Dear Lord. Thank you for keeping Adam in the palm of your hand. Please do what is needed within his family, to turn them towards a relationship with you as Adam had, even in sickness and health. Thankyou Lord Jesus. Let justice be done. ✔️🙏💯🌹

Grandma Sylvia, baby Adam and “GeeGee”
Great grandmother Edna

With much respect to Angel and Sola,

Adam is a super conductor who (still) and always will (at least in my mind) have a mainline into the rhythm of the universe. Talk about an old soul who has a very trusty sweet sounding drum. To me,  Adam can't really die because (as I knew him) Is a benevolent positive vibration of force. 

Travel on Adam

I met Adam about four years ago, and over the time I knew him I'd estimate we had at least 1500 conversations. We saw each other daily, either out on the block where we both lived, or somewhere unexpected downtown. Adam was a fixture in my life, and despite the difficulties in his life he was always kind, respectful, funny, generous, and happy to see me. I miss him a lot - it's like a light went out in the neighbourhood and the block is a lot less fun.

Over the years I knew him, I learned about many bits and pieces of Adam's past but I never put everything together. Reading the other memories here has been fascinating. To his family, and friends from long ago: know that despite his challenges Adam was still a great guy to be around. As I read about him as a kid or a teen, everything makes sense to me: "yeah, that sounds like Adam". He was a kind, good-hearted person, and he and I clicked immediately.

To Adam, if you're somehow reading this: I hope you're happy, healthy, and whole. I'm holding onto five bucks for when we meet again, and "you don't never gotta shut up". I miss you bud.

I have so many great memories of Adam. We went to High School together at The Vinery Alternative School; Magical Mystery tours with Gary, Bowen Island summer camping, Benny's Bagels, countless parties and so many other adventures. I remember one beach party in particular, the night of the omh. We were at troll Beach under the climbing tree the party was wild, and loud. A number of us wrapped our arms together in a huge circle with our heads together and started chanting our voices becoming one for a timeless moment, it seemed like hours. When we finally lifted our heads we were alone. The cops had come unbeknownst by us and cleared the beach, but could not separate or silence us. It was an ecstatic night, we all laid blankets out and I held Adam's hand as the sun came up. I remember his beauteous smile on that night so clearly. Rest your luminous soul in peace Adam.

Adam and Sola were part of our family growing up. When Adam, Sola, my brother, Max, and I would get together, we were inseparable and got along so well. One of my earliest memories  was when Adam told us he had saved lots of money - I think he had approximately $20, which meant he was super rich in our kids eyes. Next thing I know we were skipping to the nearby Safeway with excitement to see what he would buy. Adam had a big heart, so it wasn't just Adams money it was all of our money. The craze those days was the movie Wayne's World, so we collectively agreed to buy the VHS and we were so exhilarated with the purchase.  To our disappointment our parents didn't approve of it and I recall that Adam had to return it. However, my brother remembers differently and says that we got to keep it and watch it.  Whatever the outcome was we were always happy together, laughing, and onto new adventures.  Growing up we shared many more special memories connecting together on Bowen Island, Kitsilano,  Strathcona,  Squamish, Angel's tattoo shop, Bennies Bagels, busking, and Thanksgiving.   Adam was a creative soul, musically gifted, kind hearted, held space for everyone, and had a permanent twinkle in his eye.  We miss you Adam. xo

God bless you all. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Adam as if it were, yesterday. Beautiful soul. Look forward to seeing him in heaven. May God comfort and heal the pain of your loss.
Loving Regards,
Aimee Jo

My favourite picture of Adam. Backyard of 3110 Nanaimo Street.

Adam in the basement at 3110 Nanaimo Street.

Adam in the backyard at 3110 Nanaimo Street.

Around 1998 I went to the Under the Volcano music festival with my buddy Matt. In the evening after it approached darkness I was wandering around, and heard this jam session by a fire. It sounded so good and instinctively I headed towards it. This one guy was leading the way on a djimbe. As I came closer I recognized it was Adam! He was a free spirit, and in his element. When he recognized me, it was warm and happy. He stopped drumming, and left just to hang out with us. I'll never forget that moment of seeing him from afar, and recognizing him as I got closer, the pride I felt being his friend, and the love and friendship that he showed me. I'm blessed to have known him and will always cherish those memories we shared.

Untitled 24 x 24 rice paper, minerals, stretched on canvas on board by Adam Sun

Untitled 24 x 36 rice paper, minerals on panel by Adam Sun

Untitled 24 x 24 rice paper, minerals on canvas by Adam Sun

He was always cheerful, and adaptable. He had many friends, and would always include Sola in his activities. His free spirit was inspirational, and his loving nature attracted many. He laughed a lot and easily, he played music and sang all the time. He made my life as a single mother much easier because he was never in trouble at school, or in the community. He was unusually honest and honourable. The teenage girls looked to him for support, because he made everyone feel safe.

When Adam turned 17, he went to visit his father in America. For three years, they had many adventures, and I believe Adam had the time of his life. They played and recorded music, Adam toured briefly, they made paintings and Adam sold several of his own, including a spectacular dragon painting for $1800 US. He found true love and was engaged to be married to a lovely Christian woman named Aimee.

OBITUARY

Chandis Adam Sun Strehlen

11 January, 1982 – 18 November, 2023

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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