Adrian Parker Call, M.D., beloved by many as father, grandfather, brother, uncle, physician, bishop, and friend, was taken from this life unexpectedly on the morning of Tuesday June 20, 2017.
Adrian was born in Pocatello, Idaho on May 6, 1952, the third child born to Charles Frank and Laura Grace Pratt Call. Adrian graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho where he was the Homecoming King, Student Body President and received the John Philip Sousa award as a trumpeter. He faithfully served an LDS mission in Taiwan. Upon his return, he married Moretta "Marti" Jean Stone. During their 42 years of marriage they raised eight children and welcomed sixteen grandchildren. He continued his education at BYU, Idaho State University and University of Washington where he received his Medical Degree.
Adrian was a Family Practitioner at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. As a physician, Adrian served many friends and neighbors, often at home in his living room. While he was skilled at putting in stitches, he reveled in keeping us all in stitches, always offering his quips and jokes, mostly about attorneys. He continued to perform on his trumpet, and also enjoyed playing ragtime on the piano at home. He developed a love for running marathons, traveling to many cities to participate in races, and even hosted a marathon series of his own, the First Call Marathon.
He is survived by his eight children, Adrian Parker Call, Jr. and wife Carolina, Melanie Bailey and husband Bruce, Jason Andrew Call and wife Catherine, Matthew Charles Call and wife Corinne, Melissa Cherrington and husband Brett, Megan Laurene Call, Bryce Jonathan Call and wife Jessica, and Taylor Bradley Call; fifteen grandchildren, Rebecca, Shari, Adrian III, Charles III, Alison, Audrey, Dallin, Ezrie, Brady, Aaron, Evelyn, Aubrey, Hazel, Heidi and Henry; his brother, Charlie Call and wife Colleen, and four sisters, Kathy Wendt and husband Dennis, Janet Popino and husband Vernon, Julia Jorgensen and husband David and Jacqueline Higham and husband Dave; and Fiancé, Patti Tenney. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Eli.
A viewing will be held Thursday, June 29, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Friday, June 30, 2017 from 11:00 to 12:45 followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm at the LDS Chapel, 22015 48th Avenue W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. A graveside committal will follow at 2:30 pm the same day at Abbey View Memorial Park, 3601 Alaska Road, Brier, WA 98036. Arrangements are being handled by Lifetime Celebrations by Washelli, 18224 103rd Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011.
Tributes
George Durham wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Call's passing. He was an outstanding physician, and an extraordinary person. I'm so sorry I didn't know sooner and was unable to attend memorial services in June. Our family sends its love and prayers to the Call family. He will be missed! "
Charlene Vitzhum wrote on Jul 22, 2017:
"I was devastated to receive a letter today from Northwest Family Care Center telling me that my desrest Dr Call has died. It has shaken me to my very roots. He was my rock, my encourager and the dearest and kindest man and physician I have ever known. He has been my doctor for 29 years. I work in the medical field and I have never known a doctor as kind, compassionate,empathetic and selfless as Dr Call. To say I am lost without him is a gross understatement. I always knew if I could just see him or talk to him or if I just knew he was there, that all would be well. When my mom died, I just walked in without an appointment and he came right out and sat and talked and prayed with me and didn't even bill me. He was so good to me,so understanding and so non judgmental when I refused certain tests or asked for ones out of my own concern. I am so honored to have shared this moment in time with him. I will always remember many of his staff with great fondness, but especially Cathy and Casey. I would love to hear from them if they ever would want to contact me. 425-513-1303. I am so sorry I found out too late to attend his service, I certainly would have been there. I always tiold him that when he retired I was done with doctors which always made him laugh. I never thought it would be like this. I will miss him forever. . "
Amanda Jacobs wrote on Jul 6, 2017:
"Dr. Call, What will I do without you. ?????????? You have been my doctor since sophomore year in college. That's 17 years! You delivered both of my kids and took care of both me and my husband . I see and talk to you more than to my Dad. I'm devastated that you left so early. Thank you so much for all your love and service. I know you are in heaven. We love you very much. My deepest condolences to Dr. Call's family. "
Rita Flaim Larson wrote on Jun 30, 2017:
