years old. He graduated from North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. In 1965, Dick married Virginia Lee Gilllespie. They divorced when son Jeff was 5 years old. In January 1966, Dick entered the U.S. Army. He was sent to Pirmasens, Germany for his tour of duty where he served as a Military Policeman. While there he and his wife went to Londonderry. He was able to visit his Irish family, meet a former neighbor who remember-ed him, and see his birthplace. Dick received an honorable discharge as a Corporal, in January 1969. Dick retired from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a Nuclear Refueler, due to poor health. In 1998, he moved from Bremerton to Williams, OR, to be close to his family. He became involved in the Williams Valley American Legion, Post 50, and was a past Commander. Dick and his good friend, Pat Jonas, will long be remembered for the years they cooked Monday night dinners for Legionnaires and friends. Recently, Dick became a Master Gardner, putting his knowledge to good use. He also enjoyed fishing and camping. Survivors include son Jeffrey A. Adams; sisters Lavilla Ashby, of Eugene, Ethel S. Adams, Emerald “Pat” Alexander, and Cheryl A. Williams, all of Williams; step-mother June A. Adams of Williams; special friend Pat Jonas, plus two grandchildren, one great-grandchild along with nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Mary R. Adams; his brother, David M. Lott; and a nephew, David M. Elder.