Adam Abajian was a lifelong lifeguard, musician, philosopher, consummate family man, devoted father, and dear friend to so many. Adam passed away on April 20, 2022 at the young age of 47 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Adam was a proud graduate of Lane Tech High School where he studied marine biology and served as Sergeant‐At‐Arms on the student council. He continued his studies and swam competitively for Northeastern Illinois University, until their swimming program folded. He turned his state championship‐level swimming skills and summer lifeguarding jobs with the City of Chicago into a lifelong career, serving the community and the City of Evanston as Lakefront Supervisor for over 26 years. Adam took great pride in running the finest aquatic program and in personally training each and every lifeguard throughout the years; many of whom went on to serve as firefighters, EMTs, and other incredible community helpers. His ideas and expertise in lifeguarding and aquatic safety have been embodied with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, United States Lifesaving Association, and the American Red Cross, among other authorities; and his contributions will continue to save countless lives for many years to come.
While not busy saving lives, Adam was enriching them through his music. Adam was a passionate musician with his own brand of “urban rock.” Some of his projects include Lucius Warbaby, Always The Villain, and most recently, I’m A Volcano. Over the years, Adam has touched many lives in the Chicago music scene, bringing together and creating a pseudo‐family of musicians, agents, venue owners, and managers.
There are simply no words that can easily sum up Adam’s character. He was honest and direct, yet empathetic; pragmatic yet idealistic; larger‐than‐life, yet somehow inconspicuous. He was the anonymous superhero, always fighting for what is right and just while others focused elsewhere. Many of Adam’s favorite and beloved stories followed the same familiar pattern ‐ facing difficult or impossible odds; relying on sheer grit, fortitude, and determination; stick to your guns; and finally overcome the challenge. For anyone who had had the opportunity to have a relaxed philosophical discussion with Adam, he had the very unique ability to discuss any particular point of interest from any perspective, and present a rational, reasonable, logical, and even persuasive argument supporting that position. Of course, this often resulted in conversations becoming simultaneously enlightening and equally maddening. However, Adam’s righteous, principled, determined, and unwavering character have always served as a shining beacon for which others can aspire.
Perhaps nothing is more defining of Adam than being a devoted family man. In addition to his lakefront family, and his musical family, nothing could bring out that pride and gleam in his eye more than talking about his wife and his girls. To Adam, he was a husband and father first, and a prouder papa would be hard to find. He had the biggest of hearts, and his heart was full. Adam is survived by his wife and best friend, Rachel; his three wonderful daughters, Nissa, Ani, and Zabelle; his mother Annette, his brother, Aaron (Roula), and Aaron’s kids Peter and Margaret.
The family of Bruce Lee had a quote they used often when they spoke about him: “the key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering”. Given the number of lives touched by Adam, it’s safe to say he has truly earned the rank of immortal.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:
- Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project: https://glsrp.org/custom-donation/
- Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium: https://greatlakeswatersafety.networkforgood.com/
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2681&mfc_pref=T&2681.donation=form1
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