"I was blessed to know Dr. Call for 25 years. I came to him early in my pregnancy with my oldest son, Brendan, and he has taken care of my entire family since that time. We laughed robustly at that first appointment when he told me that he had eight children but that I needn't worry "... as it's not contagious!" We laughed, cried, prayed and shared our life stories over the years. Waiting for him for over an hour in the waiting room or exam room was always worth just seeing him, hearing him and feeling his loving touch. He is the true definition of "physician-servant" because he poured his entire soul, every cell of his being, into loving, healing, and traveling alongside of each and every person he encountered. I owe him for saving my son's life. I owe him for saving mine and my husband's... on many facets. To say I will miss him tremendously is an understatement. The medical world is forever changed by his practice and now by his absence. My world is forever blessed because of him. Dr. Call, you mentioned during my last appointment with you, something about having run 59 marathons and wanting to get to #60. While you may not have achieved that on earth, Our Lord has already met you at the finish line and is celebrating with you now. I send my deepest, warmest condolences to his beautiful family and all those who were blessed by this incredible man. Thank you for everything, Dr. Call. This mom, runner, and physical therapist will forever hold you in highest regard. All my love"
Casey Mettler wrote on Jun 29, 2017:
"Dr. Call was an amazing man. I was his nurse at NWFCC for 5 years and he treated his staff and patients like family. He always had a the right thing to say or a funny story to share with a sparkle in his eye and his adorable chuckle. He loved his family dearly, always keeping us posted on his kids and grandkids. They were his pride and joy. He loved his church family and took such great care of all the missionaries that came to see him. I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him. "
Dina Arita wrote on Jun 28, 2017:
"Our heart are truly saddened by the loss of Dr. Call. A heart of gold and always a joke to tell.. He will truly be missed and a very hard act to follow. God Bless.."
Jim Boyd wrote on Jun 26, 2017:
"What a sad, sad day for for Adrian's family along with the running community, the medical profession and his church, he was such a genuinely caring and sincere person. I had the great pleasure to run eighteen, I think I counted, of his great First Call Marathon and 50K series supported my his family members. And there were also the many pleasant encounters with Adrian at other marathons around the PNW and out of state. As one of our dear running buddies, Marathon Maniacs or through other encounters, we are all better persons for having known Adrian. God rest and bless."
Jenny Fulcher wrote on Jun 25, 2017:
"He was my doctor for only a year, but I really felt blessed by him. He was such a caring, compassionate man--A true healer--who took time to really listen to me and that I truly mattered. My thoughts and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and patients--He will be sorely missed! Jenny Fulcher"
Carolyn South Cottle wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"Our class reunions won't be the same! We always looked forward to seeing Adrian, our Student Body President, friend, musician, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Dr., Bishop, brother.......an amazing man whose memory will live on forever in the lives of all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of love, service and . happiness. We send our love to his wonderful family. Ralph and Carolyn South Cottle"
Bob Skaggs wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"I remember being amazed when Adrian challenged himself to play all 12 major and minor scales on his trumpet ascending and descending in one breath... And he did it! He was an outstanding musician and a great friend to many many people.
Bob Skaggs"
Sarah Conrad wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"My thoughts are with the Call family. I met Adrian through his first call events. He was the most supportive and modest race director I've met! I loved seeing him run his own races, and his positive attitude will be missed. Sarah Conrad"
Michael Dan Chugg wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"Sorr for your loss, he had an infectious laugh and i thought the world of him"
Jane wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"Adrian helped to start me on distance running. He was always there -- supportive and encouraging. I cherish the memories of both Adrian and the people I met due to Adrian."
Cyndie Merten wrote on Jun 24, 2017:
"I will always treasure the many hours spent at Adrian's runs. Adrian supported everyone in achieving their goals, no matter how crazy they were. Always there with a smile to encourage. Thank you, Adrian. And thank you to his family, who came out and supported the whacky runners of the First Call Running Club. God bless."
T Henrichsen wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"Dr Call was my and my family doctor for many years. I also was blessed to know him through the running and church community. The world lost a great man when he passed. I was blessed to know him and will miss his smiling face."
