"Dear Mark and Cindy---Wow....Mike Olson here, Chief. As you may recall, I worked with your folks 1976-77 before you all moved to PA and the Poconos. I have a great pix of you, Mark with the cat we befriended at Camp Foster summer of '76. I of course recall your Dad often and Grandpa Adams too being right next door. My sympathies to you all. May God rest your souls. I knew that Cindy was having health issues, so I pray her well too. MCHief Sorry to report that Liz Heiller, PD and staff member forever about 1972-77 passed away about a year ago after a long illness, only 62. You can publish my email address: wyolaramie@yahoo.com"
In loving memory of
John Paul Adams
John Paul Adams, age 78, died in his Phoenix, AZ home on Thursday, January 31. He joins his loving daughter, Cindy, parents Lloyd and Mary Jo, and brothers Joseph, James, and Robert who all predeceased him. Son Mark, daughter-in-law Hayley, son-in-law Steve, and grandchildren Emma, Noah, Leah, Sarah, and Bode survive him. Barbara Adams of Corvallis, Oregon is the mother of his children.
John was born on December 5, 1940 in Dixon, Missouri. He graduated from Coggon High School (Coggon, Iowa) in 1959. He graduated from Drury University (Springfield, Missouri) in 1964 with a degree in psychology. John spent his working life with the YMCA where he exemplified leadership, mentorship, and service to others. He was a father figure and friend to countless campers, staff members, and colleagues from the United States and around the globe.
His YMCA camp career included stops at Phantom Lake (Wisconsin), Camp Foster (Iowa), Camp Speers-Eljabar (Pennsylvania), Camp Florida, and Camp Hanes (North Carolina). Following his retirement from YMCA Camp Hanes in 1995, He moved to Phoenix, AZ. During the ensuing years, he relished his role as "papa" for his grandchildren. He was also instrumental in providing friendship, guidance, and support for his many friends in the Latino community. All who were blessed to know him will miss him, and his influence and spirit of service will always be remembered. Services were private.
Tributes
"Mark, your dad was instrumental as a role model to me in all my years at Camp Foster. I remember I wanted to stay at camp so bad but I wasn't old enough to be a counselor yet and too old to be a camper. Your dad worked it out so I could stay and be a babysitter for you and Cyndi that summer so I could stay at a place that meant the world to me. You bot were pretty young at the time. I followed your dad to Camp Speers-Eljibar his first year as Director. He made a huge impact on my life and I'm forever grateful. Kaytlin Stead (most camp alumni will remember me as Cathy)"
"Mark, It's tough when this happens to a family. Your Dad was a remarkable, most memorable person. He made a great, happy, positive impact upon my life as one of the camp counselors the summer of 1975 at Camp Foster, Iowa. My condolences to you and the families. Carroll Hanson"
"Mark, Thank you for doing your Dads obituary. I will remember him for the rest of my life. His impact on me was tremendous. Greg Reiders."