Adrian grew up in Renton, WA. and graduated from Renton High School in 1962. He attended the University of Washington and graduated from Washington State University in 1967. He earned a BA and MA from the University of Puget Sound in 1981.
He married Rita Roberts in 1968 on Bainbridge Island, WA. They made their first home in Vancouver, WA while Adrian worked at Hyster Co. in Portland, OR. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 1969 where they have lived ever since. Adrian worked at Seattle First National Bank, Airborne Freight Corp. and spent the rest of his career working for the Federal Government. He retired in 2007.
Adrian was active at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church for 31 years. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School, co-directing Youth Groups, as well as serving as Council President, Treasurer and church committees. His creative writing talent was evident in many Biblical puppet shows, plays and musicals.
He loved coaching and assisting his daughter Elisa’s basketball teams as well as his son Mark’s baseball and basketball teams and camps. If he wasn’t coaching, he was Elisa and Mark’s most faithful fan in attending every game. That carried forward to attending his grandchildren’s games. Always a proud dad and grandpa!
Through the years Adrian and Rita hosted many Japanese students in summer programs and homestays. Adrian loved hosting, teaching students English and American customs. To this day, we continue friendships with them, just like they are part of the family. A trip to Japan in 2005 was a wonderful highlight and a chance to visit many of the special friends hosted through the years.
Adrian always said that being with young people kept him young at heart. Always available as a mentor, teaser, teacher, adviser, dad or grandpa was his legacy.
Retirement years for Adrian brought parents’ caregiving for a few years, volunteering at Vinland Elementary School in Poulsbo, WA, docent work at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, and working on his grilling and cooking skills. He and Rita enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. Highlights of their travels included cruises to Mexico and Alaska, fall trips to Palm Desert, CA. and Scottsdale, AZ., Hawaii, an unscripted U.S. cross-country road trip and a European tour. He loved to tell travel stories and experiences.
Adrian is fondly remembered for his smile, his humor and teasing, storytelling, life of the party personality, writing ability and love of cooking. Adrian was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends.
Adrian is survived by his wife Rita, daughter Elisa Louis (Wayne), son Mark Rowe (Sarah), grandchildren Zoë, Ava, Luke, Anna, Levi, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to: Bainbridge Island Volunteer Firefighters Association, 8895 Madison Ave NE, Station 21, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 and Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, 215 Ericksen Ave NE, Bainbridge, WA 98110.
A family graveside service will be held. A memorial service will be scheduled later this summer.
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