Suzanne Potrs wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"My thoughts and prayers to your family. I met Adrian through running and enjoyed the races he put on. He was always such a warm, welcoming person. "
Kate Robinson wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"Thanks for the miles of memories Dr. Call, your dedication and love to the running community changed many lives, including mine. Thank you. "
Carrie O'Brien-Garcia wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"Have just heard the sad news ... so very sorry ... Adrian was a wonderful person ... and I thank both him and his family for hosting one of my favourite race series ... you will be greatly missed!!! ... my prayers and condolences to the entire Call Family ... Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us runners/walkers ... ???????"
Nancy Patrick wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"I am very thankful that I joined the running community in time to meet and know Adrian. He always had a smile and cheerful encouragement for struggling runners when they needed it most. I'll never forget when I finished my first First Call Half marathon and saw the feast that appeared. No other runs could compare...you set the bar for sure! At that point I was more than happy to "join" First Call Run Club with the nominal $25 that was to help support quarterly runs--and I then know it was good to bring a little something to add to the tables. What a wonderful community you built through those free Half, Full and Ultras at Bothell Landing. You will be missed, but not forgotten. My sincere condolences to Marti and the entire family. Prayers of love, peace and comfort for all."
Deb Evdemon wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"What a wonderful and supportive man you were. Thank you for all you did for our running community, you will be missed. May you Rest In Peace "
Jessica Williams wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"I am truly saddened by his passing. Dr. Call was my doctor and delivered my beautiful daughter in June 2010. He was so caring and I could not be happier that we got to know him as our doctor. Even though we moved from the area just 2 weeks after my daughter was born, I have compared all of her pediatricians and my GP against him these last 7 years. He has been a tough act to follow as he was a wonderful doctor. He talked fondly of his family at my appointments and I hope their memories of him help during this time of sadness."
Phil Jones wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"Adrian (Dr. Call to me) was my trusted doctor and friend for many years. I am so saddened by his sudden passing. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. I don't know where this comes from, but it helps me when my heart is hurting: "When you are sorrowful - look again into your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. May the delightful memories fill your sorrowful heart with joy.". I'll miss you very much, Dr. Call."
Leone Miller Lee wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"I knew Adrian in high school and admired him so much. Every memory of him is with a huge smile on his face. I have lost track of him over the years so was very much interested in his obituary. I was very impressed but not at all surprised by his accomplishments. His is an eternal legacy. My deepest condolences to his family."
Marian Hoffman wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"Dr. Call delivered my daughter, Kathryn, January 27, 1984, at UWMC as a stand in for a partner. He put his face, close to mine, telling me how to breath -- and his nurse said, "STOP"! You are all going to hyperventilate!! He said, "Thank you!!! I got a bit ahead of myself!!!" "Let's all do this together." I loved that. Adrian was a true person, up front, with always a smile. He is gone, too soon. His family and friends are truly in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you, Dr. Call, for all you have done, for so many." Heaven is bless to have you."
Dianne Clark McCurdy wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"I am a better person today for my relationship with Adrian!!! He lived his life with so much passion and truly was a great example of a true friend!!! Loving thoughts and prayers to his family!!!!"
Tracey Cannon wrote on Jun 23, 2017:
"It is so hard to believe my dear, dear friend Adrian is gone. We go all the way back to junior high when he was my first boyfriend. He was always fun, kind, witty, bright and talented. I never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone, even when they deserved it. My life has always been blessed by him and no matter the number of years between our visits, we always picked up right where we left off. I will miss him dearly at our high school reunions."
Gary Snyder wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"Bishop Call, and the Call family, blessed the Snyder family in so many ways, including with our first home. We are forever grateful and mindful of Adrian's goodness and kindness.
Godspeed to the Call family.
Gary Snyder"
Amaya wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"I found out today about him passing away. He was my doctor and obgyn. I will miss him. He was a really good doctor. Rest in peace, Dr. Call. You were the best."
RaNae and Gene Crandall wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"We were saddened to hear about Adrian's passing. We were good friends at the beginning of both of our families when they lived in Pocatello. We loved their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gene and RaNae Crandall of Pocatello, Idaho"