Earl Bruce Adams

Earl Bruce Adams, (1927-2015). Losing a brief and heroic battle with Mesothelioma, Earl Adams passed away on May 24, 2015 in Springdale, Arkansas, surrounded by his loved ones. All the Adams are said to be good story tellers and Earl certainly was that. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy as an instructor at the Naval Training Center in Orlando. While there he visited Cuba, a contrast to his native Petersburg, Minnesota, where he was born on January 28, 1927. The Cuba trip was the basis for intriguing stories, as was his boyhood adventures in his father's blacksmith shop, visits to an Indian Reservation, canoeing with scouts on the North Woods fur trade routes, and his work at just 17 in an operating room in a hospital in Minneapolis. He was an excellent student and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in science. An Eagle Scout with a keen interest in the natural world, he became an inspiring science teacher. Summer employment at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota led to ranger training at Yosemite National Park and a meaningful career serving the public at Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hot Springs National Park. His wife of 61 years, Elaine, was his friend and partner in all these endeavors and shared his joy in camping, hiking, rock hunting, gardening, genealogical research, tree farming and rebuilding British sports cars. Together they built two houses with their own hands, raised three children, and could fix anything. A creative and bright person, Earl was genuinely interested in people, guiding young employees, supporting the interests of his children and grandchildren, and eager to learn new things. Always generous with his time and resources, his last act of kindness was to donate his body for scientific research. He is survived by his wife Elaine Katherine Adams, his children, Julie Scofield, Forrest Adams (wife Lauren) and Holly Adams, and five grandchildren (Storm, Rose, and Taylor Adams and Dashiell and Keegan Scofield.) His stories live on through them. A memorial celebration of life is planned for later in the year.