John MacDonald Adams
1943-2020
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John
MacDonald Adams at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton, on
April 13, 2020, after a short illness. Born on April 11, 1943, he was
the son of the late Peggy and Jack Adams of St. Peters, Cape Breton,
NS.
He is survived by his wife Valerie (White Robinson), his sons
Sean, Robert, Christopher and Steven, his step-children Matthew
Robinson and Christie (Robinson) Kozier, seven grandchildren and
step-grandchildren, his siblings Mary, Sylvia, Jessie, Margaret, Jimmy
and Marian, and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and
grand-nieces. He was predeceased by his first wife Susan
(Law).
John was a proud Cape Bretoner and proud graduate of St.
Francis Xavier University (B.Sc.); his X ring was among his most
treasured possessions. He also held a B.Ed. from UNB. John was
commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy while still in
university. Subsequently he served in the Naval Reserve for
27 years, retiring in 1989 with the rank of Lt. Cmdr., CD. The Navy
was always dear to his heart.
He started his career teaching mathematics at St. Malachy’s
in Saint John, then moved to Fredericton to join the New Brunswick
Department of Economic Growth in the early 1970s. John
remained with the department in various managerial capacities for many
years, serving as Director and Executive Director in such areas as
trade, marketing, industry services, and trade policy. He was
particularly proud of his time spent as Executive Director, Special
Projects and Industrial Benefits, negotiating many millions of dollars
worth of benefits to provincial companies from such mega-projects as
the Fixed Link and the Belledune power station.
John married Valerie in August of 1998, and two months later
accepted early retirement, after 34 years with the Government. They
then spent most winters golfing in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they
made many friends. Golf was a passion for John; he was a long-time
member of the Fredericton Golf Club and spent many happy hours on the
course in the company of his golfing buddies. Among his proudest
accomplishments was the achievement of five holes-in-one —
particularly the one made at a tournament which earned him
$10,000!
During the off season John could be seen at the YMCA almost
every morning, sharing laughs with his “Y” family as he kept
in shape for golf.
John loved life, he loved to laugh, he loved spending a
contented life at home, he loved his family and
friends.
A special thank you to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit
at the DECH, for their empathetic care and kindnesses.
A memorial mass for family and invited guests only will be
celebrated from St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church on October 1, 2020 at 12
pm noon. The service will be live streamed at the
following link: vimeo.com/459088818
For those who wish, donations may be made in John’s memory to
the Cancer Research Society, Diabetes Canada, or the charity of your
choice.
www.mcadamsfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John MacDonald Adams 19432020..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick