Obituary of Donald Arnold Adams

DONALD ARNOLD ADAMS passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 15 th, 2024 after a long and difficult struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  His passing left behind many who knew and loved him. It was a life well lived in service to his country, his family, his community and his faith, and he will be missed.

    Donald to his family and Don to his friends, he was born on May 22, 1950 to Audrey (Pollock) and Jack (John) Adams in Campbellton NB. Donald was part of a large family, growing up with three brothers and four sisters. His own family was to be much smaller: two strong and talented sons Stuart and Jeramie and his wife Irene.

   Donald left home in 1969 to start a communications research career in the Canadian Armed Forces that would provide many adventures until he retired in 1996. His military career took him to guard duty on the top of Mount Royal during the FLQ Crisis and to Kingston Ontario where he spent time in Kingston Penitentiary (trying to restore peace during a riot in the maximum-security institution). Trading that for another type of battle, he met and married his wife of 52 years Irene (Therriault) in 1972, then promptly headed for the woods to help flush out escaped convicts from Millhaven Institution (also maximum-security), finding only a patch of poison ivy.

     Besides his time in 1CSR Kingston, over the next few decades Don’s career also took him to exotic Canadian locales such as Masset BC, Inuvik NWT, Winnipeg MB, and Ottawa ON as well as Alert, NWT: many of these locations more than once. Just to break up the routine, Don also served at CFS Bermuda and Tyndall US Air Force Base in Panama City Florida as part of the NORAD Defence System. While in the Forces, he received a degree in Mathematics from University of Manitoba which served him well in his final military role as a systems analyst. Starting his career as a member of the ranks (Private), Don progressed through training and dedication to the rank of Captain. Prior to retirement he was promoted to Major but chose to be a civilian instead.

    After spending several more years supporting Irene in her chosen career, in 2007 Don convinced Irene to move from Manitoba to New Brunswick where he could be closer to his family. They ended up choosing to live in St. Stephen rather than the North Shore: it was much warmer with milder winters! It was a good decision for both of them.

   As a civilian, Don followed his heart and enjoyed woodworking, furniture building and restoration, and cooking for the sheer joy of being in charge of the kitchen. He was free to devote his time to being a volunteer, giving his heart and soul to working with those less fortunate in life, serving on many boards of directors. He spent over 20 years as a volunteer tax preparer with CRA, working with groups like Charlotte County Volunteer Centre (St. Stephen), Greener Villages (Fredericton) and South Carlton Seniors Resource Centre (Stonewall MB). He enjoyed curling with his friends in St. Stephen, served on that board of directors, and was often found in the kitchen of the curling club as well. It got to the point that if he offered to take Irene out, she packed her apron because it was sure to include a kitchen! Despite giving so much of himself to others, Donald never lost sight of his love for his family, first and foremost.

  Don was dedicated to his faith, serving as a member of Diocesan Council of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, and as a Layreader, first in the Parish of Douglas and Nashwaaksis and then the Parish of St. Stephen. Don also served both parishes as a member of vestry and as a warden, as well as just being there when things needed to be done, from making apple pies in Douglas and tortières in St. Stephen, to cutting grass, painting walls and working in the parish Soup Kitchen!

  During his life both in the military and out of it, Don also enjoyed working with children, was involved with Scouts Canada for many years and the 4H Club for several years while in Manitoba. He got involved in the Diocesan Youth Camps, supporting fundraising efforts for Camp Medley and serving as a chaplain to young children who attended Camp Brookwood until his health began to deteriorate.

  Donald leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Irene (Therriault), sons Stuart (Jaimie) and Jeramie (Frances Beswick), grandson AJ (Alexander John) and his mother Pamela Beaulne Adams, and the two special grandchildren brought to the family by Jaimie – Rye and Ben. Also surviving Donald are his brother Bryce, and sisters Karen Johnson (Burns), Janice Savoie (Fernand), Kim Ward, Helen Adams Smith and many nieces and nephews.

   Mourning his departure is also special cousin Audrey Gauthier (Paul) and their children. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Audrey and Jack, his brothers Jim, John and Frank, and sisters-in-law Jean (Janice) Smith Adams and Thelma Therriault Krull.

  Special thanks to NB Extra Mural nurses, especially Cindy and Kim who gave him such good care over the past few months, to Dr. Lalik and Dr. Andreani and to Charlotte Country Hospital.

  Friends are invited to share in a memorial service for Donald at Christ Church, 30 Prince William Street, St. Stephen on Tuesday, November 26 th at 2:00 pm which will be followed by a reception in the Hall.

  In accordance with Don’s wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no visitation. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Don is asked to consider the Anglican Parish of St. Stephen, or the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County Food Bank.