John "Bubby" Richard Adams

John Richard “Bubby” Adams, 81, son of the late John Sr. and Gloria (Turner) Adams, descendant of the late Sir Grantley Adams, inaugural Premier of Barbados, and loving husband to Sharon, peacefully transitioned on July 7th, 2026, surrounded by family and a supportive palliative care team at the VG hospital.

A member of the former Cornwallis Street Baptist Church (now New Horizons) Bubby is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sharon (Jewell) Adams, daughters Quenta (Curtis) Lake Loon, Jenna, Halifax; sons Dino (Elaine), Milo, Malik (Robin) all of Halifax; brothers Nolan, Perry (Leslie) both of Dartmouth; sisters Carla (Garry) Dartmouth, Sandra, Halifax, Teena, Hamilton, and Paula, Halifax, and “Special daughter”, Sherry, Halifax. Bubby leaves behind a legacy of compassion and kindness for his 11 adored grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bubby was predeceased by his sisters Gloria (Jeannie), Sandra Donaldson, Lillian (Tottie) Symonds, Marlene Patterson, and brothers Derrick (Louie), Clinton, and Milton (Butchie).

Born November 23, 1944, in Bubby’s early career, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Hailing from a musical family, he was the first African Nova Scotian accepted into the military band 2 R.C.H.A. where he became lead trumpeter playing in many Tattoos. Following in the track star footsteps of his hero, Joey Skeir, Bubby took up sprinting and set many Army records in the 100, 200 and relay races - records that stood for a long time. Stationed in Germany, Amsterdam was his favourite place to visit.

Bubby’s commitment to the army was evident at an early age. Along with Carson Jackson, Eric Lucas, and Frank Boyd, he helped turn the Alexander Cadets into one of the top cadet troops in eastern Canada. Bubby was also an active member of the Police Boys Club, and it was through the Club that Bubby learned to read music through the Stadacona Military Band.

Bubby was an avid reader of the Civil War, World War II, and the Vietnam War with his personal library complemented by books provided by his dear friend, Ken Crawford Q.C.

After his time of active service, Bubby held several jobs, including psychiatric attendant, store owner, club owner, owner of a carpet cleaning business, and Commissionaire. Bubby was also the manager of a beverage room and his love of social engagement led to a lifetime membership with the Fleet Club. Bubby coached the Slackers football team for 17 years, having the torch passed to him from his brother, Clinton, and the team had a winning record over the Officers during this time.

Bubby was a politician at heart, working with many over the years who later became lifetime friends such as Dave MacKeen, Edmund Morris, Graham Downey, Lt. Governor Mike Savage, the former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, Scott Brison, and Andy Fillmore.

An avid football fan who never gave up on the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, and having watched football for over 60 years, there wasn't any question Bubby couldn't answer. He was always up for debate about talent, strategies, team culture. Bubby was also a licensed umpire who added a lot of charisma to the game.

Although Bubby had his own noteworthy accomplishments, he was prouder of his family’s successes: Dr. Wayne Adams, the first African Nova Scotian elected to the NS Legislature, Tony Ince, also elected as an MLA, now serving in the Canadian Senate.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Mark Taylor, Nurse Monica Flynn, Dr. David Tilley, Therapist Kim Hardy, Dr. Paula Yliheikkila, and Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst. We also give thanks to the incredible work of the staff of the Palliative Care Inpatient Unit (7A) of the Victoria General Hospital, with special acknowledgements to nurses Makenzie and Michael.

Visitation will be held 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, July 14th at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax.

Funeral service will be performed by Rev. Dr. Alfred John Bailey II at New Horizons Baptist Church, 5457 Nora Bernard Street, Halifax on Wednesday, July 15th at 11:00 am. A repast will be held immediately following the service at the Army Navy Airforce Club 2409 Maynard Street, Halifax.

Cremation has taken place and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Bubby has requested donations to New Horizons Baptist Church.